Position Title: Academic Specialist, K-12
Salary Schedule: State Plus Local Supplement
Department: Teaching & Learning
Job Code: 762136
Reports To: Executive Director of Teaching & Learning
Work Schedule: 240 days per year/8 hour per day
Grade/Level: L/S240
FLSA: Exempt
Primary Function: The Academic Specialist provides expert professional development, coaching, and on-site support to K-12 educators to enhance literacy instruction and intervention practices. This role focuses on the effective implementation of evidence-based strategies, such as the Science of Reading, early literacy development, adolescent literacy, and writing to improve student achievement. The specialist collaborates with teachers and school leaders to promote inclusive, data-driven best practices and develops educators through targeted training, collaborative problem-solving, and the design of literacy resources.
Working Conditions:
Physical Demands:
Office Environment
Dexterity of hands and fingers to operate a computer keyboard
Constant Interruptions
Hearing and speaking to exchange information
Seeing to read a variety of materials
Sitting for extended periods of time
Bending at the waist, kneeling, or crouching to file materials
Must hold or be eligible for a Georgia Level 5 certificate or higher in English/Language Arts, Early Childhood Education, or related field.
Reading Endorsement and/or Science of Reading credentialing required.
Minimum five (5) years of teaching experience in Reading and/or English/Language Arts
School leadership experience preferred
Excellent communication, organization, and interpersonal skills
Demonstrated leadership in reading instruction and reading interventions
Demonstrated experience with leading professional development and/or program implementation
Proficiency with spreadsheets and data analysis
Stay current with educational trends, research, and best practices in K-12 literacy interventions, instructional strategies, and professional learning related to the Science of Reading, early literacy legislation, and adolescent reading strategies.
Develops professional learning opportunities tailored to school staff, utilizing best practices in adult learning theory.
Analyze student data to identify trends and areas for improvement and collaborate with school teams to inform intervention efforts.
Collaborate with teachers and school leaders to identify student needs and tailor intervention strategies.
Use data to drive decisions regarding professional learning needs and K-12 intervention strategies.
Recommend, implement, and evaluate targeted academic interventions for struggling students across K-12.
Collaborate with MTSS, ESEP, ESOL, and other teams to implement reading interventions aligned with the Science of Reading and early literacy legislation.
Collaborate with the Coordinator of Academic Support and Programs to develop and deliver professional learning related to literacy intervention programs and local assessments.
Monitor student progress in intervention programs and collaborate with teachers and school leaders to adjust strategies for effectiveness.
Develop, facilitate, and deliver professional learning and coaching sessions for K-12 educators on evidence-based instructional strategies and intervention methods.
Observe, model, and provide feedback on instructional practices, ensuring alignment with the Science of Reading and evidence-based interventions.
Foster a growth mindset in educators by modeling and supporting evidence-based teaching, differentiated instruction, and inclusive practices.
Build relationships with school leaders to promote a culture of continuous improvement and data-driven decision-making.
Meet regularly with coordinators and content teams, particularly the district literacy team, to ensure alignment.
Provide regular reports on intervention and professional learning outcomes to school leaders, identifying growth areas and recommending improvements.
Assist the Assistant Director and Coordinator of Literacy in the implementation of district-wide literacy initiatives and programs.
Support the Assistant Director and Coordinator of Literacy in the development and delivery of professional learning materials and resources.
Provide logistical support for literacy-related events and meetings as directed by the Coordinator or Assistant Director.
Collect and organize data and feedback related to literacy program effectiveness for reporting
Perform other duties as assigned by the Superintendent or designee.
