BARNWELL COUNTY CONSOLIDATED SCHOOL DISTRICT 

District Position Description

Position Title:     Reading Coach

Department:       Instruction

Reports To:         Principal

FLSA Status:       Exempt

GENERAL SUMMARY:

To be a stable resource for providing job-embedded professional development in schools in order to generate improvement in reading and literacy instruction and student achievement. The reading coach shall support and provide initial and ongoing professional development to teachers as needed. Reports to the Principal.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Other duties may be assigned.

• Works effectively with adults and motivates them to change practices.
• Assists all content and related arts teachers to become successful classroom teachers.
• Assists with increasing student achievement in reading.
• Has a knowledge of evidence- based reading research, quality reading instruction, and a depth of content knowledge.
• Ability to integrate reading strategies into other content areas.
• Has a knowledge of data analysis to inform instruction.
• Has excellent communication, presentation, interpersonal, and time management skills.
• Train teachers in administering assessments and how to plan instruction according to needs (differentiated instruction, small groups, 1:1).
• Participate in the SCDE SC Reading Coach Institute (Reading Coach Professional Development Series) or an SCDE- approved alternative coach program. See requirements for SCDE-approved coach programs in section VI. During the series, participants will (but are not limited to) or attend all monthly sessions; or attend all virtual meeting/training sessions;
• Meet monthly with administration to discuss progress (review data), issues, and concerns.
• Assist with the development of the school’s Reading Plan.
• Model effective instructional strategies for teachers by working weekly with students in whole/small groups or individually. (Reading Coaches will use the teacher’s students he or she is working with to model these strategies.)
• Facilitate study groups.
• Train teachers in data analysis and the use of data to differentiate instruction.
• Coach and mentor colleagues.
• Provide daily support to classroom teachers.
• Work with teachers to ensure that research-based reading strategies are implemented with fidelity.
• Help lead and support reading leadership teams at his or her school.
• Work with all teachers (content teachers and elective areas) in the school he or she serves, prioritizing time for those teachers, activities, and roles that will have the greatest impact on student achievement, namely coaching and mentoring in classrooms.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

None.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.  The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:

Holds a Bachelor’s degree or higher and an add-on endorsement for literacy coach or literacy specialist; or holds a Bachelor’s degree or higher and is actively pursuing the literacy coach or literacy specialist endorsement by attending the SCDE Read to Succeed Coach Training or an alternative coach program that has been approved by the SCDE; or holds a Master’s degree or higher in reading or a closely-related field and is actively pursuing the literacy coach or literacy specialist endorsement by attending the SCDE Read to Succeed Coach Training or an alternative coach program that has been approved by the SCDE.

KNOWLEDGE:

Knowledge in the development, planning, organization, implementation and management of instructional programs and practices designed to meet educational objectives and requirements.  Knowledge of the standards, regulations, and laws relating to educational activities. Strong knowledge of word processing, e-mail, spreadsheets, electronic file management, the internet, and reporting and presentation software. Knows how to keep abreast of changes in policy, standards, procedures, and regulations pertinent to the school. Has the ability to plan, organize, and plan daily assignments and tasks. Has considerable knowledge of the functions and interrelationships of the district.

SKILLS and ABILITIES:

Advanced management, organizational, human relations, communications and interpersonal skills.  Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with school and District staff.  Ability to use and effectively apply independent judgment and discretion and given broad autonomy in planning professional development for teachers.  Ability to instruct others through explanation, demonstration and supervised practice, and/or make recommendations on the basis of technical disciplines.  Ability to plan, prepare and monitor instruction from planned professional development.  Ability to complete, process, and maintain all required records, reports, and other information.  Ability to develop and maintain effective communications with school and District employees, immediate supervisor and students.  Ability to create electronic reports and presentations, use the internet efficiently, communicate electronically via e-mail, and manage electronic data and files in an organized manner. Ability to operate general office equipment such as a computer, calculator, copier, etc.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

School environment with some limited exposure to environmental conditions.  Requires ability to work under a degree of stress related to duties that require considerable attention and working with students.  Physical demands are restricted to school activities requiring the movement/lifting items weighing up to ten pounds.  Occasional local travel required; occasional overnight travel required.

TERM OF EMPLOYMENT: 

 The terms of employment detailed in this job description are based on full time employment during an entire school year.  Conditions of employment are adjusted for part time employees or individuals who are hired for less than an entire school year.

EVALUATION: 

Performance of this job will be evaluated annually according to Board Policy.

DISCLAIMER STATEMENT:

The information contained in this job-description is for compliance with the American with Disabilities Act (A.D.A.) and is not an exhaustive list of the duties performed for this position.  Additional duties are performed by the individuals currently holding this position and additional duties may be assigned.