What are the responsibilities and job description for the RLA/Literacy District Specialist position at Pleasanton ISD?
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Position Summary
The Reading Language Arts (RLA) District Specialist provides leadership in the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of the K–8 literacy program in Pleasanton ISD. This role supports high-quality instruction aligned to the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) and ensures consistent, rigorous literacy practices across campuses. The specialist works directly with teachers and administrators to strengthen instructional practice, improve student achievement, and close literacy gaps through data-driven decision-making and job-embedded professional learning.
Primary Responsibilities
Curriculum & Instructional Leadership
- Lead development, alignment, and refinement of K–8 RLA curriculum based on TEKS and research-based literacy practices
- Ensure vertical alignment of reading, writing, and language instruction across grade levels
- Support implementation of high-quality instructional materials and district literacy frameworks
- Model effective literacy instruction, including comprehension, vocabulary, fluency, and writing strategies
Coaching & Teacher Support
- Provide instructional coaching to teachers to improve literacy pedagogy and student outcomes
- Conduct classroom observations and provide actionable, growth-focused feedback
- Support new and struggling teachers with targeted instructional strategies and planning support
- Facilitate collaborative planning and professional learning communities (PLCs)
Data Analysis & Student Achievement
- Lead disaggregation and analysis of student performance data (STAAR, formative, and benchmark assessments)
- Identify achievement gaps and recommend targeted intervention strategies
- Support campuses in using data to guide instruction, intervention, and enrichment
- Monitor progress toward district literacy goals and campus improvement plans
Professional Learning & Capacity Building
- Design and deliver district-wide professional development in literacy instruction, writing strategies, and TEKS alignment
- Provide ongoing training on evidence-based reading and writing practices
- Support campus administrators in instructional leadership and walkthrough calibration
- Build teacher and leader capacity to sustain strong literacy instruction
Collaboration & Leadership
- Work closely with campus principals and district leadership to align literacy initiatives
- Serve as a literacy expert and instructional resource across the district
- Support implementation fidelity of district initiatives and instructional priorities
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree in Education, Literacy, Curriculum & Instruction, or related field preferred
- Valid Texas teaching certification in English Language Arts (K–8 or 4–8 preferred)
- Minimum of 5 years successful classroom teaching experience in reading/language arts
- Demonstrated record of strong student achievement and test performance
- Deep knowledge of K–8 TEKS for Reading Language Arts and Writing
- Strong expertise in literacy instruction, writing development, and instructional strategies
- Experience in curriculum development, instructional coaching, and data analysis
- Ability to lead adult learning and provide effective professional development
- Strong communication, collaboration, and leadership skills
Preferred Attributes
- Experience in district-level instructional leadership roles
- Proven success coaching teachers and improving student literacy outcomes at scale
- Strong understanding of research-based literacy practices and intervention systems
- Ability to build trust and lead change across multiple campuses
Reports to: Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum & Instruction
Work Day Calendar: 226