Job Description for Literacy Coach 

Position Title: Literacy Coach        

Job Status: Full Time

Reports To: Building Principal                                    

FLSA Status: Exempt

Classification: Licensed                                              Amount of Travel: Minimal

Level: Building Level

Salary Range: $37,750 to $70,900                              Work Schedule: 190 Days                              

Position Summary: Provides explicit literacy instruction in a one-to-one or small group setting to improve specific literacy skills of a particular child or small group of children to support regular classroom instruction.  Works with building principal and teacher to design and create intervention plans of learning aligned with regular classroom objectives and most appropriate for each child or small group of students identified as at-risk of meeting grade-level proficiency.  Monitors and reports student progress and/or response to a planned program of instruction and adjusts as needed to increase student achievement.

Essential Functions: The following duties are representative of performance expectations. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

The Literacy Coach’s duties will include, but are not limited to the following:

• Establish and enforce rules for behavior and procedures for maintaining order among the students for whom responsible. Follow district policy and building procedures associated with student management; consistently demonstrate proficient classroom management skills.
• Maintain a cooperative relationship with other staff members.
• Demonstrate a high individual rate of attendance (the goal being 95% or above annually) in order to maximize student learning.
• Follow all building procedures regarding attendance and punctuality keeping your Principal informed at times.
• Prepare materials and classrooms for class activities.
• Establish clear objectives for all lessons, units, and projects, and communicate those objectives to students. 
• Adapt teaching methods and instructional materials to meet students' varying needs and interests.                                                                                                                      
• Maintain accurate and complete student records as required by laws, district policies, and administrative regulations.                                                          
• Assign and grade class work and homework in a timely manner. Communicate student progress by posting to grade book software as required by your building administrator.
• Guide and counsel all students based on their academic interests and needs.
• Enforce all NLRSD Board policies, administrative procedures, and rules governing students; implement the plan and conduct activities for a balanced program of instruction using researched-based best practices.          
• Use technology to support instruction.                                                                           
• Instruct and monitor students in the use and care of equipment and materials, in order to prevent injuries and damage. Prepare for assigned classes, and show written evidence of preparation upon request of immediate supervisors.           
• Meet with parents and/or guardians to discuss their children's progress.
• Prepare objectives and comprehensive lesson plans following curriculum maps and the Arkansas State Frameworks.                                                                                                   
• Attend professional meetings, educational conferences, and teacher training workshops in order to maintain and improve professional competence.                                            
• Collaborate with other teachers and administrators in the development, evaluation, and revision of secondary school programs.                              
• Prepare reports on students and activities as required by the administration.                                                                                                         
• Select, store, order, issue, and inventory classroom equipment, materials, and supplies.                                                                                               
• Administer standardized ability and achievement tests according to state requirements and interpret results to determine students' strengths and areas of need. 
• Develop, implement, and update Academic Improvement Plans.
• Attend staff meetings and serve on committees as required.                        
• Perform supervisory duties as assigned in accordance with state statutes.    
• Other duties as assigned by the building Principal.
• Maintain consistent attendance and conform to regular work hours specified under the contract.
• Implement and comply with District policies and procedures.
• Adhere to North Little Rock School District Policies, and the state-mandated "Educators' Code of Ethics."                                                                                                                       
• Follow all state and federal guidelines in association with IDEA and ADA to ensure that all students have access to a comprehensive education.
• Maintain a valid Arkansas Teacher's License with appropriate certification and Highly Qualified Teacher status (if applicable).
• Adhere to the Policies of the North Little Rock School District.
• Other duties as assigned by the Building Principal.

Competencies:

