Job Description

As a part of a diverse community of faculty and staff who represent many faith systems and worldviews, the Marian University Center for Vibrant Schools is seeking a Literacy Coaching Specialist (LCS) to promote our Catholic Franciscan mission and identity by providing key training and support based on the science of reading to school-based instructional coaches in schools supported by the Marian University Literacy Institute. The individual in this position has knowledge of literacy instruction, assessment, and instructional coaching aligned with the science of reading. The LCSS will plan and lead professional learning for instructional coaches and work with instructional coaches and administrators to review and respond to student achievement data in literacy.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Actively engage the Catholic Franciscan mission and identity of Marian University by modeling the Franciscan Sponsorship Values and honoring the legacy of the founding congregation through transformative education, unity in diversity, leadership through service, integrating faith and life, and institutional policies.
• Support planning and facilitation of training for instructional coaches and administrators supported by the Literacy Institute; Actively participate in training across the Literacy Institute focused on instructional coaching, literacy instruction, and assessment;
• Ongoing Coaching Support
• Develop and maintain supportive relationships with school administrators, instructional coaches, and school faculty;
• Share LTSS Roles and Responsibilities with leadership and coaches of schools supported by the Literacy Institute;
• Visit participating schools, in person, at least once per month;
• Review curriculum, instruction, and assessment through the lens of research-based reading instruction;
• Support robust instructional coaching, including mini and full cycles that include data-driven outcomes;
• Review class-level and grade-level progress monitoring data;
• Review and analyze local formative assessment data during interim assessment windows.
• Support school administrators toward continuous school improvement in literacy instruction;
• Review and analyze school data and serve as a thinking partner with school staff related to continuous improvement in literacy instruction;
• Plan, lead, or co-lead professional development that is responsive to needs at the school level when requested;
• Conduct a minimum of three contacts with school-based instructional coaches each week, including emails, phone calls, or written notes;
• Provide monthly feedback to the Literacy Institute Project Management Team regarding the implementation of instructional coaching support using data collection instruments;
• Actively participate in ongoing professional development sessions for instructional coaches and administrators designed to strengthen instructional coaching practices and pedagogical knowledge related to literacy;
• Facilitate small-group discussions during professional development sessions;
• Provide oversight, monitoring, and problem-solving support for instructional coaches in implementing the goals of the project guided by the assurances and approved by the Literacy Institute Project Management Team;
• Provide ongoing support and training for coaches, including specific feedback regarding effective data-driven instructional coaching practices and plan and/or facilitate effective professional development for schools supported by the Marian University Literacy Institute;
• Be familiar with current literacy research and curricular resources provided by the project or seek support to that end;
• Develop effective coaching skills and engage in professional development organized for LTSSs, including engagement in professional readings with the goal of continuous learning and improvement;
• Attend virtual, monthly meetings with the Literacy Implementation Manager (LIM) and/or Training Specialist (TS);
• Routinely consult with the LIM or other members of the Project Management Team, seeking support where needed;
• Provide documentation of interactions with school-based instructional coaches that can be monitored by the Project Management Team;
• Maintain accurate reporting of mileage, using the approved forms and systems.
• Review feedback from instructional coaches for any actionable items and report needs and subsequent actions to the LPM;
• Maintain coaching data;
• Remain committed to learning new strategies for coaching, teaching, and learning;
• Seek out constructive feedback that helps improve practice; and
• Support Literacy Institute colleagues through forming professional relationships.

University Expectations:

• Knowledge of and a commitment to the mission of Marian University
• Adheres to Marian University’s policies and procedures
• Shows courtesy and respect in interactions with fellow employees, students, subordinates, and supervisors
• Ensure that appropriate confidentiality is maintained in working with students
• Adhere to all FERPA, University regulations, and HIPPA guidelines
• Communicates regularly with supervisor about Department issues
• Meets department productivity standards
• Participates in developing department goals, objectives, and systems
• Assists to establish department measurements that align and support the accomplishment of the University’s strategic goals
• Adheres to the department budget

Required Qualifications:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Bachelor’s Degree required
• Minimum of five years teaching; Early Literacy Endorsement required

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s Degree preferred
• Experience securing, managing, or supporting grant-funded initiatives
• Experience as an instructional coach preferred
• Successful experience as a teacher, including teacher leadership opportunities;
• Experience organizing and leading professional development for teachers in the field of literacy;
• Highly organized and diligent in completing tasks;
• Have a deep working knowledge across the science of reading, especially in literacy instruction and assessment, with the ability to remain abreast of development across the academic field;
• Experience selecting, critiquing, implementing, and evaluating curricular materials;
• A practical understanding of the intersection between Special Education, English as a New Language, and Dyslexia needs related to the science of reading;
• Knowledge of the K-12 instructional system;
• Deep knowledge of and experience in professional development best practices;
• Strong written and oral communication skills;
• Demonstrated ability to meet deadlines;
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office; and
• Ability to multitask and prioritize.

Essential Functions:

Work hours necessary to perform job requirements satisfactorily on a regular basis. Manage absence from work in responsible manner to ensure service to clients, work teams, and coworkers. Comply with Marian University policies and practices and seeking clarification of them when necessary.

Physical Requirements:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use their hands to handle or feel objects, equipment, or controls; and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.

The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Limitations and Disclaimer

The above job description is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; it is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required for the position.

Marian University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All individuals, including minorities, women, individuals with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply.

All job requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or signify can’t risk to the health and safety of themselves or other employees.

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform other job-related duties requested by their supervisor in compliance with Federal and States Laws.

Requirements are representative of minimum levels of knowledge, skills and/or abilities. To perform this job successfully, the employee must possess the abilities or aptitudes to perform each duty proficiently. Continued employment remains on an “at-will” basis.

Marian University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All individuals, including minorities, women, individuals with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply.