Director of Literacy

Job Overview

Under the administrative direction of the Chief Academic Officer, the Director of Literacy will provide instructional leadership, vision, and strategic direction for curriculum, instruction, assessment, and professional development ensuring The New School of Los Angeles has outstanding literacy achievement and growth across all grades (K-12), with an emphasis on middle school grades.

Additionally, the Director of Literacy will spearhead efforts to engage the community to advance the literacy rate on a broader spectrum.

Essential Functions

Demonstrate knowledge and support of Synergy’s mission, vision, policies, procedures, and charter petition.

Adhere to the California Standards for the Teaching Profession.

Determine needs of literacy intervention, specifically for grades 6-8, and research, plan

and implement an incoming intervention program for 6th graders.

Support staff with professional development as it relates to reading instruction, including

the science of reading.

Work with the Director of Special Education and Student Services and the Director of

English Language Learner Programs and Services to support of English Learners and

students with special needs.

Develop early childhood development classes for guardians and children ages 1-3 that

will include early literacy, art activities, and play based learning.

Lead family literacy classes and activity nights where parents can engage in workshops to

develop their own literacy skills and learn ways to incorporate these at home with their

children.

Develop and lead adult ESL classes for adults in the community who are not native

English speakers to assist them in their acquisition of the English language.

Develop and lead an adult reading program to an opportunity for adults to learn how to

read and write in English.

Qualifications and Desired Characteristics

Expertise in the science of reading, encompassing phonological awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension strategies, with a focus on reading science- related texts.

Strategic thinker translating research into actionable plans for enhanced literacy and achievement.

Proven leadership and team management skills, fostering high-performing teams focused on improving reading comprehension from a science of reading approach.

Outstanding communication skills for conveying complex concepts to diverse audiences.

Collaborative approach, building strong partnerships with stakeholders at all levels.

Innovative problem solver committed to educational excellence and equity in reading.

Skilled in data analysis for monitoring and driving academic growth in reading.

Communicate well via both written and oral communication means.

Possess strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to interact effectively with staff

members, parents, district personnel, vendors, and other external parties.

Proficient in the use of computers, including but not limited to word processing,

spreadsheets, multimedia presentations, e-mail, the Internet, and digital media.

Demonstrate an in-depth understanding of and commitment to the school’s mission and

vision.

Previous experience supervising other staff is preferred but not required.

Positive, friendly demeanor.

Willing to take initiative and be a team player.

Fluent in Spanish.

Able to type 40-60+ wpm.

Able to lift heavy objects up to 30 lbs.

Education and Experience

Has at least three years of full-time teaching experience in a K-12 setting (elementary, middle, and / or high school).

Hold at least a Bachelor’s Degree.

Possess an administrative credential and / or a Master's degree in Education or a related

field is preferred, but not required

Possess a valid Clear California Special Education Teaching Credential.

Possess a CLAD or BCLAD authorization or has authorization to work with English

Language Learners.