Under the direction of the Director of Middle School, the Literacy Specialist will provide support and guidance on literacy curriculum, instruction, assessment, and intervention for all students. The Literacy Specialist will provide professional development related to reading and writing instruction, reading intervention, reading across the content areas and English Language Development for English Learners. The Language and Literacy Specialist must take a hands-on approach to improving instruction and effectiveness by working at the (classroom and school levels to directly support instruction, intervention, and English Language Development. This will include analyzing students’ Lexile levels, modeling lessons in classrooms, helping teachers plan instruction, creating school-wide policies and procedures, and facilitating and lead professional development. Duties include:

• Support the development of high-quality/effective literacy instruction in ELA, History/SS, Science and the Technical Subjects, including observing and coaching teachers to improve instructional planning, teaching practice, and the use of data, assessment, and instructional technology
• Develop resources on key literacy practices including reading of diverse, engaging texts, extensive discussion, engagement in the writing process, rigorous and authentic learning experiences, and creating content in a digital environment
• Support school-based implementation of effective literacy instruction grounded in a balanced approach including explicit skills instruction with abundant authentic, literature-based reading and writing opportunities
• Design and facilitate professional learning for teachers and administrators
• Research, evaluate, and prepare recommendations on instructional materials, effective pedagogy, technology use, and other relevant guidance
• Maintain familiarity with current educational issues
• Perform related duties as required to support the priorities of Sophia Academy

• Commitment to gender specific, feminist empowerment model for girls and women
• 3-5 years elementary and/or middle school teaching experience
• Bachelors degree in a relevant field of study, Master’s degree in English, Education, Reading, or related field preferred. ELL certification preferred.
• Strong record of helping students achieve academic success, primarily with BIPOC and low-income students
• Unwavering belief that all students can learn and achieve success in school
• Expertise in literacy/reading and writing across the curriculum; dual language learning and/or working with English learners; supporting the literacy learning of diverse learners; literacy assessment, designing multi-tiered systems of support, and identifying effective intervention programs.
• Demonstrated success in working with culturally and linguistically diverse student populations; familiarity with strategies for supporting English learners, diverse learners, and students at a wide range of reading and writing levels
• Ability to define problems, analyze data, and develop action plans as part of a continuous improvement cycle. Experience with Renaissance STAR or similar testing programs.

• Skilled in designing and leading adult professional learning experiences

• Able to interact with stakeholders at all levels (including all staff, parents, students, and community members) in a respectful manner and provide excellent customer service
• Able to work collaboratively in a team environment

• Results-focused, responsive, self-directed, and collaborative
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and drive multiple projects concurrently, both independently and as a member of a team
• Takes initiative to identify challenges and recommend solutions; identifies, documents, and shares best practices

• Excellent communications skills, written and oral
• Creative and flexible in their approaches
• Strong organizational skills
• Enthusiasm for working in a close-knit, student-centered school environment; ability to interactpositively and patiently with students
• Initiative, warmth, enthusiasm, optimism, and energy
• Proficiency or fluency in Spanish strongly preferred
• Clearances required

How to Apply:  Email cover letter, resume and references to Maura Farrell, Head of School, mfarrell@sophia-academy.org