Comprehensive Literacy State Development Early Literacy Specialist, RPDC, UMKC School of Education, Social Work, and Psychological Sciences

School of Education, Social Work, and Psychological Sciences' Regional Professional Development Center (RPDC)

The RPDC Comprehensive Literacy State Development Early Literacy Specialist will support birth through 5-year-old educators in developing knowledge of and implementing evidence-based early literacy instruction. The CLSD Early Literacy Specialist will provide educators, families, and communities at CLSD selected schools and programs with support to assist in the development and implementation of effective instructional methods, assessments and/or activities related to improving and advancing early language and literacy skills. The specialists will provide job-embedded, continuous professional development to CLSD early childhood selected schools and programs through coaching cycles and professional learning aligned with evidence based early literacy instruction. The specialists will support classroom teachers on classroom implementation of the EC LETRS professional development course and/or instruction aligned with the science of reading. The specialist will coordinate with existing partnerships and/or develop new partnerships to establish sustainable family and community literacy experiences.

PURPOSE
The purpose of the CLSD Early Literacy Specialist is to provide educators, families, and communities at CLSD selected schools and programs with support to assist in the development and implementation of effective instructional methods, assessments and/or activities related to improving and advancing early language and literacy skills in birth to 5-year-olds.

EXPECTED OUTCOMES
The expected outcomes for this effort are to improve the early language and literacy development of children birth to 5 years old by improving the implementation of evidence-based early language and literacy practices and supporting the literacy learning connections through reciprocal relationships between school and home.

REPORTING REQUIREMENTS

• Report data and grant activities as required in a format and through a system designated by DESE CLSD.

OVERALL PROGRAM ACTIVITIES

The Early Literacy Specialist will:

• Participate in all grant activities with CLSD selected schools and programs.
• Participate in collaborative planning meetings with other early childhood specialists and literacy coaches within and across regions.
• Assist DESE CLSD team with the collection of data for statewide analysis and the creation of supporting resources.
• Attend and actively participate in statewide monthly resource, support, and training meetings, as designated by the DESE master calendar and direction from DESE CLSD team.
• Report data and grant activities each month or more frequently as required by DESE CLSD team.
• Support CLSD schools and programs with technical assistance and grant activities
• Assist and support CLSD early childhood selected schools and programs in improving literacy outcomes of students.
• Assist early childhood schools and programs in implementing effective, evidenced-based instructional practices and strategies.
• Establish consistent communication with designated CLSD early childhood selected school or program
• Attend regional and national conferences as requested by DESE.

TRAINING ACTIVITIES
All training activities must focus on support for Early Childhood schools and programs participating in the CLSD grant. Any other training outside of this focus must be approved by DESE CLSD 2024 Team and aligned with Missouri Read, Lead, Exceed Literacy Initiatives.

• Provide job-embedded, continuous professional development to CLSD early childhood selected schools and programs through coaching cycles aligned with evidence based early literacy instruction.
• Support classroom teachers on classroom implementation of the EC LETRS professional development course and/or instruction aligned with the science of reading.
• Provide professional development to CLSD selected schools and programs that align with CLSD Early Childhood programming.
• Coordinate with existing partnership, if applicable, to implement the following
  • Collaborate with CLSD early childhood selected schools and programs to host family literacy learning events - provide learning opportunities and build reciprocal literacy partnerships with families
  • Communicate and support specific school-to-home early language and literacy learning connections.
  • Collaborate and support, as a liaison, to establish sustainable family and community literacy partnerships for student early language and literacy learning experiences.
    

PLANNING/COMMUNICATION/COLLABORATION ACTIVITIES

• Collaborate with other initiatives and interagency work of the RPDCs and DESE to provide support CLSD selected schools and programs MEETING/CONFERENCE ACTIVITIES
• Attend and participate in monthly, multi-day meetings, and check-ins with other Early Literacy Specialists CLSD Literacy Specialists, and Consultants at the direction of the DESE CLSD team. Travel REQUIRED
• Attend and participate in any conference as requested by the DESE CLSD team. Travel REQUIRED
• CLSD Early Literacy Specialists are expected to travel within the RPDC region as needed, and travel for attendance at DESE required meetings/conferences. Some specialists will be required to travel outside of the RPDC region, as assigned.

NOTE: This position is fully externally funded.

Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and experience and at least 3 years of experience from which comparable knowledge and skills can be acquired is necessary.

