Literacy Researcher Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

Local Literacy Lead (.5 FTE)
Noble Academy District #4171

JOB DESCRIPTION

 
GENERAL PURPOSE:
The Literacy Lead is a literacy specialist with expertise in working with educators as adult learners. The Literacy Lead will be supervised by the district and supported by the Regional Literacy Network Lead. The individual in this role will support district implementation of the Minnesota READ Act legislation at the local level, and will support a learning environment that is Multicultural/Gender/Ability Fair, is favorable to learning and growth, and is based on a commitment that all children can learn, by developing students' skills in listening, speaking, reading and writing, foster communication skills, develop an understanding and appreciation of literature, motivate students to read a wide variety of publications, comprehend the reading materials, and to promote the development of skills in grammar and syntax.
Education & Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in reading, education, special education, or related field
• Minimum five years experience in English Language Arts instruction or related fields such as psychology and speech-language pathology
• Systems Level Leadership or comparable experience
• Experience planning, implementing, and evaluating district wide initiatives and professional learning
• Experience in working with diverse groups, leadership teams, addressing inequities and supporting change and transformation in systems
• Data Collection/Analysis
• Completion of one of the MDE approved Professional Development programs (CAREIALL, OL&LA or LETRS for Educators)
• Current teaching or administrative license
• Valid Driver's License

Preferred Education and Experience:

• Master's degree in reading, education, special education, or related field
• LETRS/OL&LA/CAREIALL Certification or Certified Facilitator 

Competencies:

• Thorough understanding of pedagogy and best practices within education
• Understanding of adult learning principles and group facilitation
• Understanding of curriculum and MN English/Language Arts Standards
• Understanding of how the Minnesota Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MnMTSS) Framework serves as the overarching infrastructure within which evidence-based literacy practices are operationalized in order to maximize student outcomes
• Ability to function cooperatively and collaboratively with colleagues and educators
• Ability to reflect on and continuously improve practices in response to coaching
• Ability to adapt to and work with a variety of school contexts
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
• Creative analytical and problem-solving skills
• Effective written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work effectively and efficiently across agencies and partnerships; individually and as a team member
• Ability to show initiative in resolving problems
• Ability to assume responsibility, be well organized, execute initiatives from directives and approved self-initiatives
• Ability to build open, honest and trustworthy relationships with people of various personality styles and behaviors internally and externally
• Ability to conduct oneself in a professional and customer service-based manner at all times
• Proficient in the use of office applications and online learning platforms

PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES:
Core responsibilities include:  

• Collaborate with district/charter administration, Regional Literacy Lead, and the Minnesota Service Cooperatives (MSC).
• Provide support to school-based coaches.
• Support the implementation of Structured Literacy, interventions, curriculum delivery, and teacher training and professional development.
• Assist with the development of personal learning plans for students unable to demonstrate grade-level proficiency.
• Train paraprofessionals and other support staff to support classroom literacy instruction.

Regional Literacy Network (RLN) Responsibilities: 

• Collaborate with Regional Literacy Network colleagues to ensure support provided across all content areas is aligned to evidence-based Structured Literacy practices.
• Collaborate with the Regional Literacy Lead to ensure consistent access, coherence, and alignment for districts/charter schools on all literacy initiatives across the state.
  • Engage in collaboration that develops, promotes and sustains collegial relationships with the Regional Literacy Network team.
  • Engage in collaboration to develop and continuously improve site-based literacy coaching support.
  • Provide the district with consistent access, coherence and alignment of messaging and support services.
• Support synchronous and asynchronous training of district teachers and school leaders.
  • Collaborate with Regional Literacy Lead in the delivery of in-person, synchronous and asynchronous professional learning content. Provide in-session and follow-up support.
  • Remain well-informed of current and developing research with regard to Structured Literacy, evidence-based practices, intervention, dyslexia and screening through communication with colleagues and experts, participating in professional development and reviewing the research literature.

District Responsibilities: 

• Support implementation of evidence-based Structured Literacy practices in K-8 to improve literacy outcomes for all students with particular attention to those who have been persistently underserved and marginalized.
• Support site-based Literacy Coaching and build the capacity of Local Literacy Coaches to provide on-site coaching for district/charter teachers and staff.
• Support district efforts to administer required universal and dyslexia screening tools and data submission to MDE.
• Ensure district staff are trained on and administer an approved universal screener.
• Provide data literacy supports to ensure data analysis informs instruction and interventions.
• Support inclusion of summary data in Local Literacy Plan submissions due annually on June 15.
• Support district implementation of dyslexia screening and identification of students with characteristics of dyslexia.
• Provide professional development on Structured Literacy, evidence-based practices, intervention, dyslexia and screening.
• Support data collection and analysis to effectively inform instruction to support student growth and achievement across all Tiers.
• Support the selection process and implementation of evidence-based curriculum and materials through horizontal and vertical alignment to the Minnesota English Language Arts standards.
• Support the development, implementation, evaluation and submission of the annual Local Literacy Plan.
• Support in providing parent/family notification for students not reading at or above grade level including the student's reading proficiency level, reading-related services, and strategies for families to use at home to support the student.
• Work collectively with peers in reflecting on personal learning and how that learning supports student achievement and growth of students.
• Other duties as assigned by the Superintendent and CEO 

POSITION INFORMATION:

• Salary: $23,000-$25,000 based on qualifications
• Benefits: Retirement (TRA)/supplemental retirement (403b) & district matches, PTO

Please note that all employees are expected to understand their role as stated herein and understand that this list is not inclusive. All staff must follow through with responsibilities knowing that sometimes they will have to perform tasks assigned by the Superintendent and/or CEO that are not part of their job descriptions. Responsibilities are subject to change with or without notice.
Noble Academy is an equal opportunity employer.  Employment consideration is made without regard to race, color,
creed, gender, national origin, age, disability marital or veteran status, sexual orientation or any other legally protected 
statuses.