Literacy Coach

okgov; Kansas; On-site; USD 58,000 - 78,000; Full time

Job summary

Oklahoma Department of Education is seeking a Literacy Coach to lead and support evidence-based reading instruction across multiple schools. The role emphasizes explicit, multisensory literacy strategies, alignment with state standards, and collaboration with educators and families to improve literacy outcomes.

90% field-based travel to coaching schools, with some statewide professional development and department meetings.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood, Elementary Education, Literacy, or a related field.
• Five (5) years of successful literacy instruction experience (elementary/early childhood) OR Master's degree in education and three (3) years of successful literacy instruction experience;
• Valid Oklahoma teaching certificate;
• Completion of 30+ hours of literacy training based on the science of reading (e.g., LETRS, AIM Pathways, IMSE).
• Pass the Oklahoma Foundations of Reading test within 6 months of hire date.

Responsibilities

• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions
• Knowledge & Expertise: Understanding of science of reading and multisensory, explicit instruction; identify struggling readers and tailor interventions.
• Compliance: Knowledge of Strong Reader's Act, state literacy standards, IEPs and 504 plans; collaborate with special education teams.
• Collaboration & Support: Build partnerships with schools, districts, educators, families, and communities to design literacy programs.
• Continuous Improvement: Stay informed about literacy policies, standards, and assessments and support districts.

Skills

Literacy instruction

Phonics knowledge

Explicit instruction

Intervention planning

Collaboration with schools

Assessment & data use

State literacy standards

Education

Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood/Elementary Education/Literacy

Master's degree in Education

Job description

Job Posting Title

Literacy Coach

Agency

265 DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

Supervisory Organization

Department of Education-Oliver Hodge Education Building

Job Posting End Date

Refer to the date listed at the top of this posting, if available. Continuous if date is blank.

Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the day prior to the posting end date above.

Estimated Appointment End Date (Continuous if Blank)

Full/Part-Time

Full time

Job Type

Regular

Compensation

$68,000

Job Description

POSITION OVERVIEW

A Literacy Coach serves as an instructional leader who supports effective reading development through deep knowledge of how students learn to read, including phonics, fluency, vocabulary, comprehension, writing, and language. This role leverages a multisensory, explicit, systematic, and structured approach to literacy instruction, applying research‑based methods to identify and support struggling readers through targeted intervention plans tailored to individual needs. The Literacy Coach ensures compliance with the Strong Reader's Act and related literacy legislation, and collaborates closely with special education teams to align practices with IEPs, 504 plans, and state literacy standards. By building strong partnerships with educators, administrators, families, and community organizations, the Literacy Coach helps design and implement comprehensive, evidence‑based literacy programs that promote equitable learning for all students. Additionally, this role remains current on state and national literacy policies, guiding schools and districts in continuous improvement efforts that strengthen instructional practices and advance literacy outcomes.

Please note: This role is 90% field with required travel to assigned coaching schools with occasional travel for statewide professional development and to the State Department of Education for team meetings.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions

• Knowledge & Expertise: Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of the science of how students learn to read, including, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, comprehension, writing and language; proficient in utilizing a multisensory, explicit, systematic, and structured approach to reading instruction; ability to apply research-based methods and strategies that promote effective reading development; familiarity with identifying students who are struggling with reading; knowledge of appropriate interventions, accommodations, and teaching techniques to support struggling readers; ability to develop targeted intervention plans tailored to individual student needs.
• Compliance : Understanding of the requirements and guidelines outlined in the Strong Reader's Act (or similar state legislation if applicable); knowledge of the implementation and compliance aspects related to literacy standards and assessments; familiarity with special education rules, regulations and procedures, including Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and 504 plans; ability to collaborate with special education teams to provide appropriate support and accommodations for students with reading difficulties.
• Collaboration & Support: Foster partnerships and collaboration with schools, districts, and other stakeholders to promote literacy initiatives; engage with educators, administrators, parents, and community organizations to build strong support networks for literacy development; collaborate with stakeholders to develop and implement comprehensive literacy programs aligned with state standards and research‑based best practices.
• Reading and Associated Difficulties : Proficient understanding of how students learn to read and related difficulties; knowledge of evidence‑based interventions and accommodations; ability to implement strategies that address evidence‑based instruction in reading and writing for all students, including those with reading difficulties.
• Continuous Improvement: Stay informed about state and national literacy policies, standards, and assessments. Provide guidance and support to schools and districts in aligning their literacy practices with relevant policies and standards.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood, Elementary Education, Literacy, or a related field [official transcripts required upon hire];
• Five (5) years of successful literacy instruction experience (primarily elementary/early childhood) OR Master's degree in education and three (3) years of successful literacy instruction experience;
• Valid Oklahoma teaching certificate;
• Completion of 30+ hours of literacy training based on the science of reading (e.g., LETRS, AIM Pathways, IMSE).
• Pass the Oklahoma Foundations of Reading test within 6 months of hire date.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Master's degree in Literacy, Education, or National Board Certification[official transcripts required upon hire];
• Additional endorsements or certifications such as certi