Literacy Training Specialist

Marian University•Indianapolis, IN

About The Position

As a part of a diverse community of faculty and staff who represent many faith systems and worldviews, the Marian University Center for Vibrant Schools is seeking a Literacy Training Specialist (TS) to promote our Catholic Franciscan mission and identity by providing key training and support based on the science of reading to schools supported by the Marian University Literacy Institute. The Literacy Training Specialist will plan, lead, and manage professional learning for Literacy Training Support Specialists (LTSS), literacy coaches, teachers, and administrators in evidence-aligned literacy instruction and assessment within an MTSS model. The TS will support the LTSS in coaching and training school-based instructional coaches and provide support for professional development for Literacy Institute school partners. The individual in this position has strong knowledge of the science of reading, literacy instruction, instructional coaching, and assessment within an MTSS model.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree Required
Minimum of five years teaching
Knowledge of and a commitment to the mission of Marian University
Adheres to Marian University’s policies and procedures
Shows courtesy and respect in interactions with fellow employees, students subordinates, and supervisors
Communicates regularly with supervisor about Department issues
Meets department productivity standards
Participates in developing department goals, objectives, and systems
Assists in establishing department measurements that align and support the accomplishment of the University’s strategic goals
Adheres to the department budget
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use their hands to handle or feel objects, equipment, or controls; and talk or hear.
The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, reach with their hands and arms, climb or balance, and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust focus.
Work hours necessary to perform job requirements satisfactorily on a regular basis.
Manage absence from work in responsible manner to ensure service to clients, work teams, and coworkers.
Comply with Marian University policies and practices and seeking clarification of them when necessary.

Nice To Haves

Master’s Degree Preferred
experience as an instructional coach preferred
Successful experience as a teacher, including teacher leadership opportunities in instructional coaching;
Experience planning and leading professional development for teachers in the field of literacy;
Highly organized & diligent in completing tasks;
Have a deep working knowledge across the science of reading, especially early literacy instruction and assessment, with the ability to remain abreast on development across the academic field;
Experience selecting, critiquing and evaluating curricular materials;
A practical understanding of the intersection between Special Education, English as a New Language, and Dyslexia needs related to the science of reading;
Knowledge of the K-12 instructional system;
Deep knowledge of and experience in professional development best practices;
Strong written and oral communication skills;
Demonstrated ability to meet deadlines;
Proficiency in Microsoft Office; and
Ability to multitask and prioritize.

Responsibilities

Support planning and facilitation of professional learning for the Literacy Institute, focused on literacy instruction and assessment within an MTSS model for the Literacy Training Support Specialists, school-based instructional coaches, and school administrators; and Actively participate in training across the project.
Develop and maintain supportive relationships with school administrators, instructional coaches, and school faculty;
Support LTSS Roles and Responsibilities with leadership and coaches of schools supported by the Literacy Institute;
Review curriculum, instruction and assessment related to research-based reading instruction;
Support robust instructional coaching around data-driven outcomes;
Support school administrators in their goals for continuous school improvement in literacy education;
Review and analyze school data and serve as a thinking partner with individuals in the LTSS role and school staff related to continuous improvement literacy education;
Plan, lead, or co-lead professional development that is responsive to needs at the school level;
Actively participate in twice-monthly 90-minute professional development designed to strengthen pedagogical knowledge related to literacy and instructional coaching practices;
Provide oversight, monitoring, and problem-solving support for LTSS colleagues in implementing the goals of the project guided by the assurances;
Be familiar with current literacy research and curricular resources provided by the project or seek support to that end.
Attend weekly meetings with the Project Management Team (PMT);
Routinely consult with the PMT and LTSSs members; seeking support where needed;
Maintain accurate reporting of mileage, using the approved forms and systems;
Review feedback from instructional coaches for any actionable items and report needs and subsequent actions to the LPM;
Maintain data associated with the project.
Remain committed to learning new strategies for literacy instruction and assessment, multi-tiered systems of support, and instructional coaching;
Seek out constructive feedback that helps improve practice;
Support LTSS colleagues through forming professional relationships.