Curriculum Development Independent Contractor Jobs

Description

Division-Department: Curriculum and Training
Regular Work Location: Remote or Hybrid
Employment Category: Full-Time
FLSA Classification: Exempt
Reports to: Director of Curriculum & Assessment
Supervisory Responsibilities: None

Summary/Objective

The Curriculum & Assessment Developer - English Literacy plays a key role in developing, refining, and reviewing high-quality literacy curriculum, assessments, and instructional resources aligned with literacy research, learning science, and the Reading Horizons methodology. This role contributes to the execution of curriculum and assessment initiatives across print, digital, and blended learning environments, ensuring instructional consistency, developmental appropriateness, and strong literacy outcomes for educators and students.

Working closely with the Director of Curriculum & Assessment and cross-functional partners, the Curriculum & Assessment Developer supports the creation of instructional materials, assessments, teacher resources, intervention supports, and related content that reflect evidence-based literacy practices and align with organizational goals. The ideal candidate is collaborative, detail-oriented, execution-focused, and deeply knowledgeable in literacy instruction, curriculum development, and assessment design.

Essential Functions

Curriculum & Assessment Development

• Develop, revise, and refine literacy curriculum, assessments, and instructional materials aligned with research-informed instructional principles
• Create lessons, assessments, instructional routines, intervention materials, teacher resources, and supplemental instructional supports
• Ensure instructional materials maintain fidelity to Reading Horizons' proprietary phonics methodology and other established instructional principles while supporting effective classroom implementation
• Review curriculum and assessment materials for instructional accuracy, clarity, developmental appropriateness, and alignment across products and grade levels
• Contribute to the development and refinement of print, digital, and blended learning experiences
• Support the creation of rationale documentation, implementation guidance, and instructional support resources
• Maintain established curriculum guidelines, quality standards, and editorial consistency across materials
• Coordinate and review the work of contractors, providing feedback and oversight related to timelines, deliverables, and quality standards

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Collaborate with Curriculum & Assessment, Editorial, Design, and Software Development team members throughout product development cycles
• Participate in curriculum and assessment planning discussions, contributing instructional expertise and implementation-focused feedback
• Actively seek, listen to, and apply educator, student, and stakeholder feedback to support continuous improvement of curriculum and assessment materials
• Work closely with internal and external contributors to ensure timely completion of deliverables and alignment to established expectations
• Provide feedback to contractors, consultants, and external reviewers as assigned

Research, Feedback & Continuous Improvement

• Stay informed on current literacy research, instructional best practices, and educational trends related to foundational literacy and assessment
• Apply research findings, product data, and implementation insights to improve instructional effectiveness and learner engagement
• Support initiatives aligned to HQIM criteria, state standards, and evidence-based literacy instruction
• Contribute to ongoing curriculum and assessment refinement through data analysis, review processes, and implementation feedback

Competencies

• Excellent writing, editing, and organizational skills
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to instructional quality
• Commitment to inclusive, bias-aware content development and representation within instructional materials and imagery
• Ability to manage multiple projects in a dynamic, deadline-driven environment
• Strong collaboration and interpersonal communication skills
• Ability to work independently and efficiently
• Adaptability and willingness to learn in a fast-paced environment

Requirements

Required Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Education, Literacy, Curriculum & Instruction, English, or a related field
• 3-5+ years of experience in literacy instruction, curriculum development, assessment development, or instructional content development
• Experience teaching reading/literacy in classroom settings
• Strong understanding of evidence-based instructional practices, literacy and language research, and learning science, with the ability to translate research into effective instructional content
• Experience developing instructional or assessment content for elementary literacy or intervention programs
• Excellent written communication skills
• Proficiency with educational technology and digital tools, including Google Workspace, AI-supported workflows, and content management or collaborative development platforms

Preferred Education and Experience

• Master's degree in Education, Literacy, Curriculum & Instruction, or a related field
• Reading endorsement or specialized literacy training (LETRS or similar preferred)
• Experience developing both print and digital instructional materials
• Experience implementing blended learning environments
• Familiarity with educational publishing workflows, HQIM criteria, and curriculum evaluation practices
• Developed understanding of Reading Horizons products and instructional methodology, including classroom implementation experience
• Experience collaborating across curriculum, assessment, and product development teams
• Bilingual English-Spanish proficiency preferred

Travel Required

Some travel may be required once or twice per year for company events, school visits, or team collaboration.

ADA Statement

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform any and all essential functions.

Physical Demands

Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk, hear, or sit, and occasionally bend or crouch down. The employee frequently is required to stand, walk, use hands to finger, handle, or feel, and reach with hands and arms.

Work Environment

Ambient indoor office temperatures, lighting, and air quality. Low noise levels.

Work Authorization/Security Clearance Requirements

Must be eligible to work in the United States, verified by completion of USCIS Form I-9 document.

Affirmative Action/EEO Statement

It is the policy of Reading Horizons to provide equal employment opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, genetic information, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.

Disclaimer

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.