New Mexico Public Education Department

Literacy and Humanities

Position Description: Literacy Coach
2024 NM Comprehensive Literacy State Development (CLSD) grant

POSITION SUMMARY The structured literacy coach will support school sites in implementation of structured literacy and evidence based literacy instructional practices in CLSD subgrantee districts. Literacy coaches must have the ability to support teachers, interventionists, and administrators in planning, organizing, and delivering instruction to meet individual and school needs utilizing state guidelines and district or charter school Literacy Plans. Assignments will be in person. Literacy coaches will also be responsible for developing and delivering professional learning opportunities as related to school needs in structured literacy evidence-based practices. This position is funded by the CLSD federal grant, awarded to NMPED in 2024. Funding is dependent upon congressional appropriation each year.

SUPERVISION
The Literacy Coach will be supervised by the CLSD District Literacy Coordinator at the LEA and supported by the REC/NMPED CLSD grant staff.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
This list is not all-inclusive. Coaches may be expected to perform job-related duties other than those contained in this document and may be required to have specific job related knowledge and skills.

•  Providing professional development in structured literacy strategies, evidence-based instructional practices and HQIM implementation.
•  Support 20-25 teachers annually within the district.
•  Conducting Observation Feedback Coaching Cycles.
•  Support data collection and analysis to ensure that data is being used effectively to inform instruction to support student growth and achievement.
•  Provide teachers with a collection of effective instructional strategies to draw upon in their instructional practices.
•  Attend and support effective PLCs on instructional practices, data support, classroom environments, or literacy research needed to support ongoing development of teachers.
•  Support teachers in data analysis to guide instruction.
•  Utilize NMPED’s pedagogical and training supports in coaching.
•  Attend required NMPED training.
•  Adhere to CLSD statutory requirements and work only on CLSD related work.
•  Create a collaborative partnership with teachers to support the implementation of new teaching practices in the classroom.

QUALIFICATIONS
Education and Experience

•  Preference for a Master’s degree in education with a focus on literacy
•  Minimum 5 or more years of experience in K-12 education
•  Level 2 or 3 NM teaching license
•  Preference for a Reading Endorsement
•  Completion of LETRS training

Relevant Experience
Mix of experiences preferred, including:

•  Teaching in grades K-12
•  Instructional coaching in grades K-12
•  Experience as a school or district administrator or working with school professionals (e.g., training or technical assistance provider, teacher coach or mentor)
•  Experience developing and/or advocating for effective instructional practices
•  Understanding of adult learning

Knowledge and Skills
Content Knowledge

•  Expertise in structured literacy
•  Strong understanding of HQIM
•  Literacy intervention expertise based on the MLSS model
•  Knowledge of effective ways to support school professionals and of common barriers to implementing effective literacy instruction
•  Ability to develop, conduct, and evaluate relevant and effective district literacy implementation plans
•  Knowledge of summative and interim assessments in NM

Desired Attributes

•  Capacity to work independently, maintain multiple responsibilities and work under deadline pressure
•  Ability to create and sustain a collaborative approach in the workplace, on external committees and in the community
•  Ability to delegate tasks as appropriate and define responsibilities
•  Creative, resourceful, and forward thinking with strong problem-solving, leadership, and analytical skills
•  Strong oral and written communication skills and ability to make information accessible for a variety of audiences
•  Ability and willingness to adapt to and support an evolving work environment, periodically work an extended work day

Technical Skills

•  Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook software usage