Reading & Math Academy Specialist

Position Overview:

The Reading Academic Specialist plays a vital role in supporting early learners’ academic success by promoting developmentally appropriate instruction, early literacy, and foundational skills. This position provides coaching, curriculum guidance, and assessment support to Pre-K through 2nd-grade teachers. The specialist works closely with educators and school leadership to ensure alignment to best practices in early childhood education and evidence-based reading instruction.

Key Responsibilities:

Instructional Support & Coaching

Provide on-site instructional coaching and modeling for Pre-K through 2nd-grade teachers.

Support the implementation of early literacy programs and structured phonics instruction.
Collaborate with teachers to develop lesson plans that reflect best practices in early childhood and reading development.
Facilitate professional learning communities and workshops to build instructional capacity in early grades.

Curriculum & Assessment

Assist in the selection and implementation of age-appropriate curricula that align with state standards and early learning guidelines.

Analyze student performance data to inform instruction and intervention planning.
Support the administration of early childhood screeners, literacy assessments, and progress monitoring tools.

Program Development & Implementation

Develop and enhance reading academy initiatives to improve early reading outcomes.

Coordinate family literacy events and parent engagement activities related to early learning.
Lead initiatives to support the transition from early childhood programs to kindergarten and early elementary.

Collaboration & Compliance

Serve as a liaison between early childhood programs and school leadership.

Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal regulations related to early childhood education.
Work collaboratively with special education and multilingual teams to support diverse learners.

Qualifications:

Required:

Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, Reading, or a related field

Valid teaching certification (EC–4, EC–6, or equivalent)
Minimum 3 years of teaching experience in early childhood or early elementary grades
Strong knowledge of early literacy instruction and child development

Preferred:

Master’s degree in Reading, Curriculum & Instruction, or Early Childhood Education

Reading Specialist certification or equivalent literacy endorsement
Experience in instructional coaching or teacher leadership
Familiarity with state Early Learning Guidelines and Reading Academies

Skills & Competencies:

Deep understanding of developmentally appropriate practices and early literacy frameworks

Strong interpersonal and communication skills
Ability to analyze data to drive instruction
Passion for early childhood education and student success

• Collaborative, reflective, and growth-oriented mindset

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from a four-year college or university.
• Valid teaching certification.
• Must meet Highly Qualified status.
• At least 3 years of teaching experience preferred.