Position Summary
The Reading Coach is responsible for improving literacy achievement among students participating in the Norwalk Housing Authority's After School Programs. The Reading Coach provides targeted literacy instruction, supports the professional growth of after-school staff through coaching and modeling, collaborates with Norwalk Public Schools, and partners with families to promote reading success.
The Reading Coach is a certified Connecticut teacher who serves as an instructional leader by implementing evidence-based literacy practices that support student growth while strengthening instructional quality across the program.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Student Instruction
1. Provide high-quality, evidence-based literacy instruction aligned with individual student learning needs.
2. Develop and implement short-term intervention plans designed to improve student reading performance.
3. Assess student progress regularly and maintain written documentation of student growth.
4. Deliver instruction through:
a. One-on-one interventions
b. Small group instruction
c. Whole-group literacy lessons
5. Collaborate with Lead Coordinators to ensure instructional strategies complement each student's educational goals.
6. Support classroom instruction without replacing the instructional responsibilities of the Lead Coordinator.
Staff Coaching and Professional Development
7. Coach and mentor after-school instructional staff in effective literacy strategies.
8. Model effective reading lessons and instructional techniques.
9. Share current research and best practices in literacy instruction.
10. Facilitate professional learning sessions, study groups, and collaborative planning meetings.
11. Assist staff in developing and implementing individualized student improvement plans.
12. Review student work with staff to identify instructional strengths, learning gaps, and appropriate interventions.
13. Promote a collaborative learning culture focused on continuous improvement.
Family Engagement
1. Communicate regularly with parents and guardians regarding student literacy progress.
2. Provide resources and strategies families can use to support reading at home.
3. Plan and conduct literacy workshops for parents and caregivers.
4. Encourage family involvement in reading initiatives and literacy events.
Program Support
1. Participate in program evaluation and continuous improvement efforts.
2. Assist with assessment and reporting requirements associated with grant-funded programming.
3. Participate in school, district, and community improvement initiatives as appropriate.
4. Remain current on literacy research, instructional methodologies, and educational best practices.
5. Recommend age-appropriate children's literature and instructional resources.
6. Assist in developing seasonal and summer reading lists and literacy enrichment activities.
7. Perform other duties as assigned that support the goals of the After School Program.
Minimum Qualifications
1. Valid Connecticut Teaching Certification.
2. Bachelor's degree in Education or related field required.
3. Reading Consultant certification or specialized literacy training preferred.
4. Experience teaching elementary and/or middle school students.
5. Experience providing reading intervention and literacy instruction.
6. Experience coaching or mentoring instructional staff preferred.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
1. Thorough knowledge of literacy development and reading instruction.
2. Knowledge of current educational research and evidence-based instructional practices.
3. Ability to analyze student assessment data and use it to guide instruction.
4. Strong instructional coaching and mentoring skills.
5. Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
6. Ability to build positive relationships with students, staff, parents, and school personnel.
7. Strong classroom management and organizational skills.
8. Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.
9. Demonstrated cultural competency and commitment to serving diverse student populations.
10. Ability to maintain confidentiality of student information.
Working Relationships
The Reading Coach works collaboratively with:
1. Literacy Coordinator
2. Lead Coordinators
3. After School Staff
4. Norwalk Public Schools teachers and administrators
5. Parents and Guardians
6. Community partners supporting literacy initiatives
7.
Physical Requirements
1. Ability to move throughout program sites.
2. Ability to supervise students during instructional activities.
3. Ability to use computers and instructional technology for lesson planning, assessment, and communication.
Performance Expectations
1. Successful performance in this position includes:
2. Demonstrated student literacy growth.
3. Effective collaboration with program staff.
4. High-quality instructional coaching.
5. Positive family engagement.
6. Accurate and timely documentation of student progress.
7. Active participation in professional development and program improvement initiatives.
Pay: $29.99 - $30.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Employee assistance program
- Paid time off
- Tuition reimbursement
Work Location: In person
