Structured Literacy Implementation Coach

State of Colorado; Colorado; Remote; USD 50,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a forward-thinking organization dedicated to transforming literacy outcomes for students across Colorado. This role as a Structured Literacy Coach offers the chance to make a significant impact in early literacy education. You will work closely with educators, providing essential coaching and support while collaborating with a passionate team. With a commitment to equity and inclusion, this position allows you to contribute to meaningful change in the lives of at-risk students. Embrace the opportunity to work in a flexible and supportive environment that values your expertise and dedication to education.

Benefits

Flexible work schedules

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Employer paid short-term disability

Paid Family Medical Leave

Paid holidays

Competitive vacation and sick leave

Retirement plan

Paid professional development

Employer paid RTD Eco Pass

Qualifications

• Master's degree required in reading, education, or related field.
• Two years' experience as a literacy coach or similar role.

Responsibilities

• Provide training and coaching support to schools in literacy.
• Collaborate with educators to enhance literacy instruction.
• Collect and analyze data to improve student outcomes.

Skills

Structured Literacy

Coaching

Data Analysis

Communication

Instructional Leadership

Education

Master's degree in Reading or Education

Job description

This position is not part of the classified personnel system, applications will be accepted from Residents and Non-Residents of Colorado.

Incumbent will be required to complete work for CDE within Colorado.

This announcement may be used to fill multiple positions.

Colorado Department of Education – What We Do

The Colorado Department of Education (CDE) provides leadership, resources, support, and accountability to the state's 178 school districts, 1,888 schools, over 53,000 teachers, and over 3,200 administrators to help them build capacity to meet the needs of the state's approximately 905,000 public school students. In addition, CDE provides structural and administrative support to the Colorado School for the Deaf and the Blind and the Charter School Institute.

As the administrative arm of the State Board of Education, CDE is responsible for implementing state and federal education laws, disbursing state and federal funds, holding schools and districts accountable for performance, licensing all educators, and providing public transparency of performance and financial data.

CDE is a values-based agency that serves students, parents, and the general public by protecting public trust through ensuring adherence to laws, strong stewardship of public funds, and accountability for student performance.

CDE strives to incorporate five core values that we uphold in our work internally and externally. If you come to CDE, be prepared to incorporate Integrity, Equity, Accountability, Trust, and commitment to Service in what you do.

Why Work For CDE

The work we do is rewarding and impacts the students, families, educators, and communities across Colorado. Our leadership also promotes a culture that puts families and self-care as a priority. Along with meaningful work and an environment that puts employees first, the state also offers rich benefits that intend to make us an Employer of Choice!

• Flexible work schedules and flexible workplace options that may include flexible working hours, working from home, working in the office, and/or a hybrid working environment.
• Premier medical, dental, vision, and dependent life insurance options. All with a generous employer contribution keeping employee costs as low as possible.
• Employer paid short-term disability and life insurance
• Up to 160 hours of Paid Family Medical Leave (PFML)
• 11 paid holidays per year
• Competitive vacation and sick leave accruals
• Retirement through the Public Employees Retirement Association (PERA) www.copera.org
• Employer paid RTD Eco Pass (certain restrictions may apply)
• Paid professional development opportunities

A wide salary range is posted for this position and any job offer is based upon a salary analysis to comply with the Colorado Equal Pay for Equal Work Act. The salary analysis considers relevant experience, education, certifications, and state seniority as compared to others doing substantially similar work. While most salary offers are made within the posted range, occasionally an offer is made below or above the posted range based upon this salary analysis.

Structured Literacy Coaches Wanted – Join Us in Transforming Student Outcomes Across Colorado!

Are you passionate about literacy and student success? Do you have training in Structured Literacy and a desire to make a meaningful impact? The Colorado Department of Education (CDE) is seeking Literacy Coaches to support local districts and elevate early literacy instruction statewide.

Why Join CDE?

