Early Literacy Coach

Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians•Dowagiac, MI

About The Position

The Early Literacy Coach is responsible for planning, implementing, and supporting evidence-based literacy instruction and interventions for children from birth through age 8. This position promotes early language development, emergent literacy, reading readiness, and foundational reading and writing skills through engaging, research-based practices. The Early Literacy Coach partners with educators, families, Tribal communities, and community organizations to build literacy-rich environments, strengthen instructional practices, and foster a lifelong love of reading.

Requirements

Extensive knowledge of the science of reading, evidence-based literacy instruction, assessment, progress monitoring, data-driven decision-making, and high-quality, equitable instructional materials.
Ability to differentiate literacy instruction and supports to meet diverse developmental, cultural, linguistic, and learning needs.
Strong instructional coaching, mentoring, and leadership skills to support educators in implementing effective literacy practices and improving student outcomes.
Ability to analyze literacy data, identify instructional priorities, and collaborate with leadership teams to implement and evaluate continuous improvement efforts.
Demonstrated commitment to equity, inclusion, and culturally responsive teaching and coaching practices.
Excellent communication, collaboration, relationship-building, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to establish strong partnerships with families, colleagues, community organizations, and Tribal partners.
Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, professionalism, and the ability to maintain confidentiality.
Bachelor’s degree or advanced degree in Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, Special Education, Reading, Literacy or a closely related field from an accredited college or university, is required.
Minimum of one (1) year of experience working with children from birth through third grade in an educational, literacy, or early childhood setting.
Knowledge of early childhood development and evidence-based literacy practices.

Nice To Haves

Valid teaching certificate, preferred.
Literacy coaching or tutoring experience preferred.
Experience working with Native American communities and an understanding of tribal culture and values is preferred.
Excellent oral and written communication skills, including the ability to present information effectively to educators, families, and community groups.
Strong customer service and interpersonal skills with the ability to build collaborative relationships.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and other educational technology platforms.
Ability to work a flexible schedule, including occasional evenings and weekends, to support family engagement and educational events.

Responsibilities

Deliver evidence-based literacy coaching that strengthens phonological awareness, oral language, vocabulary, print concepts, comprehension, and emergent writing.
Collaborate with teachers and instructional leaders to strengthen literacy instruction, integrate literacy across learning environments, and improve student outcomes through coaching cycles.
Assess and monitor children's literacy development using formal and informal measures to analyze data, guide instruction, and implement targeted interventions.
Partner with families through coaching, workshops, literacy events, resources, and community outreach initiatives (e.g., Talk to Your Baby ) to support literacy development at home.
Develop partnerships with internal departments, community organizations, and neighboring Tribes to share resources and strengthen early childhood literacy initiatives.
Prepare literacy-related reports, communications, newsletters, and key performance indicators while maintaining accurate, confidential student records.
Participate in ongoing professional learning to remain current with literacy research, evidence-based practices, and emerging trends in early childhood education.
Perform other duties as assigned.