Early Literacy Consultant

**Position Summary**

The role of an Early Literacy Consultant is pivotal in our mission to ensure literacy proficiency for all students. This position requires an individual with specialized training and experience in early literacy education to provide expert instruction, assessment, and leadership within our early year’s literacy programs. With a focus on addressing the diverse needs of our student body, including those with physical, emotional, and educational challenges, the Early Literacy Consultant plays a crucial role in tailoring instructional approaches to meet individual needs. By collaborating with classroom teachers and other stakeholders, the Early Literacy Consultant fosters a culture of literacy excellence and supports struggling readers on their path to success.

**Key Responsibilities**
- Teacher Mentor: Provide ongoing professional development and coaching to educators on effective early literacy instructional practices
- Assessment Development: Design and implement assessments to monitor student progress in early literacy development and formative assessments to inform instructional planning.
- Professional Learning Communities (PLCs): Establish and facilitate PLCs focused on early literacy instruction, providing opportunities for collaboration, reflection, and professional growth
- Data Analysis and Progress Monitoring: Analyze student data to track progress, identify trends, and inform instructional decision-making
- Program Evaluation: Conduct regular evaluations of the early literacy program's effectiveness, gathering feedback from stakeholders, analyzing outcomes, and making data-driven adjustments to improve program quality and impact.
- Program Development: Further develop early literacy programming (planning, resources, etc.) in collaboration with curriculum consultants and identified staff to drive improved student learning
- Parent and Community Engagement: Collaborate with families, community organizations, and other stakeholders to promote literacy development beyond the classroom.

**Skill & Competency Requirements**

**Core Competencies**:
The necessary core competencies for this position include:

- Expertise in Early Literacy Instruction
- Professional Development and Coaching
- Assessment and Data Analysis
- Collaboration and Communication
- Cultural Competence
- Leadership and Program Development
- Research and Evidence-Based Practice
- Flexibility and Adaptability

**Education, Knowledge & Experience**

**Education**:

- Bachelor's Degree: Education, Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, or a related field.
- Master's Degree (preferred): Literacy Education, Reading Specialist, or a related area of study.

Knowledge:

- Literacy Development: Understanding of literacy development theories and stages, including phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension.
- Instructional Strategies: Knowledge of evidence-based instructional strategies for teaching early literacy skills to diverse learners, including differentiated instruction and small-group interventions.
- Assessment: Familiarity with literacy assessment tools and practices, including screening assessments, diagnostic assessments, and progress monitoring tools.
- Educational Technology: Awareness of educational technology tools and resources to enhance literacy instruction, including digital learning platforms, educational apps, and multimedia resources.
- Cultural Competence: Understanding of cultural diversity and its impact on literacy development, including the ability to select culturally relevant literature and instructional materials.

Experience
- Prior experience as a classroom teacher, preferably in early childhood or elementary education, with a focus on literacy instruction.
- Additional coursework, workshops, or professional development in literacy education, reading instruction, or related areas.
- Experience providing coaching, mentoring, or professional development to educators on literacy instruction and best practices.
- Experience collecting, analyzing, and interpreting literacy assessment data to inform instructional decision-making and intervention planning.
- Experience leading or contributing to the development of early literacy programs, including curriculum design, assessment development, and professional learning communities.