Literacy Coordinator

CHESS•Espanola, NM

3d•$50,000 - $52,000

About The Position

The Literacy Coordinator provides leadership, coordination, and oversight for implementing New Mexico Science of Reading requirements within the institution’s educator preparation programs. The position ensures compliance with state statutes, New Mexico Higher Education Department (NMHED) requirements, Public Education Department (PED) standards, and accreditation expectations while promoting continuous improvement in literacy instruction and educator preparation. The position reports to the Department Chair. The coordinator reviews and aligns literacy coursework with the Science of Reading, supports faculty through technical assistance and professional development, and works with field experience coordinators and partner school districts to strengthen literacy-focused clinical experiences. The role monitors teacher candidates’ literacy competencies and program outcomes, analyzes data, recommends interventions and program improvements, and prepares required state reports and compliance documentation. Key deliverables include an annual Science of Reading Compliance Report, curriculum alignment documentation, a faculty professional development plan, a candidate literacy performance dashboard, a Continuous Improvement Action Plan, clinical partnership documentation, an annual accountability report, and state reporting documentation required by NMHED and PED.

Requirements

Master’s degree or higher in Reading, Literacy, Curriculum & Instruction, Elementary Education, Special Education, or a closely related field.
Demonstrated expertise in evidence-based literacy instruction and the Science of Reading.
Strong understanding of reading processes, assessment, and adult learning.
A minimum of five years of experience as a classroom teacher, reading specialist, or literacy coach.
Knowledge of New Mexico educator licensure requirements and teacher preparation standards.

Responsibilities

Ensure educator preparation programs comply with New Mexico statutes governing Science of Reading instruction.
Monitor institutional compliance with NMHED and PED requirements related to literacy instruction.
Coordinate institutional responses to state monitoring, audits, and program reviews.
Maintain documentation demonstrating compliance with legislative and regulatory requirements.
Conduct ongoing reviews of literacy coursework to ensure alignment with the Science of Reading and verify coverage of evidence-based instruction in phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, reading comprehension, oral language development, writing, assessment, and intervention.
Collaborate with faculty to revise curriculum as standards evolve and ensure coursework reflects culturally and linguistically responsive instructional practices.
Provide technical assistance to faculty teaching literacy-related coursework.
Coordinate professional development related to Science of Reading research and best practices.
Facilitate collaboration among literacy faculty across departments and disseminate updates regarding state policies and instructional guidance.
Collaborate with field experience coordinators to ensure student teaching placements model evidence-based literacy instruction and include implementation of Science of Reading practices.
Work with partner school districts to strengthen literacy-focused clinical experiences.
Monitor teacher candidate progress on literacy competencies and review candidate assessment data to identify trends and areas for improvement.
Recommend interventions for candidates needing additional literacy support and track program outcomes related to literacy preparation.
Collect and analyze program data related to literacy instruction; develop improvement plans based on candidate performance and state accountability measures.
Coordinate annual program evaluation activities and recommend data- and research-supported program modifications.
Prepare annual reports required by NMHED and PED and maintain documentation of curriculum alignment, candidate performance, clinical experiences, faculty professional development, program improvements, and compliance activities.
Assist institutional leadership during accreditation reviews and state program approvals.
Serve as the institutional liaison with NMHED, PED, and other state agencies regarding literacy initiatives.
Participate in statewide Literacy Coordinator meetings and professional learning communities.
Collaborate with faculty, school districts, educational partners, and professional organizations to advance literacy instruction.
Produce the specified compliance, curriculum, professional development, candidate performance, improvement, clinical partnership, accountability, and state reporting deliverables.