Benton Harbor Area Schools
Literacy Coach (Certified Teacher)
Benton Harbor Area Schools, Benton Harbor, Michigan, United States, 49022
Job Summary
The Literacy Coach plays a key role in helping every student reach their full academic potential in reading and literacy. This role ensures students receive high‑quality, data‑driven instruction that meets their individual needs through small‑group support and strategic interventions. At the heart of the Literacy Instructional Coach’s work is a commitment to student success. The coach works directly with students in small groups, using proven literacy practices to help close gaps and accelerate growth. By analyzing school‑wide instructional data, the coach identifies trends and works with staff to develop next steps that prioritize student learning.
Key Responsibilities
Observing classroom instruction and offering constructive feedback to improve teaching practices that impact students.
Supporting teachers in designing lessons and units that build a strong, year‑long literacy foundation for students.
Analyzing student data to adjust curriculum and assessments so they are more responsive to student needs.
Partnering with academic staff to share effective strategies that benefit all learners.
Taking a hands‑on approach to enhancing literacy outcomes—modeling lessons, co‑planning with teacher teams, and leading professional development.
Ensuring alignment with the Michigan 3rd Grade Reading Law and statewide reading initiatives, keeping student reading achievement at the center of the work.
Working closely with teachers, administrators, and the district’s Instructional Facilitator Team to create and implement a plan to increase student achievement in ELA.
Adapting instruction and interventions for struggling students; planning the delivery of pre‑service summer professional development for new and returning staff members.
Supporting the development of high‑quality ELA instruction; observing and coaching teachers to improve instructional planning, teaching practice, assessment, and instructional technology.
Facilitating the analysis of diagnostic and formative assessment data with administrative teams.
Assisting in policy and school structure development to improve ELA instruction and appropriate interventions.
Continuously monitoring, tracking, and analyzing student achievement data to identify needed supports and strategies.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree (college‑educated).
Valid and current Michigan teaching credential.
Preferred Qualifications
Master’s in Education.
Reading endorsement.
Reading Specialist Certificate.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
Commitment to Equity:
Passionate about closing the achievement gap and ensuring every child receives an excellent education.
Leadership:
Coaches, mentors, and challenges others to excel despite obstacles.
Focus on Data‑Driven Results:
Pursues measurable student achievement gains and drives performance improvement.
Innovative Problem‑Solving:
Turns challenges into creative solutions and proactively explores new ideas.
Adaptability:
Thrives in changing environments, managing shifting projects and priorities with flexibility.
Teamwork:
Enhances team effectiveness through collaboration, constant learning, and respect for diversity.
Communication & Customer Service Skills:
Communicates clearly and compellingly with diverse stakeholders; delivers courteous, high‑quality customer service.
Terms of Employment This is a 190‑day contract position. Salary is based on education and experience pursuant to the Benton Harbor Area School Board policies and the collective bargaining agreement for any position under collective bargaining. The position may be dissolved based on funding availability and assessment data.
Evaluation Performance will be evaluated by the Building Administrator and/or Director of Academics.
Funding Source If the position is funded using Title dollars, federal regulations prohibit promising employment beyond the current year of allocated funds. If funded using state program dollars, the district is not obligated to fund beyond the current year. This position may be dissolved at any time based on funding availability and a comprehensive needs assessment.
Physical Demands The physical demands include standing, walking, sitting, talking, and hearing. Specific vision abilities required are close vision, distance vision, and depth perception. This description is for ADA compliance, not exhaustive; additional duties may be assigned.
Equal Opportunity Employer Benton Harbor Area Schools provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants and prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.
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Key Responsibilities
Observing classroom instruction and offering constructive feedback to improve teaching practices that impact students.
Supporting teachers in designing lessons and units that build a strong, year‑long literacy foundation for students.
Analyzing student data to adjust curriculum and assessments so they are more responsive to student needs.
Partnering with academic staff to share effective strategies that benefit all learners.
Taking a hands‑on approach to enhancing literacy outcomes—modeling lessons, co‑planning with teacher teams, and leading professional development.
Ensuring alignment with the Michigan 3rd Grade Reading Law and statewide reading initiatives, keeping student reading achievement at the center of the work.
Working closely with teachers, administrators, and the district’s Instructional Facilitator Team to create and implement a plan to increase student achievement in ELA.
Adapting instruction and interventions for struggling students; planning the delivery of pre‑service summer professional development for new and returning staff members.
Supporting the development of high‑quality ELA instruction; observing and coaching teachers to improve instructional planning, teaching practice, assessment, and instructional technology.
Facilitating the analysis of diagnostic and formative assessment data with administrative teams.
Assisting in policy and school structure development to improve ELA instruction and appropriate interventions.
Continuously monitoring, tracking, and analyzing student achievement data to identify needed supports and strategies.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree (college‑educated).
Valid and current Michigan teaching credential.
Preferred Qualifications
Master’s in Education.
Reading endorsement.
Reading Specialist Certificate.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
Commitment to Equity:
Passionate about closing the achievement gap and ensuring every child receives an excellent education.
Leadership:
Coaches, mentors, and challenges others to excel despite obstacles.
Focus on Data‑Driven Results:
Pursues measurable student achievement gains and drives performance improvement.
Innovative Problem‑Solving:
Turns challenges into creative solutions and proactively explores new ideas.
Adaptability:
Thrives in changing environments, managing shifting projects and priorities with flexibility.
Teamwork:
Enhances team effectiveness through collaboration, constant learning, and respect for diversity.
Communication & Customer Service Skills:
Communicates clearly and compellingly with diverse stakeholders; delivers courteous, high‑quality customer service.
Terms of Employment This is a 190‑day contract position. Salary is based on education and experience pursuant to the Benton Harbor Area School Board policies and the collective bargaining agreement for any position under collective bargaining. The position may be dissolved based on funding availability and assessment data.
Evaluation Performance will be evaluated by the Building Administrator and/or Director of Academics.
Funding Source If the position is funded using Title dollars, federal regulations prohibit promising employment beyond the current year of allocated funds. If funded using state program dollars, the district is not obligated to fund beyond the current year. This position may be dissolved at any time based on funding availability and a comprehensive needs assessment.
Physical Demands The physical demands include standing, walking, sitting, talking, and hearing. Specific vision abilities required are close vision, distance vision, and depth perception. This description is for ADA compliance, not exhaustive; additional duties may be assigned.
Equal Opportunity Employer Benton Harbor Area Schools provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants and prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.
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