Literacy Coach

Eaton RESA; Lancaster (MA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Eaton RESA seeks a Literacy Coach to partner with local districts, strengthening literacy instruction and student outcomes through sustained coaching, modeling, and data-informed decision making.

The role advances evidence-based literacy practices aligned with Michigan standards, supports MTSS, and involves collaboration with district leaders, principals, and educators to build instructional capacity.

Qualifications

• State of Michigan Elementary Teaching Certification
• Literacy Coach endorsement or related coaching credentials
• Training in the Sheltered Instruction Observation Protocol (SIOP)
• Master's degree and 5+ years supporting literacy instruction in PreK-12
• 2+ years instructional coaching or adult professional learning facilitation

Responsibilities

• Serve as primary literacy coach for assigned districts with job-embedded coaching
• Facilitate coaching cycles: observations, modeling, co-teaching, planning, feedback
• Build partnerships with teachers, principals, district leaders to improve literacy
• Support districts in implementing Michigan Literacy Essentials and evidence-based practices
• Maintain knowledge of literacy standards and MTSS implementation
• Demonstrate assessment literacy and use data to inform decisions
• Promote data-driven instructional priorities and continuous improvement
• Collaborate with districts to strengthen MTSS and targeted interventions
• Support multilingual learners with culturally responsive practices
• Communicate effectively with diverse audiences

Skills

Literacy coaching

Assessment literacy

Data analysis

Differentiated instruction

Implementation science

Project management

Time management

Cultural responsiveness

Educational equity

Adult learning facilitation

Evidence-based literacy practices

Communication

Education

Master's degree in Literacy, Reading, Curriculum & Instruction, Educational Leadership

Advanced coursework in evidence-based literacy instruction

Minimum five years supporting literacy instruction

Minimum two years coaching/leading professional learning

SIOP training

Job description

Come join our dynamic team! Our Literacy Coach role partners with our constituent local districts to strengthen literacy instruction and improve student outcomes through sustained, job-embedded coaching and implementation support. The Literacy Coach works collaboratively with district leaders, principals, instructional coaches, and educators to build instructional capacity and support the implementation of evidence-based literacy practices aligned with Michigan's Literacy Essentials, the Science of Reading, and applicable state literacy initiatives.

The Literacy Coach facilitates coaching cycles that include classroom observation, instructional modeling, co-planning, reflective conversations, and data-informed decision-making. The position supports educators and leadership teams in implementing high-quality literacy instruction, strengthening a culture for coaching, and fostering continuous improvement across school systems.

The Literacy Coach participates in state and regional professional learning networks to remain current on literacy research, implementation science, instructional coaching, and state initiatives while serving as a trusted literacy resource for local districts.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Serve as the primary literacy coach for assigned districts by providing sustained, job-embedded coaching that strengthens educator practice and district implementation of evidence-based literacy instruction.
• Facilitate coaching cycles through classroom observations, instructional modeling, co-teaching, co-planning, feedback conversations, and reflective practice.
• Build collaborative partnerships with teachers, principals, instructional leaders, and district leadership teams to improve literacy instruction and student outcomes.
• Support districts in implementing Michigan's Literacy Essentials and evidence-based literacy practices aligned with the Science of Reading.
• Maintain knowledge of evidence-based literacy practices and current Michigan literacy standards that support learners from early childhood through secondary education.
• Demonstrate assessment literacy by supporting educators in using formative, screening, diagnostic, and progress-monitoring assessments to inform instructional decisions and intervention planning.
• Promote effective use of student data to identify instructional priorities, evaluate implementation, and guide continuous improvement efforts.
• Support the implementation of Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) through evidence-based core instruction, targeted interventions, and progress monitoring.
• Understand assessment protocols, including WIDA, and support educators in implementing culturally responsive literacy practices that meet the needs of multilingual learners.
• Promote equitable literacy instruction through differentiated instructional practices that address the diverse needs of all learners.
• Support district leadership teams in developing local literacy systems that build sustainable instructional capacity beyond individual coaching engagements.
• Facilitate professional learning that is responsive to district needs and complements ongoing coaching cycles.
• Collaborate with Eaton RESA colleagues to integrate literacy support within broader school improvement, curriculum, assessment, and MTSS initiatives.
• Utilize technology to enhance coaching, collaboration, professional learning, and literacy outcomes.
• Participate in state-sponsored literacy coaching professional learning, regional networks, and professional organizations to maintain current knowledge of literacy research, coaching practices, implementation science, and state initiatives.
• Remain knowledgeable regarding current legislation, state literacy initiatives, and evidence-based instructional practices affecting literacy instruction.
• Maintain documentation and evidence of coaching activities consistent with Eaton RESA expectations and applicable state coaching requirements.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS, CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS:

Required

• State of Michigan Elementary Teaching Certification
• Literacy Coach endorsement or related coaching credentials
• Training in the Sheltered Instruction Observation Protocol (SIOP)

EDUCATION, TRAINING & EXPERIENCE:

Required

• Master's degree in Literacy, Reading, Curriculum & Instruction, Educational Leadership, or closely related field.
• Advanced coursework or professional learning in evidence-based literacy instruction and the Science of Reading.
• Minimum five (5) years of successful experience supporting literacy instruction in PreK-12 educational settings, with demonstrated expertise in evidence-based literacy practices.
• Minimum two (2) years of successful instructional coaching or facilitating adult professional learning.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Demonstrates deep understanding of Michigan's Literacy Essentials and evidence-based literacy instruction.
• Demonstrates comprehensive knowledge of the Science of Reading and current literacy research.
• Possesses expertise in instructional coaching, adult learning, and effective facilitation practices.
• Builds trusting, collaborative, and non-evaluative coaching relationships with educators and leaders.
• Uses coaching strategies that promote reflection, continuous improvement, and professional growth.
• Demonstrates strong assessment literacy and the ability to analyze multiple sources of student and implementation data.
• Supports educators in selecting and implementing differentiated instruction and evidence-based interventions.
• Understands implementation science and principles of organizational change that strengthen district capacity.
• Demonstrates strong organizational, project management, and time-management skills.
• Prioritizes multiple responsibilities while meeting deadlines and adapting to changing district needs.
• Communicates effectively through written, verbal, and presentation formats with diverse audiences.
• Collaborates effectively with internal and external partners to achieve shared goals.
• Demonstrates cultural responsiveness and a commitment to equitable educational outcomes for all learners.
• Proficient in the use of technology to support coaching, collaboration, communication, and data analysis.