The Opportunity
The Diocese of Bridgeport Catholic Schools seeks an accomplished elementary literacy educator to serve as an Elementary Literacy Coach with the Gillis Literacy Center.
The Gillis Literacy Center is a five-year initiative designed to strengthen literacy instruction and student achievement across five pilot schools: Kolbe Cathedral Preparatory School and the four Catholic Academy of Bridgeport campuses. The initiative brings together evidence-based instruction, professional learning, targeted intervention, data-driven decision-making, and dedicated literacy centers to build a sustainable PreK-12 approach to reading and writing.
The Elementary Literacy Coach will work directly with PreK-8 teachers and school leaders to improve literacy instruction, strengthen classroom practice, and build teachers' capacity to meet the needs of all readers.
The role combines classroom-based coaching, modeling, observation, feedback, professional learning, and data analysis. The successful candidate will serve as a literacy content expert while helping teachers translate evidence-based reading research and student performance data into stronger daily instruction.
Position Scope
The Elementary Literacy Coach has five central responsibilities:
1. Provide individualized, classroom-based literacy coaching to teachers.
2. Strengthen implementation of evidence-based reading and writing instruction.
3. Use student assessment data to improve instructional decision-making.
4. Support school-wide literacy goals and continuous instructional improvement.
5. Build teacher capacity through professional learning, modeling, feedback, and collaboration.
The role requires an educator who is credible in the classroom, skilled at developing other teachers, and able to translate literacy research and student data into practical instructional improvement.
Key ResponsibilitiesLiteracy Coaching and Instructional Support
· Serve as a school-based literacy content expert for teachers and instructional leaders.
· Provide individualized, classroom-based coaching through collaborative planning, model lessons, classroom observations, feedback, and implementation support.
· Support teachers in preparing and delivering high-quality reading and writing instruction.
· Model exemplar lessons and effective instructional practices.
· Observe classroom instruction and provide timely, specific, and actionable feedback.
· Collaboratively develop instructional improvement plans with teachers based on student needs, classroom observations, and identified goals.
· Strengthen teachers' ability to engage students as active participants in their learning.
· Support implementation of approved literacy curricula and evidence-based instructional practices.
Evidence-Based Literacy Instruction
· Support teachers in applying the Science of Reading and evidence-based approaches to literacy development.
· Provide expertise in reading, writing, foundational literacy skills, and developmental reading acquisition.
· Help teachers understand how children learn to read and how instruction should respond when students struggle.
· Promote consistent and effective instructional practices across classrooms and grade levels.
· Support teachers in adapting instruction while maintaining fidelity to approved curricula and instructional expectations.
Data, Assessment, and Instructional Improvement
· Guide teachers in collecting, analyzing, and interpreting student literacy data.
· Help teachers translate assessment findings into specific instructional actions.
· Participate in school assessment procedures, including training, administration, data collection, and analysis.
· Support teachers in adjusting instruction based on student performance and progress.
· Participate in school-based data meetings and instructional planning.
· Collaborate with teachers and administrators to identify students requiring additional instructional support or intervention.
· Monitor student progress and instructional trends to identify areas for continued improvement.
School-Wide Literacy Improvement
· Partner with school administrators and the Executive Director to establish and advance school-wide literacy goals.
· Support development and implementation of school-wide literacy improvement plans.
· Help promote consistent instructional expectations within the school.
· Identify instructional strengths, gaps, and opportunities for improvement through classroom observation and student performance data.
· Collaborate with other Gillis Literacy Center coaches and instructional staff to strengthen practice across participating schools.
Professional Learning and Capacity Building
· Participate fully in Gillis Literacy Center and school-based professional development.
· Help design and facilitate professional learning based on teacher needs and student performance.
· Create or support instructional resources, model lessons, and coaching tools.
· Foster reflective practice, collaboration, and continuous professional growth among teachers.
· Support teachers in strengthening communication with parents and families regarding literacy development.
· Participate in Center-wide coaching meetings, calibration activities, and professional learning communities.
Program Collaboration
· Collaborate with the Executive Director to implement the Gillis Literacy Center's instructional priorities.
· Maintain appropriate records of coaching activities, teacher support, and instructional progress.
· Contribute information and data needed to assess program implementation and instructional impact.
· Participate in cross-school planning and collaboration as assigned.
· Represent the Gillis Literacy Center in school-based meetings and instructional discussions as appropriate.
Candidate Profile
The successful candidate will be an accomplished elementary educator with demonstrated success improving literacy outcomes and supporting the professional growth of other teachers.
This individual will bring:
· Strong credibility with classroom teachers and school leaders.
· Deep knowledge of literacy development and evidence-based reading instruction.
· Demonstrated ability to improve instructional practice through coaching, modeling, and feedback.
· Strong communication, facilitation, and relationship-building skills.
· The ability to use data as a practical tool for improving instruction.
· Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple coaching relationships and priorities.
· A collaborative approach focused on continuous improvement and student achievement.
· A commitment to the academic, moral, and faith-based mission of the Diocese of Bridgeport Catholic Schools.
Required Qualifications
· At least five years of successful elementary classroom teaching experience.
· Demonstrated success working with struggling readers.
· Deep knowledge of reading, writing, literacy development, and how children learn to read.
· Strong knowledge of evidence-based literacy instruction and the Science of Reading.
· Experience implementing high-quality reading curriculum.
· Experience using literacy assessment data to guide instruction.
· Experience providing or supporting classroom-based coaching, mentoring, professional development, or instructional leadership.
· Strong presentation and facilitation skills.
· Excellent communication, collaboration, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills.
· Ability to provide constructive feedback and instructional guidance to teachers and administrators.
· Strong organizational skills.
· Ability to travel among participating schools as needed.
Preferred Qualifications
· Experience serving as a literacy coach, reading specialist, interventionist, or instructional leader.
· Experience with structured literacy practices and evidence-based foundational reading instruction.
· Familiarity with literacy screening, diagnostic assessment, and progress-monitoring systems.
· Experience participating in or supporting an MTSS or SRBI framework.
· Connecticut literacy-related certification or advanced training in reading instruction.
· Experience working in Catholic, faith-based, urban, or mission-driven schools.
Pay: $1.00 - $2.00 per year
Benefits:
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
Experience:
- elementary classroom teaching: 5 years (Required)
Work Location: In person
