Literacy Coach

AIR’s Education Systems and Policy program area is seeking a part-time Literacy Coach. The Literacy Coach will support the Strategies to Improve Reading (STIR) partnership of the Regional Educational Laboratory (REL) Midwest. REL Midwest is part of a network of 10 regional educational laboratories funded by the Institute of Education Sciences (IES), the research arm of the U.S. Department of Education. REL Midwest is partnering with school districts in Michigan to develop, test, and refine an approach—consisting of a set of resources, tools, trainings, professional learning communities, and coaching sessions—to support educators and school leaders in integrating evidence-based strategies for K–1 literacy.

The Literacy Coach will join the STIR implementation team, facilitating coaching sessions and professional learning communities with early elementary school teachers in Michigan.

This position can be remote within the U.S. or located out of any of AIR's U.S. office locations .

About AIR:

Established in 1946, with headquarters in Arlington, Virginia, AIR is a nonpartisan, not-for-profit institution that conducts behavioral and social science research and delivers technical assistance to solve some of the most urgent challenges in the U.S. and around the world. We advance evidence in the areas of education, health, the workforce, human services, and international development to create a better, more equitable world.

AIR’s commitment to diversity goes beyond legal compliance to its full integration in our strategy, operations, and work environment. At AIR, we define diversity broadly, considering everyone’s unique life and community experiences. We believe that embracing diverse perspectives, abilities/disabilities, racial/ethnic and cultural backgrounds, styles, ages, genders, gender identities and expressions, education backgrounds, and life stories drives innovation and employee engagement. Learn more about AIR's Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Strategy and hear from our staff by clicking here .

The responsibilities for the position include:

• Provide training and technical assistance, facilitate professional learning communities, and provide coaching on early literacy for the STIR partnership with a focus on phonological awareness and phonics
• Handle multiple tasks independently and simultaneously
• Provide expertise on early literacy content area
• Provide expertise on use of data to inform instructional practice

Education, Knowledge, and Experience:

• Master’s degree with a minimum of 4 years of experience in early literacy or a Bachelor’s degree with at least 6 years of experience in experience in early literacy
• Experience working in a school and at a district level
• Extensive knowledge in areas related to early literacy education topics, including literacy teaching, learning, teacher professional development, and evidence-based practices
• Experience providing direct training and coaching support to literacy teachers and/or literacy instructional coaches
• Expertise or experience in equity and improving outcomes for racially and linguistically diverse students
• Competency in using or applying data to inform instruction or educator professional learning
• Experience working with early literacy education providers, curriculum developers, researchers, associations, or other stakeholders is preferred but not required

 Skills:

• Passionate about improving early literacy instruction and student outcomes and bringing evidence to bear on education policy, practice, and decision-making
• Excellent interpersonal skills to ensure effective communication with individuals at all levels and from diverse backgrounds
• Strong attention to detail with commitment to accuracy
• Availability and flexibility to travel to various locations in Michigan four to six times throughout the school year, as well as to Chicago for internal meetings approximately twice annually

Disclosures:

AIR requires all new hires to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or receive a legally required exemption from AIR, as a condition of employment.  AIR will ask candidates to verify their vaccination status only after a conditional offer of employment is made.  Applicants should not provide information about their vaccination status or need for exemption prior to receiving a conditional offer of employment from AIR.

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the U.S. on a full-time basis. Employment-based visa sponsorship (including H-1B sponsorship) is not available for this position. Depending on project work, qualified candidates may need to meet certain residency requirements.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without discrimination on the basis of age, race, color, religion, sex, gender, gender identity/expression, sexual orientation, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability.

AIR adheres to strict child safeguarding principles. All selected candidates will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles and will therefore undergo rigorous reference and background checks.

AIR’s Total Rewards Program , is designed to reward our staff competitively and motivate them to achieve our critical mission. This position offers an anticipated annual salary of $85,000 - $135,000. Salary offers are made based on internal equity within the institution and external equity with competitive markets. Please note this is the annual salary range for candidates that are based in the United States.