This is more than a job — it's a chance to:

• Drive lasting improvements in early literacy for at-risk students.
• Coach and support educators and school leaders across Colorado.
• Collaborate with a dedicated, mission-driven team working to advance student achievement.

Whether you're already a Colorado resident or considering a move to our beautiful state, this is an opportunity to combine your skills with purpose in a place that deeply values education.

Work Environment:

This position is Full-time, Remote (Assigned service area and no assigned office space) position.

This position, which will have a remote status, will serve the East Central BOCES region. Please see the East Central Boces Region located on the map in this link. - BOCES & Districts | Colorado BOCES Association

Based on the length of the project, this position will last between three to five years.

• Office hours are typically Mon-Fri, 8 am-5 pm
• Business needs may require extended hours during the evening or the weekend
• 90% Travel required within the State of Colorado. This position will travel four to five times a week within assigned school districts that may be up to 80 miles apart from one another.
• A Remote (Home) office is required
• Essential Functions (ADAAA)
• LIGHT/Office environment:
  • Required to sit, view a computer screen, and utilize a keyboard and mouse for extended periods of time
  • May be required to lift and move up to 10 lbs of force frequently or 20 lbs occasionally
  • Required lifting, bending, stooping, pushing, walking, etc.
  • Light work usually requires walking or standing to a significant degree
• DL Required: Required to safely operate a motor vehicle (OR State of Colorado Fleet motor vehicle/Colorado DL required) to complete travel requirements.

Position Summary:

The Structured Literacy Coach position provides direct and customized training and coaching support to schools that are participating in the ESSU's Structured Literacy Project to ensure fidelity in the implementation of project. This position will address instructional routines through coaching, instructional data collection and management, and the provision of teacher professional learning opportunities. This position will serve a specific region within the State of Colorado. The final salary is anticipated to fall within the posted salary range, however could be higher or lower depending on the knowledge, skills, abilities, and other qualifications of the preferred candidate while considering internal equity.

Major Duties and Responsibilities:

• Serves as a literacy coach in schools identified as project participants in the assigned geographical region.
• Works directly with teachers in implementing Structured Literacy routines and strategies in K-3 classrooms and small intervention and special education groups as an instructional coach.
• Works directly with instructional leadership and instructional staff to assure alignment of literacy efforts among classroom teachers and interventionists providing targeted and intensive instruction.
• Provides instructional modeling and demonstration as needed to enhance project implementation.
• Collaborates with school leadership (principal and instructional leaders) in: the implementation of instructional routines and strategies in all K-3 classrooms and small groups; the facilitation of effective data use; and the effective scheduling of literacy instruction for students at risk for reading failure.
• Participates in the development of professional learning for all K-3 teachers in project schools related to improving literacy instruction and student outcomes, including data analysis, progress monitoring, and evidence-based reading strategies.
• Participates in ongoing review of project implementation including measures of increased teacher fidelity and efficacy and increased student achievement.
• Serves as a resource for instructional materials that align with a Structured Literacy instructional approach and student need(s).
• Works directly with principals to prioritize instructional coaching for new teachers and those teachers who are less familiar with the implementation of Structured Literacy.
• Collects data necessary for Project implementation.
• Prepares accurate paperwork to document project work.
• Other related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

• Master's degree from an accredited university in reading, elementary education, special education or related field.
• Two years' experience as a literacy coach, reading specialist, reading interventionist, or instructional leader in a public, private or charter school.

