K-4 Literacy Specialist (2026-2027)

Dayton Early College Academy•Dayton, OH

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The K–4 Literacy Specialist plays a critical role in supporting high-quality literacy instruction and ensuring that all students build strong foundational reading skills. This position provides Tier 1 professional development and coaching to teachers and staff grounded in the science of reading. The Literacy Specialist also leads Tier 3 intervention processes by identifying students in need of intensive support through universal screeners and diagnostic assessments, designing targeted intervention plans, delivering small-group instruction tailored to specific skill deficits, and monitoring student progress. The specialist collaborates closely with classroom teachers, interventionists, and school leadership to ensure data-driven decision-making and effective instructional practices that promote reading success for all DECA PREP students. This position reports to the campus principal.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Education, Early Childhood Education, Reading/Literacy, or related field
Valid teaching license (K–5 or K–3 preferred)
Demonstrated knowledge of the science of reading , structured literacy practices, and evidence-based reading instruction
Experience using universal screeners, diagnostic assessments, and progress-monitoring tools (e.g. Acadience/DIBELS, MAP Reading, etc.)
Minimum 3 years of successful classroom teaching experience, preferably in early literacy
Strong ability to analyze data and make instructional decisions
Excellent communication and collaboration skills with teachers, students, and families
Ability to deliver professional development and coaching to adult learners

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in Reading/Literacy or completion of a Reading Endorsement
Experience providing Tier 2 or Tier 3 reading interventions
Training or certification in LETRS, Orton-Gillingham, Wilson, or another structured literacy program
Experience working in an urban school environment

Responsibilities

Support the design and delivery schoolwide literacy professional development focused on the science of reading, structured literacy, and effective early reading instruction
Coordinate and administer universal screeners and diagnostic literacy assessments for all K–4 students
Analyze assessment data to identify Tier 3 students and specific areas of skill deficiency
Maintain clear documentation of student progress, intervention plans, and exit criteria
Support teachers in interpreting assessment results to inform Tier 1 and Tier 2 instruction
Develop individualized or small-group intervention plans aligned to student skill gaps
Deliver intensive, evidence-based small-group instruction using structured literacy approaches
Conduct ongoing progress monitoring to evaluate intervention effectiveness
Adjust intervention frequency, grouping, or instructional approaches based on data
Determine when students have met exit criteria and transition them out of intervention services
Communicate regularly with classroom teachers and families regarding student goals, progress, and next steps
Coordinate Reading Improvement Plans from identification through exit
Work closely with teachers, administrators, and interventionists to ensure a coherent and aligned literacy support system
Participate in MTSS meetings and assist with schoolwide data analysis
Contribute to schoolwide literacy initiatives, events, and family engagement activities
Stay current on literacy research, curriculum updates, and best practices in early reading instruction
Develop rapport and maintain the confidence of parents and students.
Keep parents updated on student progress using telephone calls, conferences, written communications, etc.
Serve as a role model for students.
Demonstrate responsibility, citizenship, respect, and courtesy.
Perform other job-specific duties as required.