Literacy Coach- Whittier Elementary

Kansas City Public Schools

K-3 Literacy Coach

Salary Range: T01 –T06

Department: School Leaders

Reports To: Building Principal

Location: Various Locations

Shift Type: Full-Time

FLSA Status: Exempt

Position Summary:

The K-3 Literacy Coach is a critical role dedicated to improving student reading achievement and ensuring all students reach on-grade-level proficiency by third grade. This position provides collegial, job-embedded support by aligning data-informed strategies with student-centered literacy instruction. Through collaboration with teachers and school leaders, the Literacy Coach engages in co-teaching, co-planning, modeling, reflective conversations, learning walks, and data deep-dives to enhance instructional capacity and student success.

*This is a grant funded position. The position will end when funding ends.

What You'll Be Doing: (Responsibilities)

Instructional Support for Teachers

• Support K-3 teachers in developing and implementing effective instructional strategies aligned with the Science of Reading.
• Regularly engage in classrooms to observe, provide feedback, and refine literacy instruction.
• Collaborate with educators to design and implement literacy programs tailored to students' needs.

Professional Development & Coaching

• Provide ongoing mentorship and professional development in literacy instruction methodologies.
• Facilitate training aligned with best practices in the Science of Reading and evidence-based literacy strategies.
• Lead data-driven discussions to inform instructional decision-making.

Data Analysis & Progress Monitoring

• Conduct literacy assessments and data-tracking to monitor student progress.
• Work with teachers and principals to utilize student achievement data effectively.
Refine instructional practices based on assessment outcomes and classroom observations.

Literacy Fellowship & Community Engagement

• Participate in a two-year literacy fellowship, gaining expertise in change management, the Science of Reading, and instructional coaching.
• Serve as a liaison with the tutoring organization contracted by the school.
• Engage families in literacy development initiatives to support student learning beyond the classroom.

To Be Successful at This Job, You'll Need To: (Minimum Qualifications)

Bring Expertise and Vision:

• Bachelor’s degree with at least 5 years of documented success in teaching reading, including a minimum of 3 years of K-3 literacy instruction.
• Valid Missouri teaching certificate or eligibility for certification .
• Training in LETRS® or other Science of Reading-related programs.
• Proficiency in analyzing and applying student achievement data for instructional purposes.

In Order to #LevelUp in This Role, You'll Need: (Preferred Qualifications)

Innovative Thinking:

• Ability to design and implement compelling, research-based literacy strategies.
• A proactive approach to problem-solving and improving student literacy outcomes.

Leadership with Impact:

• Strong communication skills and the ability to motivate others to achieve literacy goals.
• Proven ability to work collaboratively with educators, administrators, and external partners.
• Experience facilitating adult learning and delivering literacy-focused professional development.

A Growth Mindset:

• Commitment to lifelong learning and continuous professional development.
• Willingness to embrace and lead change initiatives in literacy instruction.

Benefits:

• Health and Dental Insurance are provided.
• KCPS Defined Benefit Pension plan – mandatory 9.0% contribution matched by KCPS; Voluntary retirement savings plans are also available.

Physical Demands:

This job requires that the employee be able to: sit, stand, walk, speak, hear, use hands, fingers, and reach with hands and fingers; bend, stoop, and lift objects of at least ten pounds. Job requires the employee occasionally to stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. Visual ability requires mono and color vision, close vision, distance vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

Why Join Kansas City Public Schools?

Be a Changemaker. Collaborate with Passionate Colleagues. #LevelUp the Future.