QUALIFICATIONS AND CONDITIONS:

• Colorado teacher, related services, or principal licensure.
• In-depth knowledge of and experience in the implementation of evidence-based reading instruction in the primary grades.
• Familiarity with current legislation related to early literacy in Colorado including HB 12-1238 (The READ Act).
• Ability to analyze and interpret instructional and assessment data.
• Familiarity with a variety of core reading programs, evidence-based instructional strategies, and reading/literacy assessments.
• Ability to work with a diverse group of teachers, offer meaningful instructional feedback, and mentor less-experienced teachers.
• Ability to manage details, multiple tasks, and the rapid implementation of identified strategies and routines for targeted student needs.
• Willing to be autonomous in decision-making
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong attention to detail (proofing work, spelling, grammar, formatting, etc.).
• Demonstrated ability to effectively balance quality of work and productivity expectations
• Demonstrated ability to effectively collaborate with internal and external customers (e.g. school districts, other CDE units)
• Demonstrated ability to prioritize and organize work to accommodate and meet the changing needs of the department and meet deadlines
• Demonstrated ability to take initiative and exhibit a proactive approach to work
• Demonstrated ability to identify problems and recommend solutions prior to the standard being jeopardized
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, as well as, on a team

Preferred Qualifications (Preferred/Not Required):

• Currently lives in the East Central Boces Region or is willing to move to the East Central Boces Region
• Classroom teaching experience in the primary grades (K-3).
• Prior training in Structured Literacy (e.g., Orton-Gillingham, Wilson)
• Successful completion of LETRS training and LETRS TOT (Training of Trainers)
• Experience providing training and professional learning. Knowledge of adult learning theory and strategies.
• Experience using DIBELS (Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy Skills) assessment and data.

Conditions of Employment

• This position, which will have a remote status, will serve the East Central BOCES region
• Please see the East Central Boces Region located on the map in this link.BOCES & Districts | Colorado BOCES Association
• 90% Travel required within the State of Colorado. This position will travel four to five times a week within assigned school districts that may be up to 80 miles apart from one another.
• Must be willing and able to submit to the pre-screening process and pass a background check.
• Ability and willingness to independently determine, obtain means, and complete required travel (90%)
• Work extended schedule per business needs
• Report to work location per business needs
• Valid Driver's License Required: Required to safely operate a motor vehicle to complete travel requirements.
• Valid Colorado Driver's License Required: Required to safely operate a State of Colorado Fleet Motor vehicle to complete travel requirements.

Complete Applications must include

• Completed Online Application: Required - Submitted through our ATS.
• Cover Letter: Required - Attached as a separate document
• Resume: Required - Attached as a separate document
• Transcript: Required if using education to meet MQs - Attached to the online application and meeting requirements as described under "College Transcripts".

FOR CURRENT OR FORMER EMPLOYEES OF THE STATE OF COLORADO:

Per the requirements of the Step Pay Program implemented on July 1, 2024, any State employee must be paid a rate that is equal to or greater than the appropriate step pay rate within their classification’s pay range based on completed years in their current class series as of June 30. All current and former State employees must ensure that your entire work history within the State Classified System, including at Institutions of Higher Education, is indicated in your application so that your time-in-series can be calculated accurately.

Email Address: All correspondence regarding your status in the selection/examination process will be conducted via email. Include a working email address on your application; one that is checked often as time-sensitive correspondence such as exam information or notification will take place via email. Please set up your e-mail to accept messages from "state.co.us" and "[e-mail]" addresses. It is your responsibility to ensure that your email will accept these notices and/or review your junk mail and spam-filtered email.

Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) and Equal Employment Opportunity

The State of Colorado believes that equity, diversity, and inclusion drive our success, and we encourage candidates from all identities, backgrounds, and abilities to apply. The State of Colorado is an equal opportunity employer committed to building inclusive, innovative work environments with employees who reflect our communities and enthusiastically serve them. Therefore, in all aspects of the employment process, we provide employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, a medical condition related to pregnancy, creed, ancestry, national origin, marital status, genetic information, or military status (with preference given to military veterans), or any other protected status in accordance with applicable law.

The Colorado Department of Education is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, our agency will assist individuals who have a disability with any reasonable accommodation requests related to employment, including completing the application process, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, participating in the employee selection process, and/or performing essential job functions where the requested accommodation does not impose an undue hardship. If you have a disability and require reasonable accommodation to ensure you have a positive experience applying or interviewing for this position, please direct your inquiries to [e-mail].