Literacy Specialist

State of Utah•Salt Lake City, UT

22h•Hybrid

About The Position

The Utah State Board of Education (USBE) is seeking a Literacy Specialist with extensive experience in both instructional practice and leadership. This role involves leading statewide initiatives to advance the science of reading by collaborating with Local Education Agencies (LEAs) and university-based teacher preparation programs. The specialist will also support efforts to improve literacy outcomes, enhance educator capacity, and ensure alignment between pre-service and in-service teacher training.

Requirements

LETRS Certified or has completed LETRS 3rd edition Training in adult learning theory
Data analysis training and experience, including in benchmark reading assessments (e.g., Acadience Reading)
Experience providing professional learning to adults
At least three years of instructional coaching, leadership, or equivalent experience
A current Utah Professional Educator License or equivalent from another jurisdiction

Nice To Haves

A minimum of five years of elementary teaching experience
A master’s degree in education, literacy, reading, administration, or a related field
LETRS Facilitator completion
Teaching experience at an institution of higher education
A USBE Instructional Coaching Endorsement
Strong professional learning facilitation skills and deep mentoring/collaboration skills

Responsibilities

Provide leadership as a statewide expert in the development and implementation of the science of reading for elementary schools and university teacher preparation programs.
Partner with university-based teacher preparation programs to integrate the science of reading into their courses and clinical experiences.
Collaborate with colleges, universities, and other education institutions to improve the pre-service and in-service education of teachers, administrators, and school personnel.
Monitor university programs for newly defined content and pedagogical competencies and support the implementation of state-wide foundations of reading assessments.
Develop and provide professional learning in the science of reading for teachers, coaches, administrators, LEA leaders, and paraprofessionals.
Use evidence-based adult learning principles to support the work with educators to integrate professional learning into classroom practice.
Analyze literacy data to develop comprehensive reports for schools, the USBE, and the Legislature as required and interpret, clarify, explain, and apply USBE policy and procedures.
Facilitate meetings with small and large decision-making groups.
Travel to various locations in and out of state for professional learning, school monitoring, and/or professional meetings.
Take initiative on special projects and emerging literacy priorities as required.
Perform other duties as assigned.