Literacy Training Support Specialist

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 Training Support Specialist (LTSS) 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 LTSS 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.

Summer Training:

• Engage in summer training for staff of the Literacy Institute.
• Support planning and facilitation of summer 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; and
  • 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 twice-monthly 90-minute 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.

Data Collection and Reporting:

• Attend virtual, monthly meetings with the Literacy Project Manager (LPM).
• Routinely consult with the LPM 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.

Other Duties:

• 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.
• Communicates regularly with supervisor about Department issues.
• Meets department productivity standards.
• Participates in developing department goals, objectives, and systems.
• Assists in establishing department measurements that align and support the accomplishment of the University's strategic goals.
• Adheres to the department budget.
• 
  
  
  

Required Qualification:

• Education: Bachelor's Degree Required, Master's Degree Preferred.
• Licenses/Certifications/Credentials: Minimum of five years teaching, experience as an instructional coach preferred.
• 
  
  
  Preferred Experience and Knowledge:
• 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.

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

For Consideration All Applications Require:

1. Cover Letter
2. Current resume or CV
3. Contact information of three professional references. The reference contact information must be entered after the application is submitted in the "My Presence" section of the applicant profile.
4. Responses to the supplementary mission & identity questions.

Please Review Marian University's Mission & Identity Statement before responding to the supplementary questions on your application:

https://www.marian.edu/faith

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