Director of Literacy

Leads implementation of literacy vision outlined in the district's Blueprint for Success. Crafts ongoing district literacy strategy to ensure students have the tools to think deeply, analyze critically, and express themselves powerfully. Coordinates with internal and external partners and engages with families and communities to ensure district literacy strategy reaches well beyond the school building. Provides district-wide leadership in K-12 in the English/language arts and literacy, including supervision and coordination of district English/language arts curriculum, assessment, instruction, and professional development. Pursues and manages grants in support of English/language arts and literacy initiatives. Provides support to City Schools senior leadership, principals, and educators in the areas of English/language arts and literacy.

Essential Functions

• Oversees implementation of relevant content curriculum and assessment, K-12.
• Sets and implements the vision and mission of City Schools Literacy department aligned to local, state, and federal policies.
• Oversees the coordination and implementation of relevant standards, including the Maryland College and Career-Ready Standards for English/Language Arts.
• Develops and delivers ongoing professional learning around best practices in teaching and learning for district staff, school leaders, and teachers.
• Coordinates with external partners and agencies to increase student literacy achievement.
• Works with external partners and city agencies to foster a culture emphasizing literacy as the backbone for student achievement and agency.
• Uses data collected to support the needs of school leaders and teachers strategically.
• Develops and provides appropriate guidance for school leaders on current best practices.
• Leads the selection and/or development of English/language arts curriculum and assessments.
• Works collaboratively with a highly motivated team from multiple offices to advance teaching and learning in the district.
• Employs continuous improvement tools to study, monitor, and adjust literacy strategy and implementation.
• Provides leadership in setting district priorities and policies for educational and personnel issues related to relevant content areas.
• Provides leadership in developing and improving existing programs.
• Keeps the Executive Director of Teaching and Learning abreast of all matters related to English/language arts and literacy.
• Represents City Schools in local, state, and national dialogues.
• Identifies, secures, and manages grants and partnerships to support and further district initiatives.
• Oversees the evaluation and selection process for instructional materials for English/language arts, literacy, and related areas.
• Provides professional development activities and technical assistance to content liaisons and other support staff.
• Provides assigned staff with appropriate supervision, mentoring, and professional growth and development opportunities.
• Performs and promotes all activities in compliance with equal employment and nondiscrimination policies; follows federal laws, state laws, school board policies, and professional standards.
• Designs and implements a strategic plan aligned to the implementation of MSDE PK-3 Literacy policy and other state policies related to Literacy.
• Implements and monitors City Schools Literacy Plan.
• Manages a team by providing supervision and coaching aligned with the City Schools Leadership framework.

Desired Qualifications

• Master's degree in education or related field from an accredited college or university.
• Maryland State Department of Education Advanced Professional Certificate with Administrator I endorsement.
• At least four years of teaching experience in English/language arts.
• At least three years' experience developing and delivering professional development to teachers; district-level experience and urban experience preferred.
• Extensive knowledge of the Maryland College and Career-Ready Standards for Literacy.
• Development of curriculum, assessments, and professional development for literacy.
• Knowledge and experience in K-12 English/language arts curriculum development.
• Knowledge of effective student, school, and district assessment tools.
• Knowledge of national trends, research, and best practices in English/language arts and literacy.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including ability to make effective presentations.
• Effective interpersonal, coaching, and organizational skills.
• Demonstrated ability to supervise and evaluate staff in an educational setting.
• A commitment to educational equity.
• Ability to manage multiple long and short-term projects and tasks.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships.
• Ability to facilitate positive communication and coordination of program activities with teachers, administrators, and staff.
• Effective and experienced facilitator of professional development.
• Ability to analyze and interpret data and prepare reports.
• Ability to prepare and deliver effective presentations.
• Proficient in computer applications, including Microsoft and Google Suites.

Additional Details

Qualified candidates for the above position must submit the following:

• Completed online application
• Resume that clearly demonstrates the above minimum qualifications. It is important that you include all experiences and education related to the position to which you are applying.
• Upload copies of all transcripts -undergraduate, graduate and all MSDE Certifications
• Must provide three (3) professional references to include: name, title, business address, e-mail address and phone number
• All documentation/certification necessary (scanned copies accepted) to substantiate minimum qualifications; must be uploaded into application

Benefits - This position is eligible for benefits. To review the available options please see the information relevant to the union for this position by viewing the following link: http://www.baltimorecityschools.org