Early Years/Literacy Specialist

The Early Years/Literacy Specialist is a ten (10) month contractual employee paid in twenty-six (26) equal biweekly installments. This role requires annual ratification by Chief and Band Council and operates under the direction of the Director of Education.

The Early Years/Literacy Specialist leads system-wide literacy improvements across SLCS and SLEA (Sturgeon Lake Education Alliance) partner schools.  The Early Years/Literacy Specialist works directly with teachers through coaching, modelling and professional development and provides guidance and support to school-based Literacy Catalysts to ensure consistent implementation of literacy practices.

The Early Years/Literacy Specialist shall:

1.  Instructional Leadership & Coaching

• Coordinate and support implementation of high-quality, research-based literacy curriculum
• Facilitate professional development for teachers and school staff
• Observe classroom instruction and provide constructive, non-evaluative feedback
• Model exemplary literacy lessons and effective instructional strategies
• Support teachers in lesson planning using high-quality curriculum resources
• Promote and model high-quality interactions between teachers and students

2.  Student Achievement & Intervention

• Consult with teachers to ensure students meet grade-level expectations
• Support and monitor classroom-based literacy interventions
• Assist in developing strategies for differentiated instruction
• Promote a strong belief that all students can become successful readers

3.  Data & Continuous Improvement

• Analyze student achievement and literacy data to identify trends
• Support teachers in using data to adjust instruction and interventions
• Assist in monitoring and tracking student progress toward outcomes

4.  Family & Community Engagement

• Support teachers in effective communication with parents and caregivers
• Promote and encourage family involvement in literacy development
• Serve as liaison with Daycare and HeadStart programs

5.  Program Monitoring & Reporting

• Monitor delivery of the elementary ELA curriculum to ensure all outcomes are addressed
• Provide regular updates and reports to school administration, SLEA and Educational Advisory Committee (EAC)
• Attend required meetings, professional development, and training sessions
• Maintain required documentation and reporting

6.  Partnerships & Collaboration

• Build and maintain relationships with school staff, Alliance partners, and external agencies
• Participate in collaborative planning and team-based problem solving
• Support system-wide literacy initiatives and strategic goals

Qualifications:

• Bachelor of Education (Master’s Degree preferred)
• Minimum of five (5) years teaching experience, preferably in early years or literacy
• Demonstrated expertise in literacy instruction and development
• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Proven ability to work effectively within First Nations communities and schools
• Experience in instructional coaching or mentoring teachers
• Knowledge of evidence-based literacy strategies and interventions
• Experience working with data-informed instruction
• Familiarity with Saskatchewan curriculum and early learning frameworks
• Clean Criminal Record and Vulnerable Sector Check
• Reliable vehicle and clean driver’s license/abstract
• First Aid/CPR certification (asset)
  

Other Notes:

• Requires flexibility to work across classrooms and partner school sites
• Travel between locations is required
• Duties may evolve to meet community and organizational priorities