• Accountability - accepts responsibility and accounts for his/her actions
• Accurate - performs work accurately and thoroughly
• Adaptability - Adapts to change in the workplace
• Communication, Oral - communicates effectively with others using the spoken word
• Communication, Written - communicates in writing clearly and concisely
• Consensus Building - brings about group solidarity to achieve a goal
• Creative - thinks in such a way as to produce a new concept or idea
• Regular Attendance - reports to work regularly to maximize student progress
• Diversity Oriented - works effectively with people regardless of their age, gender, race, ethnicity, religion, or job type.
• Enthusiastic - bring energy to the performance of a task
• Ethical - demonstrates conduct conforming to a set of values and accepted standards
• Goal-Oriented - focuses on a goal and obtains a predetermined result
• Honesty / Integrity - truthful and seen as credible in the workplace
• Initiative - takes actions to solve problems or reach goals
• Innovative - looks beyond the standard solutions
• Interpersonal - gets along well with a variety of personalities and individuals
• Judgment - formulates sound decisions using the available information
• Loyal - demonstrates a trait of duty to students and to coworkers
• Management Skills - organizes and directs oneself, and a classroom, so as to effectively supervise students
• Motivation - inspires oneself, and students, to reach a goal and/or perform to the best of their ability
• Organized - possesses the trait of being organized so as to follow systematic methods of performing tasks
• Patience - acts calmly under stress and strain
• Positive attitude - optimistic, team-first attitude displayed at all times
• Presentation Skills - effectively presents information to students, parents, and others
• Problem-Solving - finds solutions for challenges, deals proactively with work-related problems
• Punctual - reports to work on time, report to class, or other duties on time
• Reliability - dependable and trustworthy
• Responsible - accountable or answerable for one’s conduct.
• Tactful – show consideration for and maintains good relations with students, parents, and coworkers
• Team Building – convinces students, parents, and coworkers to work toward goals

Minimum Qualifications:

• Minimum of a Bachelor's Degree with a valid Arkansas Teacher's License with the appropriate certification, in addition to being a Highly Qualified Teacher meeting Arkansas Department of Education standards.
• A record of effective teaching, demonstration of a commitment to a positive learning environment, excellent communication skills, and a strong commitment to educational equity.
• Demonstrated skills and abilities in dealing with the diverse needs of students are highly desirable.
• Experience with educational accountability measures, including federal education reform efforts, state and local standards, and assessments, knowledge of systemic organizational thinking, organizational leadership, and change management. 
• Experience working in a highly collaborative environment where teamwork, creative problem-solving, and self-motivation are necessary for success. 
• Experience in an urban school district is preferred.

Skills and Abilities Required: The following characteristics and physical skills are essential for successfully performing assigned duties.

Expertise: 

• Knowledge of best instructional practices for reading and literacy development and intervention for all students in grades K-8.
• Knowledge of topics related to the reading and literacy curricula.
• Knowledge of local state and federal laws/regulations pertaining to public education.
• Knowledge of Arkansas content standards and development guidelines, education theory, developmentally appropriate practices, and literacy and math programs. 
• Knowledge of state law and district administrative policies and procedures related to secondary reading, language arts, and integrated literacy education. 

Work Environment: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. The noise level in the work environment is quiet to loud, depending on the activities of the day. Duties are performed indoors and occasionally outdoors. The work environment is generally indoors in a school classroom. Large crowds and student assembly situations are encountered in this job. The information contained in this job description is for compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (A.D.A.) and is not an exhaustive list of the duties performed for this position. Additional duties are performed by the individuals currently holding this position and additional duties may be assigned.

Empathy and Commitment to Cause: 

• Deep commitment to improving student achievement.
• Passionately believes that all students can achieve at high levels.
• Demonstrates cultural competence, equity, and a deep understanding of and empathy for issues facing minority and economically disadvantaged families and students requiring special services.

Problem-Solving and Systems Thinking: 

• Understands how various systems and departments interact to achieve district goals.
• Makes decisions using data and technology.
• Takes initiative to solve problems and create stakeholder buy-in.
• Identifies and prioritizes mission-critical issues with alignment of people, time, and resources.
• Offer innovative solutions to seemingly intractable challenges. 
• Exhibits a strong focus on goals and results. Sets clear metrics for success.
• Demonstrates excellent execution and project management skills, including attention to detail and organizational skills.

Skills: 

• Motivates, inspires, and moves students to action to achieve ambitious goals.
• Builds and maintains positive relationships with individuals and groups.
• Builds coalitions and works collaboratively with diverse stakeholders at all levels, including but not limited to district personnel, students, families, communities, and/or advocacy groups.
• Establishes clear expectations, deliverables, and deadlines.
• Ability to train and collaborate with staff from different cultural backgrounds and skill sets.
• Basic technology proficiency, with the ability to learn and implement district teacher technology to include Microsoft Word and EXCEL, with the ability to acquire additional computer skills related to APSCN, COGNOS with minimum additional training, and parental communication technology.
• Ability to pass required ASP/FBI/DHS background checks.

Additional Responsibilities:

• Performs other tasks and assumes different roles and responsibilities as the Building Principal and their designee may assign.