SPECIALIZED CERTIFICATION

The Early Literacy Specialist must have the following certification:

• Early Childhood teaching certificate (Birth/Pre-Kindergarten - Third Grade)
• Early Childhood Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling (EC LETRS) Training [If candidate has not taken EC LETRS, this must be completed after hire date through the department's Read, Lead, Exceed Initiative.]

SPECIALIZED SKILLS

The Early Literacy Specialist will have the following skills:

• Ability to express complex ideas to a variety of audiences clearly and concisely both orally and in writing.
• Ability to manage diverse activities and meet established deadlines.
• Ability to establish and maintain rapport and effective working relationships with department staff, local school LEA personnel, families, and community programs.
• Ability to analyze complex preschool and prekindergarten educational problems and develop feasible solutions.

REQUIRED SPECIALIZED KNOWLEDGE/EXPERIENCE

The Early Literacy Specialist will have the following knowledge and/or experience:

• Understanding of significant research in the field of early childhood and early literacy education (emergent literacy) , including the relationship between family and community literacies, and the ability to apply the findings to the improvement of classroom instruction.
• Growth mindset and interest in finding supports to motivate greater learning and early literacy partnerships with students, teachers and families.
• Knowledge of the science of reading and experience in evidence-based instruction with birth - 5-year-olds (phonological awareness, phonemic awareness, oral language development, gross and fine motor skill development).
• Understanding and appreciation of various needs through urban, rural and suburban settings of children and families
• Three (3) years of classroom experience in early childhood classroom or setting (Pre-Kindergarten and/or Kindergarten experience required.)

• Master's degree or higher in education or related field. Education Specialist or PhD/EdD degree preferred.

The ideal candidate will have:

• Five (5) years' experience as a teacher and/or administrator.
• Expertise and/or significant leadership experience implementing instructional best practice resulting in improved student learning outcomes.
• Demonstrated commitment to and experience in serving students with diverse backgrounds, perspectives, goals, and abilities in alignment with the School of Education's mission, vision, values, and priorities.
• Proficiency in word processing applications (i.e., Google Docs, Moodle, BrightSpace, Microsoft Office Suite, Apple systems).
• Excellent written, verbal and organizational skills.
• Able to relate to various education skills that encompass a preK-12 school system.
• Ability to conduct regional and in-state travel (travel expenses will be reimbursed).

The anticipated hiring range for this position has been established as $58,000 to $62,00 annually.

Salary is determined by a variety of factors, including but not limited to, the individual's particular combination of education, skills, and experience, as well as organizational requirements.

Your total compensation goes beyond the number on your paycheck. The University of Missouri provides generous leave, health plans, and retirement contributions that add to your bottom line.

Grade: Salary Plan 10
University Title: SENIOR EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM COORDINATOR
To review the University of Missouri's Staff Compensation Structure you can view the Job Code detail page. Internal applicants can determine their university title by accessing the Talent Profile tile in myHR.

Application materials should include a resume and cover letter.

Applications will continue to be accepted until filled.

Kansas City offers the best of both worlds-a vibrant, urban community with Midwestern appeal. The city's rich history and its modern-day, innovative thinking come together to create an eclectic group of neighborhoods that offer a little something for everyone. From thriving arts districts, an energetic downtown nightlife, casual to upscale shopping and champion sports teams, you will have no problem making yourself at home. Of course, one of Kansas City's biggest claims to fame is its food, especially its world-famous barbecue. Foodies will delight in the culinary scene found throughout the city. Ranging from award-winning chefs to cozy pizza joints, Kansas City definitely is not lacking any flavor.

UMKC's campuses are conveniently nestled in the middle of all the action. Volker Campus is just minutes from the legendary Country Club Plaza, perfect for shopping or restaurants for lunch or after-work happy hours. Surrounded by hip neighborhoods and eateries, the Health Sciences Campus is located downtown near University Health Truman Medical Center and Children's Mercy Hospital.

UMKC is proud to be "Kansas City's university," and the campus and its people celebrate all the characteristics of the surrounding community. To learn more about life in Kansas City and find more resources, visit VisitKC.com.

This position is eligible for University benefits. As part of your total compensation, the University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision plans, retirement, paid time off, short- and long-term disability, paid parental leave, paid caregiver leave, and educational fee discounts for all four UM System campuses. For additional information on University benefits, please visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website at https://www.umsystem.edu/totalrewards/benefits.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of Missouri is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

To request ADA accommodations, please call the Office of Equity & Title IX at 816-235-6910.