POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT
April 9, 2025
POSITION: Early Literacy Coordinator LOCATION: Central Office
JOB SUMMARY:
The Dougherty County School System is seeking a passionate and knowledgeable Primary (K-3) Early Literacy Content Coordinator to lead the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of our early literacy curriculum. This role will be instrumental in fostering a strong foundation for reading and writing success, ensuring all students develop a lifelong love of literacy. The specialist will champion evidence-based instructional practices, integrate age-appropriate technology, and collaborate with teachers and school leaders to create engaging, student-centered learning experiences that prioritize foundational literacy skills.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education, Early Childhood Education, Reading Education, or a related field. Master's degree preferred;
- Advanced degree; credentials in instructional coaching, curriculum design, or educational leadership preferred;
- Valid Georgia teaching certification with a focus on early childhood or elementary education; Science of Reading endorsement;educational leadership certification (or eligibility for certification) preferred;
- Five (5) years of successful teaching experience in K-3 classrooms, with a demonstrated focus on literacy instruction;
- Three (3) years of experience in curriculum development, instructional coaching, or instructional support roles;
- Strong understanding of the science of reading and evidence-based literacy practices;
- Such alternatives to the above qualifications as the Superintendent and Board may find appropriate.
SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
- Deep expertise in the Georgia K-12 ELA Standards for K-3 ELA and a strong understanding of foundational literacy skills (phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension);
- Expertise in evidence-based literacy instruction, including structured literacy approaches;
- Expertise in developing foundational literacy skills, digital content creation, critical reading, and early writing strategies;
- Demonstrated ability to implement and model effective phonics instruction, vocabulary development, and comprehension strategies;
- Ability to analyze and interpret student data to identify trends and inform instructional decisions;
- Ability to integrate age-appropriate technology to enhance literacy instruction and engagement;
- Experience in selecting and implementing high-quality, age-appropriate literacy resources and materials;
- Strong leadership, coaching, and mentorship skills with the ability to build capacity among teachers and school-based instructional support staff;
- Effective collaboration skills to work cross-functionally with teachers, school administrators, instructional coaches, and district instructional support staff to enhance literacy instruction;
- Experience designing and delivering impactful professional development in instructional strategies, technology integration, and student engagement with an emphasis on literacy;
- Exceptional communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills;
- Commitment to equitable curriculum development and instructional support.
PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES:
Curriculum Development & Instructional Leadership
- Develop and refine a comprehensive K-3 literacy curriculum aligned with Georgia K-12 ELA Standards and grounded in the science of reading;
- Create and update curriculum maps, pacing guides, and instructional resources that prioritize foundational literacy skills;
- Model and support the implementation of evidence-based literacy practices in K-3 classrooms;
- Ensure curriculum incorporates diverse texts, critical literacy skills, and real-world applications to engage young learners.
Professional Learning & Teacher Support
- Design and deliver targeted professional development focused on early literacy instruction, phonics, and the science of reading;
- Provide job-embedded coaching and mentoring to K-3 teachers, focusing on effective literacy strategies;
- Support teachers in analyzing student achievement data to adjust instruction;
- Support teachers in differentiating instruction to meet the needs of diverse learners, including gifted, ESOL, and special education students;
- Mentor and support new K-3 teachers through orientation, coaching, and professional development on best practices in literacy instruction.
Assessment & Data-Informed Decision-Making
- Assist in the development, administration, and analysis of literacy assessments to monitor student progress;
- Support schools in using assessment data to inform personalized instruction, intervention, and enrichment strategies;
- Collaborate with district and school leaders to monitor literacy achievement trends and make recommendations for curriculum improvements.
Collaboration & Stakeholder Engagement
- Partner with principals, instructional coaches, and K-3 teachers to ensure high-quality literacy instruction;
- Partner with principals, instructional coaches, and K-3 teachers to provide high-quality literacy professional learning opportunities;
- Serve as a resource for K-3 literacy initiatives and best practices;
- Promote family engagement in early literacy development;
- Promote interdisciplinary connections that enhance language and literacy development.
Innovation & Future-Ready Instruction
- Stay abreast of current research and best practices in early literacy instruction;
- Explore and integrate age-appropriate technology to enhance literacy learning;
- Advocate for resources, and materials that support early literacy development;
- Develop and manage budgetary requests and recommendations for K-3 literacy curriculum resources and professional learning initiatives.
Other Duties
Perform other duties as assigned by the appropriate supervisor(s)
WORK ENVIRONMENT/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
- Occasional bending, lifting, pushing, pulling, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, repetitive fine motor activities, prolonged period of standing, walking and sitting is expected;
- Vision, hearing and verbal communications are essential functions of this position;
- Must meet deadlines with severe time constraints;
- Occasionally the position requires the employee to work irregular or extended hours and meet multiple demands from several people;
- Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
REPORTS TO: Director of Curriculum and Instruction
SALARY RANGE: 11 Month Contract. Competitive salary and excellent benefits package, in accordance with the DCSS Compensation Guide
APPLICATION DEADLINE: Applications will be reviewed upon submission. To ensure consideration, please submit all required application materials by April 22, 2025.
INTERESTED APPLICANTS SHOULD APPLY ONLINE.
THE DOUGHERTY COUNTY SCHOOL SYSTEM DOES NOT DISCRIMINATE ON THE BASIS OF RACE, COLOR, RELIGION, AGE, SEX, NATIONAL ORIGIN, OR DISABILITY.
The System reserves the right to waive any qualifications or other provisions of this advertisement by statute or regulations.
Dougherty County School System uses Frontline Education to manage employment applications online.
About Us:
The Dougherty County School System is a leading catalyst and advocate for public education in Southwest Georgia. It's the largest school system in the second congressional district. The school district has 21 schools (13 elementary, 4 middle, 3 high schools, and 1 alternative middle/high school), 3 learning centers, and the Commodore Conyers College & Career Academy. All schools are accredited by Cognia. The DCSS offers a competitive salary and benefits package.
Dougherty County is recognized for its quail and duck hunting, fishing, the Flint River, and many cypress swamps. The County has a population of approximately 90,000. Our County has two institutions of higher education, Albany State University and Albany Technical College. Notable points of interest include the Albany Museum of Art, the Flint RiverQuarium, the Albany Civil Rights Institute, the Parks at Chehaw, Radium Springs Gardens, and Thronateeska Heritage Center, which includes the Museum of History, Wetherbee Planetarium, and the Science Discovery Center. Dougherty County is a short drive to Atlanta, the Georgia coast, as well as the Florida Gulf Coast beaches.
Important Note:
This document provides descriptive information about the above Dougherty County School System position. Work actually performed by incumbents in this position may vary. Although this document may be used for recruiting, staffing, or career planning, the information contained herein should only be used as a guideline or recommendation for the content of and qualifications for this position. The Dougherty County School System reserves the right to make changes to this document as deemed necessary without providing advance written notice.