Position Overview
The School District of Tomahawk is seeking a dedicated and highly skilled Early Literacy Coach to join our team in a full-time, permanent capacity. This position is initially funded through the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI) Early Literacy Coaching Program grant for years one and two (approximately Spring 2026 through June 30, 2028). Upon conclusion of the grant period, this position will transition to a permanent, district-funded position within the School District of Tomahawk, reflecting our long-term commitment to building strong literacy outcomes for every student in grades K-3.
The Early Literacy Coach will work exclusively in a coaching capacity during the grant-funded period, partnering with kindergarten through 3rd grade teachers and building administrators to strengthen science-based literacy instruction. The coach will build educator capacity through job-embedded professional learning, classroom observation, data analysis, and instructional coaching cycles - all grounded in explicit and systematic science-based early literacy practices that do not incorporate three-cueing.
Key Responsibilities
The Early Literacy Coach will work in a coaching capacity to support educators and administrators in grades K-3. Core responsibilities include:
Facilitate a school-level literacy audit of all K-3 data sources, instructional practices, and assessment systems to inform the school's early literacy improvement goals
Develop and implement an early literacy coaching plan, including professional learning and individual or small-group coaching cycles aligned to science-based early literacy instruction
Coach individual teachers or small groups through continuous improvement cycles: analyzing student data, identifying evidence-based practices, facilitating professional learning, observing implementation, and determining next steps
Conduct non-evaluative classroom observations to collect data on adult instructional practice and inform coaching and professional development priorities
Model or teach side-by-side with teachers to strengthen use of specific evidence-based literacy strategies
Meet bi-weekly with the building administrator to analyze progress data and align coaching work with school improvement goals
Collaborate with school and district leaders to build and refine a Multi-Level System of Support (MLSS) for early literacy
Facilitate professional learning sessions applying Learning Forward's Standards for Professional Learning
Maintain detailed coaching logs, professional learning records, and monthly progress documentation as required by DPI during the grant period
Identify and address barriers in universal instruction in reading that contribute to achievement disparities
Ensure the confidentiality of students, teachers, administrators, and families throughout all coaching work
Required Professional Development
The Early Literacy Coach will participate in the following professional learning as directed by the DPI Office of Literacy during the grant-funded period and is expected to continue building expertise in these areas as a permanent district employee:
DPI-Directed Monthly Professional Learning
Participate in 16 hours per month of professional learning opportunities as directed by the DPI Office of Literacy or its designee
Attend one full day of in-person professional learning monthly that includes all early literacy coaches statewide
Attend up to two half-day virtual sessions hosted regionally each month
Framework Training
Attend a foundational training in Wisconsin's Framework for Multi-Level Systems of Support (MLSS) through the Wisconsin Equitable Multi-Level Systems of Support Project, supported by each CESA
This training is attended as a school team, including the early literacy coach and building administrator
Required Qualifications
All candidates must demonstrate the following:
Hold or be eligible to hold a Wisconsin Reading Specialist License (17/5017). Candidates who do not hold the license at time of hire must provide a plan to obtain it within 18 months.
Meet all requirements in the district's background check process
Knowledge and demonstrated use of explicit and systematic instruction and assessment practices in all areas of science-based early literacy for grades 5K-3: phonological and phonemic awareness, oral language development, phonics, background knowledge, vocabulary, writing, comprehension, and fluency
Knowledge and use of instructional techniques that do not incorporate three-cueing
Knowledge and use of instruction and assessment strategies to address reading achievement disparities in 5K-3, including students with IEPs, characteristics of dyslexia, culturally and/or linguistically diverse learners, students living in poverty, and English/multilingual learners
Successful experience delivering or supporting K-12 literacy instruction as a classroom teacher, special education teacher, reading teacher, coach, building or district administrator, or district reading specialist
Knowledge of best practices in early literacy coaching and principles of adult learning
Strong communication, relationship-building, and collaboration skills with individuals and groups of educators and administrators
Understanding of Wisconsin Standards for English Language Arts (2020), especially in 5K-3
Preferred Qualifications - Must Meet 4 of 8
To be considered qualified for this position under the Wisconsin Early Literacy Coaching Program, candidates must demonstrate competence in at least four (4) of the following eight (8) qualifications. Applicants should clearly identify in their application which qualifications they meet and provide specific evidence for each.
Understands and can apply best practices in early literacy coaching as demonstrated by recent completion of Coaching: Cornerstone of Change, or is expected or developing in all areas of the DPI coaching model.
Has experience, as part of job responsibilities, coaching individual or small groups of teachers through a process of analyzing student learning data - including informal assessment data such as observation notes, classroom assessments, and reading or writing samples - and adjusting instruction accordingly.
Has experience conducting classroom visits to collect data about adult practice to inform next steps in coaching or professional learning.
Has experience, as part of job responsibilities, planning and facilitating professional learning for educators and leaders serving grades 5K-3 about explicit and systematic instruction in science-based early literacy without using three-cueing, and providing instructional coaching for continuous improvement.
Applies principles of adult learning in large and small group facilitation.
Has experience coaching teachers in evidence-based literacy instruction and assessment strategies to address achievement disparities in reading, including modeling or teaching side-by-side with a teacher to strengthen use of a particular instructional strategy.
Has experience identifying and removing barriers in universal instruction in reading to address achievement disparities.
Understands and can coach systems in using Wisconsin's Framework for Multi-Level Systems of Support (MLSS).
Funding & Cancellation Due to Non-Appropriation of Funds
This position is initially funded through the Wisconsin DPI Early Literacy Coaching Program grant for the first two years of employment. The School District of Tomahawk intends to retain this position as a permanent, district-funded role upon conclusion of the grant period, reflecting our ongoing investment in early literacy.
Cancellation Due to Non-Appropriation of Funds (Grant Period): During the grant-funded period, this position is subject to the availability of DPI grant funds. In the event that grant funding is not continued, is reduced, or is withdrawn by the Wisconsin DPI or the State of Wisconsin Legislature prior to the conclusion of the grant term, the district reserves the right to modify or eliminate the position without penalty as it relates to the grant funding obligation. In such an event, the district will notify the employee as soon as reasonably possible, and a work stop date will be mutually agreed upon. The district will make every reasonable effort to retain the employee in an equivalent or comparable role should such a funding disruption occur prior to the planned transition to district funding.
Application Information
This position is posted on WECAN under the title "Wisconsin Early Literacy Coaching Program" in compliance with grant requirements. Candidates selected as finalists must consent to the submission of evidence of qualifications to the Wisconsin DPI Office of Literacy for approval prior to an offer of employment being extended. The DPI or its designee has 7-10 calendar days to approve the selected candidate's qualifications.
Application materials should include:
Cover letter identifying which 4 (or more) of the 8 preferred qualifications you meet, with specific examples
Current resume
Copy of Wisconsin Reading Specialist License (17/5017) or documentation of eligibility and a plan to obtain the license
Three professional references