Job Openings

Early Reading First Literacy Coach

REPORTS TO: Early Reading First Program Coordinator
FLSA STATUS: Exempt

SUMMARY

Provide day-to-day professional development and support for the teachers and teaching assistants in five Bethel Head Start Centers in northeast Buffalo. This full-year, full-time position will be an integral part of the educational team at each site, working collaboratively with the Bethel Head Start Education Supervisor and instructional staff under the direction of the CARE Project Coordinator.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Collaborate with Early Reading First preschool teachers in their classrooms to integrate Scientifically-Based Reading Research (SBRR) instructional strategies materials that are explicit and systematic, and emphasize the five dimensions of emergent early literacy - alphabet knowledge, language development, vocabulary, phonemic awareness and concepts of print and reading appreciation.

Guide and assist preschool teachers in the full and ongoing implementation of an integrated curriculum emphasizing scientifically-based reading research through modeling of lessons, guided practice, and observation and feedback.

Guide and assist preschool teachers in the administration of valid and reliable screening, diagnostic, and progress monitoring instructional assessment tools; and the use of performance data in planning ongoing classroom instruction and management.

Guide and assist teachers in adapting instructional strategies and materials for students who demonstrate risk of reading difficulty and who require more intentional instructional interventions.

Review and analyze student diagnostic screening, progress monitoring and outcome assessment data on a regular basis with teachers and the educational team in the center to continually refine the instructional program based on children's needs and determine ongoing professional development for the team.
Meet with the Center's educational team on a weekly basis; attend bi-monthly meetings with the Project Coordinator and meet with other Head Start Center staff, such as the Family Partner, as necessary, to coordinate and plan effective implementation of the ERF project. Participate in other management and evaluation activities as requested by the Project Coordinator.
Reliability and Attendance - begin work on time and conform to work hours and scheduled. Unscheduled PTO (or sick, personal, etc) does not exceed established company standards.

OTHER JOB DUTIES
Other duties as assigned by Executive Director.

REQUIREMENTS/QUALIFICATIONS

Candidates must hold a Master's degree in Reading or Literacy. Familiarity with Houghton-Mifflin-Pre K and/or Creative Curriculum is a plus. Additional courses and experience in the areas of early childhood, reading, research-based instruction strategies, assessment, and knowledge of the New York State Pre-Kindergarten Guidelines will be considered in evaluating each candidate's qualifications.
Candidates who may have completed substantial higher education coursework or in-service in early literacy, but not hold a degree as a Literacy or Reading Specialist must provide detailed explanation of the courses, preferably the course syllabi.
Candidates must have completed a minimum of three years of teaching SBRR literacy in an early childhood or early elementary setting. Direct experience as a literacy coach is a plus. Proven experience in collaborating with or teaching adults is essential.
Experience leading, or working as part of, a multidisciplinary team and communicating effectively with persons and communities from diverse cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds is mandatory.
A strong belief in the ability of all children to learn regardless of identified risk factors.
A passionate commitment to working collaboratively with Buffalo Preschool CARE partners to achieve project goals.
Able to relate to, and engender trust with people of different ages, races, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status.
Strong analytical skills and the ability to draw conclusions and make recommendations based on observations and data.
Able to convene and facilitate meetings.
Strong planning and organizational skills.
Effective written and oral communication skills and proficiency in computer and web-based information technologies.
Creative, high-energy, persistent, quick study.
Excellent organizational skills.
Capable of managing multiple priorities and projects.
Effective time management skills.

TO APPLY: Submit an electronic resume and cover letter to:

Lisa McCue
Operations Manager
mccuel@rtsb.org