Department: Teaching and Learning
Report to: Assistant Superintendent for Teaching and Learning
Supervises: N/A
Classification: Professional/Technical
FLSA Status: Exempt
Salary Range: Salary Schedule III (Professional/Technical/Cert)

 

The NWESD aspires to be a racially and culturally inclusive staff that reflects the diversity of those we serve. We believe this strengthens our organization, stimulates creativity, promotes the exchange of ideas, and enriches staff engagement.

Summary:

The Regional ELA and Literacy Coordinator works in concert with NWESD staff, OSPI, and local districts to create a powerful, collaborative, and coherent regional delivery system providing professional development and support to schools and districts for K-12 ELA instruction to improve student proficiency, as measured by the Washington State designated assessments (i.e., Smarter Balanced Assessments).

Essential Functions:

Duties listed are intended to provide a summary of the major duties and responsibilities of this position. Incumbant(s) may not perform all duties listed and may be required to perform additional duties not listed, but within the general scope of the position.

  • Develop and provide professional development in content knowledge, content-specific pedagogy aligned to state initiatives such as Structured Literacy, Dyslexia support, UDL and MTSS, assessment, and Common Core State Standards for ELA, both regionally and within schools or districts.
  • As a member of the Literacy Leadership Network (LLN) and WA State Fellows team, work in partnership with OSPI and other ESDs to support the delivery of state and regional-level professional development to achieve equitable student outcomes in ELA.
  • Work with participating teachers, coaches, teacher leaders, and principals observing instruction and facilitating reflection to promote student learning in ELA.
  • Provide support in the use and analysis of screeners, diagnostic, and formative assessments, Smarter Balanced Assessment System, and other student literacy achievement data,
  • Guide and facilitate the development and on-going growth of collaborative grade level or subject area teams (professional learning communities) within the context of a school.
  • Collaborate with district/school teams as they increase their skills in data analysis, informing lesson design using the ELA Menu of Best Practices and Strategies, and the collection and examination of evidence of learning.
  • Assist schools or districts in identifying areas of highest need and developing focused plans for intensive professional development including the development and oversight of an implementation support model (instructional coaching) in the area of ELA.
  • Provide support in ELA curriculum alignment and development or identification of supplemental materials.
  • Stay informed of WA educational reform efforts and current research in the area of teaching and learning in ELA, including foundational literacy skills, adolescent literacy, interventions, and reading and writing at all levels.
  • Provide evidence of collaboration with district/school teams to improve student ELA learning (via data analysis, best practice instruction, evidence of learning) with emphasis on struggling K-12 learners.
  • Work collaboratively with schools and districts to provide professional learning and technical support to WA Reading Corps members working in our region’s schools.

Required knowledge, skills, and abilities:

  • Knowledge of Common Core State Standards in ELA and of research-based instructional strategies and assessment practices that support effective instruction with emphasis in foundational reading.
  • Knowledge of professional development/training practices appropriate to an adult audience, with the ability to develop and define effective workshops.
  • Knowledge of Common Core State Standards in ELA and the researched-based instructional strategies and assessment methods necessary to increase student performance on those standards.
  • Knowledge of WA State’s English Language Proficiency Standards and research-based instructional strategies and assessment methods necessary to increase ELL performance on those standards.
  • Ability to lead an educational reform activity at school, district, ESD or state level.
  • Knowledge of Educational Reform and legislative mandates relating to student learning including technology integration, cross-curricular alignment techniques, and classroom curricular integration.
  • Knowledge of the nine characteristics of high performing schools.
  • Knowledge current large-scale and classroom-based reading assessments and strategies.
  • Knowledge of Title I laws and regulations, MTSS model, and Comprehensive Literacy Plan.
  • Knowledge of basic budgeting processes and skill in managing assigned program budgets.
  • Knowledge of computer hardware and software programs and applications specific to the educational environment, skill in word processing, spreadsheets, and audio-visual equipment.
  • Ability to take part in conference planning and execution at a management level.
  • Ability to remain flexible to meet OSPI and legislative mandates in regards to student information services and projects.
  • Ability to perform skilled technical writing for articles, brochures, manuals, web information, workshop synopsis, syllabus, workshop worksheets, and report generation.
  • Ability to locate research and evaluate information, understand statistical analysis, practice data-driven decision-making, and have a working knowledge of copyright law.
  • Ability to organize and follow through on multiple tasks, address concerns as they arise, meet deadlines, and plan ahead to meet future needs and goals.
  • Ability to communicate effectively in both oral and written format.
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, school district staff and administrators, OSPI staff, other ESD staff, workshop/conference presenters, vendors, and the public.

Qualifications:

Bachelor’s Degree is required, Master’s Degree preferred. Significant successful experience teaching K-12 literacy required. WSP background clearance required. Valid WA State driver’s license and proof of insurance required.

Working Conditions/Physical Requirements:

Work is performed primarily in an office environment; however, travel is required to local school districts and for workshops, committee representation, and conferences. Vehicle is required for transportation to various sites. Sitting for extended periods of time may be required. Lifts and carries a maximum of 40 pounds. Adequate manual and finger dexterity, hearing, speech, and vision are necessary to perform the essential functions of this position.

Hazards: Those present in a normal office environment. Routine travel may pose potential hazards including driving in inclement weather.

The statements contained herein reflect general details as necessary to describe the essential functions of this position, the level of knowledge and skill typically required, and the scope of responsibility, but should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned, including work in other functional areas to cover absences or relief, to equalize peak work periods, or otherwise to balance the workload. Changes to the position description may be made at the discretion of the employer.

It is the policy of the Northwest Educational Service District No. 189 to not discriminate against any person with regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, marital status, physical or mental disability, or citizenship or immigration status.