Reading Teacher Coach Specialist (Full-time)

University of Nebraska–Lincoln; Nebraska; Hybrid; USD 55,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Nebraska–Lincoln is seeking a full-time Reading Teacher Coach Specialist to support the WORDS project, providing professional development and on-site coaching to rural Nebraska schools to help all students achieve reading success through high‑quality, evidence‑based instruction.

The role includes observing reading instruction, delivering training, supporting on-site implementation, maintaining the WORDS Resource Library, and collaborating with the WORDS leadership to align

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in education, psychology, child development or related field plus at least three (3) years’ experience working in a school district and/or working with educators and families on reading development.
• Must possess independent problem‑solving skills and excellent communication and customer/client service skills.
• Must be detail-oriented and highly organized.
• Must have the ability to: use word-processing, database, and presentation software; work independently and collaboratively in a team environment; and keep accurate records.
• Possess knowledge of Nebraska school systems.
• Must have a valid driver’s license and meet University driver eligibility requirements.

Responsibilities

• Serve as an active member of the WORDS project
• Conduct reading observations and evaluate reading instruction in schools across the state
• Provide consultation, training, and on-site implementation support services to school districts
• Provide reading professional development opportunities for school district and ESU staff and community professionals
• Work in close collaboration with the Reading Teacher Coach Lead to ensure all WORDS activities align with broader WORDS project goals
• Work in close collaboration with WORDS Reading Teacher Coach Lead to tailor training and supports to individual school needs
• Maintain the WORDS Resource Library with current publications related to the field of continuous improvement.
• Stay informed of evidence-based instructional materials, strategies, interventions, assessments, and technology for improved reading outcomes for ALL students.
• Be aware of new research and best practices around reading within Multi-tiered Systems of Support
• Maintain a database of all contacts and training and supports provided
• Contribute to the enhancement of the WORDS Website
• Participate in ongoing professional learning opportunities at the state and national level.
• Work involves travel to schools, but some work can be done remotely and through virtual conferencing.

Skills

Communication skills

Independent problem solving

Detail oriented

Organization

Driver's license

Nebraska school systems knowledge

Teamwork

Education

Bachelor's degree in education/psychology/child development

Tools

Word processing

Database software

Presentation software

Job description

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Employment Website

Reading Teacher Coach Specialist (Full-time)

Please see Special Instructions for more details.

Position Information

Working Title

Working Title Reading Teacher Coach Specialist (Full-time)

Department

Department NE Ctr Research on Youth, Fam & School-4425

Requisition Number

Requisition Number S_260598

Posting Open Date

Posting Open Date 07/29/2026

Application Review Date: (To ensure consideration, please submit all application materials before review date)

Application Review Date: (To ensure consideration, please submit all application materials before review date) 08/06/2026

Posting Close Date

Open Until Filled Yes

Description of Work

The Nebraska Center for Research on Children, Youth, Families and Schools is seeking a full‑time Reading Teacher Coach Specialist for work on the Nebraska Workshops on Reading Development Strategies ( WORDS ) Project, a program funded by the Nebraska Department of Education and Institute of Education Sciences that aims to provide rural schools with professional development and support to prepare all students for reading success by systematically delivering high‑quality instruction tailored to meet their needs.

Responsibilities include:

• Serve as an active member of the WORDS project
• Conduct reading observations and evaluate reading instruction in schools across the state
• Provide consultation, training, and on‑site implementation support services to school districts
• Provide reading professional development opportunities for school district and ESU staff and community professionals
• Work in close collaboration with the Reading Teacher Coach Lead to ensure all WORDS activities align with broader WORDS project goals
• Work in close collaboration with WORDS Reading Teacher Coach Lead to tailor training and supports to individual school needs
• Maintain the WORDS Resource Library with current publications related to the field of continuous improvement.
• Stay informed of evidence-based instructional materials, strategies, interventions, assessments, and technology for improved reading outcomes for ALL students.
• Be aware of new research and best practices around reading within Multi-tiered Systems of Support
• Maintain a database of all contacts and training and supports provided
• Contribute to the enhancement of the WORDS Website
• Participate in ongoing professional learning opportunities at the state and national level.
• Work involves travel to schools, but some work can be done remotely and through virtual conferencing.

About Us The College of Education and Human Sciences strives to be a vibrant, welcoming, and caring community driven by our mission to enhance the lives of individuals, families, schools, and communities, and strengthening the relationships among them.

At the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, we’re proud to be consistently recognized by Forbes as a top employer and recently earned the Lincoln Family Friendly Workplace certification. We are known for our welcoming, supportive environment, commitment to professional growth, and outstanding benefits. UNL isn’t just a workplace; it’s a place to build your career and make a meaningful impact in Nebraska.

When you join our team as a full‑time, regular staff member, you’ll enjoy:

• Generous paid time off including vacation, sick leave, parental leave, and holidays
• Comprehensive insurance options including medical, dental, vision, and life coverage
• Employee and dependent scholarship programs to pursue higher education
• Robust retirement plans with university match

The University of Nebraska does not discriminate based on race, color, ethnicity, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, and/or political affiliation in its programs, activities, or employment. See https://go.unl.edu/nondiscrimination

Minimum Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in education, psychology, child development or related field plus at least three (3) years’ experience working in a school district and/or working with educators and families on reading development.
• Must possess independent problem‑solving skills and excellent communication and customer/client service skills.
• Must be detail-oriented and highly organized.
• Must have the ability to: use word-processing, database, and presentation software; work independently and collaboratively in a team environment; and keep accurate records.
• Possess knowledge of Nebraska school systems.
• Must have a valid driver’s license and meet University driver eligibility requirements.

Preferred Qualifications

• 5-10 years of experience teaching reading in grades K-3 preferred but not required.

Pre-Placement Driving Record Review Required

Pre-Placement Driving Record Review Required Yes

Physical Required

Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) required. Subject to DOT approved pre‑employment & random testing for alcohol and controlled substances.

Criminal History Background Check Required

Criminal History Background Check Required Yes

Job Category (old): Managerial/Professional

Job Type: Full-Time

Alternate Work Schedule (if other than 8-5):

Work Location (City, State): Lincoln, NE

Position funded by grant or other form of temporary funding?: Yes

If Temporary, indicate end date

Planned Hire Date:

Appointment End Date

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).