State Regional Literacy Director

SRLD Position Location:  Florida Counties: Bay, Calhoun, Gulf, Holmes, Jackson, Walton, Washington, Franklin, Gadsden, Leon, Liberty, Wakulla

ORGANIZATIONAL SUMMARY:

The Institute for School-Community Partnerships, Integrative Services, and Child Mental Health and Educational Policy (ISCP), which is part of the College of Education, envisions that all schools in the state of Florida and nationally will have the capacity to provide a safe, effective, and efficient environment to continuously improve the academic, social, and emotional growth of all students and to actively engage families and communities in education. The ISCP’s nearly $23 million budget is derived from grants from federal, state, and private sources. It is the mission of the ISCP to implement and evaluate research-based and innovative practices in school and community settings. This is accomplished through (a) training, technical assistance, and support to key partners; (b) community-engaged research and program evaluation to inform key partners’ decision making; (c) the development of research and evidence-based documents, tools, and resources to support implementation and evaluation activities; and (d) supporting the infrastructure and capacity of key partners to implement and evaluate federal and state educational policy. 

POSITION SUMMARY:

SRLDs (State Regional Literacy Directors) serve in a regional capacity focused on improving implementation of reading assessments, evidence-based practices/programs, instruction and intervention as delineated in the district’s Comprehensive Evidence-Based Reading Plan and the reading portion of school improvement plans for identified schools serving K-5 students.  SRLDs build capacity in reading.

Special Requirements: 

Reading Certification or Reading Endorsement is required.

Knowledge: A thorough understanding of the following is vital:

• Science of Reading and scientific reading research and evidence-based practices for effective classroom instruction, assessment, and intervention in literacy
• Florida’s B.E.S.T. Standards for English Language Arts
• Florida’s Multi-Tiered System of Supports/Response to Intervention
• Data analysis and application

Skills: Acquisition of the following expertise is crucial:

• Explicit, systematic instructional delivery that engages adult learners
• Ability to effectively prioritize, schedule, manage, and organize multiple daily tasks to achieve goals
• Ability to administer and interpret reading assessments and use data to determine professional development needs, and recommend changes to improve school-wide and/or classroom instructional practices
• Ability to rapidly acquire and apply new skills and information
• Strong observation skills and the ability to provide effective instructional feedback
• Ability to identify problems and develop appropriate solutions
• Use effective written and oral communication skills, including the ability to engage in difficult and candid conversations with a variety of stakeholders

Attributes: The following personal qualities are essential:

• Sense of urgency for literacy achievement
• Motivating others to perform at high standards
• High degree of professionalism to ensure and protect the confidentiality of educators and students
• Strong work ethic, self-directed and reliable, and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively
• High quality interpersonal skills and the ability to relate to and interact with adults exhibiting a range of abilities and dispositions
• Persistent in spite of obstacles
• Value lifelong learning
• Belief that all students can learn to read and coaching can make a difference
• Desire to grow professionally

Responsibilities

SRLDs provide ongoing technical assistance and support to schools in order to promote effective literacy practices.

Provide initial and ongoing professional learning focused on a variety of literacy of literacy topics (e.g., Florida’s B.E.S.T. ELA standards, science of reading, evidence-based literacy practices, screening and progress monitoring to inform decision-making). SRLDs provide professional learning face-to-face and virtually.

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