Literacy Specialist

The Literacy Specialist offers technical leadership and support for a range of initiatives pertaining to literacy programming in alignment with CELL's science of reading and Indiana's priorities for literacy with K12 schools, teachers, and higher education institutions. The Literacy Specialist has specific skills and knowledge relative to the science of reading, including the ability to connect research to practice when working with stakeholders.

REQUIREMENTS/MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Minimum 5 years experience as a classroom teacher, delivering reading instruction.
• Possess a practical and theoretical understanding of the science of reading research as it relates to school-based reading programs.
• Licenses/Certifications/Credentials: reading specialist or other literacy credential preferred, but not required.
• A graduate degree in education, reading/literacy, cognitive/learning sciences, or related fields is strongly preferred.
• Experience as a teacher preparation instructor, a literacy coach, or professional development leader is preferred.
• Experience as a school administrator is preferred, but not required.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

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. Support the efforts of schools, higher education partners, and State government related to improving reading proficiency for all students.

Support the leadership and execution of CELL's literacy programs

Develop and lead professional development for various audiences on a variety of literacy-specific topics, focused on the science of reading.

Establish new partnerships and / or continue existing partnerships

Co-develop partnership scopes of work

Meet on-time deliverables established in partnership scopes of work

Engage in the development of professional learning opportunities using academic science of reading, learning sciences and neuroscience studies.

Remain abreast on policy changes and curricular requirements related to literacy in Indiana

Visit schools across Indiana for the purpose of program evaluation and monitoring; some travel is required.

Effectively communicate with CELL leadership staff and forecast programmatic barriers to success.

Frequent travel within Indiana required

Follow the guidance and direction of supervisor(s).

Demonstrate respectful, ethical, responsible behavior.

Abide by the University's policies, procedures, and rules.

Perform employee responsibilities as detailed in employee handbooks and policies

Demonstrate regular and predictable attendance and punctuality.

Other duties, including special projects, as required or assigned.

This role serves as a Title IX Responsible Employee. Yes

This role serves as a Campus Security Authority. No

This role requires a clean or acceptable driving record. Yes

This role is considered Essential (see Extreme Weather Policy for definition). No

COMPETENCIES/OTHER CHARACTERISTICS:

To perform the job successfully, an individual will demonstrate the following:

An understanding and agreement with the science of reading, as defined as the preponderance of evidence to inform educators about how proficient reading and writing abilities are developed; explaining why some students have difficulty acquiring basic literacy skills; and how to most effectively assess and improve student outcomes through interventions for reading difficulties.

A deep, practical understanding of phonological/phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension instructional and assessment practices.

Experience examining and reviewing research-based principles associated with literacy development.

Effective project management skills and experience.

Prior experience in teacher leadership or other leadership roles.

A working understanding of typical public-school policies, rules and norms.