Assistant Professor in Reading Specialist for K-6 Programs

Talladega College • Talladega, AL

5d • Onsite

About The Position

Talladega College invites applications for the position of Assistant Professor in Reading Specialist for K-6 Programs. The successful candidate will play a key role in teaching and mentoring undergraduate students who are pursuing careers as K-6 reading specialists. This position offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to the development of future educators who will be prepared to support literacy development in elementary schools, with a focus on students’ reading, writing, and language skills. The ideal candidate will have a background in literacy instruction, a passion for fostering student achievement, and experience in both classroom teaching and teacher preparation.

Requirements

• A Master’s or Doctoral degree in Reading Education, Literacy, Elementary Education, or a closely related field (ABD candidates will be considered, but completion of the Ph.D. is required before appointment).
• A demonstrated record of successful teaching in K-6 classrooms with a focus on reading and literacy instruction.
• Experience as a reading specialist or literacy coach, working directly with K-6 students and teachers.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to work effectively with students, faculty, and school partners.
• A commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in both teaching practices and the broader academic environment.
• Expertise in evidence-based literacy instruction and the ability to apply this knowledge in teacher preparation.

Nice To Haves

• A strong record of research or scholarly activity in literacy education, reading intervention, or related areas is preferred.
• Prior experience with curriculum development or teacher education is a plus.
• Practical experience as a reading specialist, literacy coach, or elementary teacher, particularly in diverse classrooms.
• An active research agenda related to reading instruction, literacy interventions, or educational equity in literacy.
• Knowledge and experience in assessing reading and literacy development in K-6 students, including familiarity with standardized assessments, RTI (Response to Intervention) models, and formative assessments.
• Experience developing or revising literacy curriculum to align with state standards and current best practices in reading instruction.

Responsibilities

• Teach undergraduate courses in reading and literacy education, including courses on reading instruction, literacy development, phonics, fluency, comprehension, and writing.
• Provide instruction on research-based strategies for teaching reading in diverse elementary classrooms, with a focus on supporting students with a range of abilities.
• Supervise and mentor students in their field experiences, including student teaching and internships, to develop their skills as reading specialists.
• Advise and guide students pursuing K-6 teaching careers, particularly those specializing in literacy education.
• Maintain an active research agenda in reading and literacy education, with a focus on improving instructional strategies, interventions, and assessment practices in K-6 settings.
• Publish research findings in peer-reviewed journals and present at professional conferences.
• Engage in collaborative research with colleagues, local schools, and literacy organizations.
• Contribute to the development, assessment, and improvement of the reading and literacy education program to ensure alignment with national and state standards for literacy education.
• Revise and update course materials based on the latest research and best practices in literacy instruction.
• Participate in the design and implementation of assessments to evaluate student progress in the reading specialist track.
• Participate in departmental, college-wide, and university committees and initiatives.
• Engage with local K-12 schools to foster partnerships, provide professional development, and offer opportunities for students to gain practical experience as reading specialists.
• Support outreach initiatives aimed at improving literacy outcomes in the community, particularly for underrepresented and underserved student populations.
• Assist in recruiting and retaining students in the K-6 Reading Specialist program by participating in recruitment events, outreach activities, and college fairs.
• Develop strategies to improve student success and retention, providing guidance and support for students throughout their academic journey.
• Stay up-to-date with current research and trends in reading education and literacy instruction.
• Participate in professional development opportunities through conferences, workshops, and other continuing education activities.
• Engage with relevant professional organizations such as the International Literacy Association (ILA) and the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level