Limited Term-Literacy Coordinator

Western New Mexico University; Silver City (NM); On-site; USD 54,000 - 66,000; Full time

Job summary

Western New Mexico University seeks a Literacy Coordinator to lead structured literacy implementation within educator preparation programs. The role nurtures knowledge, oversees high-fidelity observation placements, and ensures alignment with state and accrediting requirements.

Candidates should have a Master’s in education or reading with 5+ years of classroom experience; LETRS certification is preferred. The position includes collaboration with state agencies and multi-partner projects.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in education, literacy, or reading with 5+ years of classroom teaching/reading literacy experience.
• LETRS certification or advanced training in structured literacy (preferred).
• Strong expertise in structured literacy and evidence-based literacy instruction.
• Experience leading professional development and coaching for faculty and educational partners.
• Ability to manage multi-partner projects and data reporting for compliance.

Responsibilities

• Lead structured literacy implementation across EPPs and ensure quality assurance.
• Provide professional development for educators, mentor teachers, and district staff.
• Coordinate 100-hour structured literacy observation placements with LETRS-trained mentors.
• Align coursework, syllabi, and clinical experiences with literacy requirements.
• Collaborate with state agencies to support HB 156 and accreditation needs.
• Track candidate performance on literacy assessments and report data.
• Identify barriers and propose policy or program improvements.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Structured literacy

Leadership

Training / professional development

Data analysis

Collaboration

Education

Master's degree in education, literacy, or reading

Doctoral degree in Education, Reading, Literacy, Curriculum & Instruction, or related field

Tools

LETRS certification

Job description

The Literacy Coordinator at WNMU strengthens and sustains structured literacy implementation within educator preparation programs (EPPs) by building knowledge capacity, supporting high-fidelity structured literacy observation placements, ensuring program alignment with state and accrediting requirements, coordinating cross-agency partnerships, and managing performance tracking and reporting. The role also leads continuous improvement initiatives and produces defined deliverables to support ongoing implementation and compliance.

Duties

• Provide leadership in the implementation and continuous improvement of structured literacy, applying Science of Reading and evidence-based literacy practices to program execution, quality assurance, and educator preparation support.
• Disseminate best practices and facilitate professional development for EPPs, mentor teachers, and district staff as required.
• Coordinate and oversees the implementation of the required 100-hour structured literacy observation placements, ensuring LETRS -trained mentor teacher participation, placement scheduling/logistics, and consistent high-fidelity observation quality assurance.
• Ensure alignment of coursework, syllabi, and clinical experiences with structured literacy requirements.
• Collaborate with higher education institutions and EPPs to verify alignment with state standards, HB 156 requirements, and accrediting bodies.
• Coordinate with NMPED , NMECD , and LEAs on literacy placements and statewide literacy initiatives, facilitating cross-agency communication, supporting MOU development, and coordinating joint planning sessions as needed.
• Track candidate performance on literacy-related assessments.
• Support state and accreditation reporting by collecting, analyzing, and reporting data related to literacy placements, mentor observations, and candidate outcomes.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives related to structured literacy within EPPs, including process reviews, data-driven decision-making, and implementation refinements. Identify barriers, gaps, and opportunities for policy or program adjustments and propose solutions.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Education/Background

Master’s degree in education, literacy, or reading and a minimum of five (5) years of experience as a classroom teacher, reading specialist, or literacy coach. (Required)Doctoral degree in Education, Reading, Literacy, Curriculum & Instruction, or a related field. LETRS certification or advanced training in structured literacy or Science of Reading methodologies. (Preferred) LEAs Bilingual (Spanish) preferred. Demonstrated expertise in structured literacy, evidence-based literacy instruction, and the Science of Reading, with the ability to provide leadership, consultation, and professional development to faculty, mentor teachers, and educational partners.

Job Knowledge

The position requires demonstrated expertise in structured literacy and evidence-based literacy instruction aligned to the Science of Reading, including a strong understanding of reading processes, literacy assessment, and adult learning. The coordinator must be able to lead structured literacy implementation through consultation and coaching for EPP faculty, mentor teachers, and education partners; collaborate effectively with higher education faculty and state agencies to support program requirements; facilitate professional development; manage complex, multi-partner projects and stakeholder coordination; and manage/analyze data to produce compliance- and performance-related documentation. Familiarity with educator preparation, observation/clinical placement processes, and accreditation/state compliance expectations is preferred.

Working Conditions/ Physical Demands (With or Without Accommodations)

Normal office environment; some travel within the community when needed. May be required to transport normal office equipment and materials. Ability to communicate effectively with a diverse population and sustain long periods of time working at a desk or in meetings.

Other Requirements

a. Requires a valid driver’s license.

b. Required to complete Defensive Driving Course within 6 months. (If applicable to the role)

Location

Silver City-On Campus

Salary Range

Salary Range $59,947

Advertising Summary

Supplemental Questions

• * What is the highest level of education attained?
  • GED
  • High School Diploma
  • Associates Degree
  • Bachelors Degree
  • Masters Degree
  • PHD
• * Do you have a minimum of five (5) years of experience as a classroom teacher, reading specialist, or literacy coach?
  • Yes
  • No