Director of Secondary Literacy

Allentown City School District•Allentown, PA

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Director of Secondary Literacy provides strategic leadership for literacy instruction in grades 6-12 through the implementation of the Science of Reading, evidence-based literacy practices, disciplinary literacy, writing, communication, and critical thinking across all content areas. The Director ensures students develop the literacy skills necessary for academic success, postsecondary readiness, career preparation, and civic engagement through high-quality Tier I instruction and equitable access to rigorous learning opportunities. The Director leads districtwide reading and writing initiatives, supports the implementation of high-quality instructional materials, and builds the content knowledge, instructional expertise, and leadership capacity of teachers and administrators to ensure rigorous, standards-aligned Tier I literacy instruction across all secondary classrooms. The Director develops systems that promote literacy achievement, implementation fidelity, and continuous improvement while collaborating with school and district leaders to strengthen literacy instruction across all content areas and ensure students are prepared to read, write, communicate, and think critically in college, career, and life.

Requirements

Valid Pennsylvania Instructional II Certificate.
Valid Pennsylvania Principal Certificate, Supervisor of Curriculum and Instruction Certificate, Letter of Eligibility, or other appropriate Pennsylvania administrative certification.
Master's Degree in Curriculum and Instruction, Literacy, Reading, Educational Leadership, or a related field.
Minimum of five (5) years of successful teaching experience, including experience in elementary education.
Minimum of three (3) years of successful leadership experience at the school or district level.
Excellent oral, written, presentation, and interpersonal communication skills.
Valid Pennsylvania driver's license and access to reliable transportation.
Satisfactory criminal history, child abuse, and FBI clearances as required by law.

Responsibilities

Lead the development, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of the district's Grades 6-12 literacy framework.
Lead the implementation of the Science of Reading and evidence-based literacy practices across secondary schools.
Ensure literacy curriculum, instruction, assessment, and intervention systems are aligned to Pennsylvania Academic Standards and district priorities.
Lead and support district-wide reading initiatives and writing initiatives.
Collaborate with curriculum departments to embed literacy practices across all content areas.
Oversee the implementation and monitoring of high-quality instructional materials aligned to district literacy goals.
Demonstrate knowledge of literacy development, assessment, intervention, and instructional practices across grades 6-12.
Support teachers in implementing evidence-based literacy practices that strengthen: Reading Comprehension, Academic Vocabulary, Writing, Critical Thinking, Academic Discourse, Knowledge Building, Disciplinary Literacy.
Build content and pedagogical capacity of teachers and leaders to ensure literacy instructional rigor in Tier I instruction.
Support literacy integration across English Language Arts, Science, Social Studies, Mathematics, Career and Technical Education, the Arts, and elective courses.
Support implementation of Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) to ensure students receive timely and appropriate literacy interventions.
Design, facilitate, and evaluate professional learning opportunities grounded in adult learning theory and evidence-based professional development practices.
Participate in and support instructional coaching cycles including classroom observations, co-planning, modeling, feedback conversations, and reflective practice.
Collaborate with principals, instructional coaches, department chairs, and teacher leaders to strengthen instructional practice and improve student outcomes.
Develop and support professional learning communities focused on literacy implementation and continuous improvement.
Analyze student achievement, assessment, and implementation data to identify trends, monitor progress, and drive continuous improvement efforts.
Utilize district assessment systems and data management platforms to monitor literacy achievement and inform instructional decision-making.
Lead the development and implementation of literacy assessments and progress-monitoring systems.
Recommend instructional resources, interventions, and supports based on student performance data and evidence-based practices.
Promote the effective use of educational technology and digital resources to enhance literacy instruction, assessment, intervention, and progress monitoring.
Empower students to publish, present, and showcase authentic literacy products through publications, exhibitions, performances, research presentations, competitions, capstone projects, and community partnerships.
Promote opportunities for student voice, inquiry, communication, and authentic audience engagement.
Foster a culture of reading, writing, scholarship, and civic discourse across secondary schools.
Prepare reports and presentations for district leadership and the Board of School Directors.
Assist in grant development and resource acquisition to support literacy initiatives.
Maintain collaborative relationships with higher education institutions, educational organizations, and community partners.
Perform other duties as assigned by the Executive Director of Learning and Teaching, Deputy Superintendent/Chief Academic Officer, or Superintendent.