Position Overview:
The Literacy Library Coach (“LLC”) is responsible for training, supporting and coaching teachers, teacher librarians, library volunteers, working with SMTs, principals, SGBs and department officials to adopt new ways of working with children to increase their literacy skills and habit of reading and developing a culture of reading with the communities. The LLC will report to the Literacy Program Officer (LPO). The Literacy Library Coach has no direct reports. This position is based in one of the provinces where Room to Read operates in (KZN, Limpopo and Mpumalanga).
Duties & Responsibilities
Program Implementation, Training, and Monitoring
- Serves as the technical resource in the schools on applying literacy skills and the habit of reading techniques in the classroom or library.
- Coordinates closely with the Instructional Design and Teacher Support Unit to ensure they are successfully implementing the program design and able to provide feedback on how well it is working.
- Regularly observes, demonstrates and coaches Grade 1 and 2 teachers in delivering the instructional component of the Literacy Program.
- Regularly observe, demonstrate and coach designated teacher librarian(s) in good library management practice (book levelling, check-out system, etc)
- Regularly observes, demonstrates and coaches all primary grade teachers and librarians in the implementation of the library period and reading activities.
- Supports Grade 1, 2 and teachers in effective use of ongoing student tracking assessments to inform instruction.
- Support teacher librarian(s) in the initial set up of the library
- Collaborate with the school to support improvements in the library space
- Support logistics of annual delivery of library books, instruction materials and other program materials to schools
- Conducts and analyzes data related to formative student assessments to inform support for Grade 1 and 2 teachers.
- Regularly provides an update to the principal on progress and coaches him/her on ways to support teachers and ensure longer term sustainability of literacy outcomes within the school.
- Conduct informal assessment of 3-5 students during each grade 1, 2 and 3 classroom visit and discuss results with teachers during feedback sessions
- Attends and participates in teacher and librarian trainings related to the Literacy program.
- Participates in literacy events, parent meeting and other community activities.
- Participates in regular review meetings and any other activities which may be required to be undertaken to fulfill the objectives of the organization.
- Supports donor visits through demonstration projects and presentation, as needed.
- Participate in required trainings and professional development opportunities to understand the Literacy Program and how to provide effective coaching support.
- Conduct and/or participate in Room to Read teacher and librarian trainings related to the Literacy program
- Regularly consult with Literacy Program Officer (LPO) to provide feedback on program design and for support in addressing technical challenges
- Participate in regular one-on-one meetings with the LPO to make sure the program is implemented smoothly in target schools
- Participate in regular review meetings and any other activities which may be required to be undertaken to fulfill the objectives of the organization
- Participate in government meetings as required
Planning, Reporting and Documentation
- Conducts ongoing planning, documentation, and reporting of school visits.
- Regularly collect school-level data, program implementation monitoring data, library systems data and other required key program indicators
- Document best practices and lessons learned and share with supervisor.
- Support Literacy Program Officer Operational in school site selection activities
- Support any partner, government official, or donor visits and other school-level activities that may be required to fulfill the objectives of the organization
Qualifications
Required:
- University degree in Education, preferably with a major in Language/Linguistics
- Minimum 3 years of related work experience
- Proficient user of Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel), internet and related applications
- Good command of English (both written and oral)
- Good interpersonal skills and a team player
- Ability to monitor progress of program implementation
- Prior success working closely and building relationships with diverse groups of people
- Ability to juggle multiple priorities simultaneously and take initiative
- Desire and ability to spend 90% of time traveling and visiting school sites to provide coaching and monitor progress of program implementation
- Experience working with young children
- Experience working with schools and teachers
- Experience with reading, literacy or learning improvement programs
Compensation:
Room to Read offers a competitive salary with excellent benefits. The non-monetary compensation includes a unique opportunity to be part of an innovative, meaningful, fun, and rapidly growing organization that is changing transforming the lives of millions of children in developing countries by focusing on literacy and gender equality in education.
Room to Read is proud to be an equal opportunity employer committed to identifying and developing the skills and leadership of people from diverse backgrounds. Room to Read is a child-safe organization; all personnel are expected to adhere to Room to Read’s Child Protection Policy and Child Protection Code of Conduct. Due to high applicant volume, we regret that we are not able to send personalized responses to all applicants. Applications are accepted until the position is filled. Room to Read reserves the right at any time to withdraw or alter this advertised position.
Location(s)
South Africa - MpumalangaSouth Africa - Limpopo
To be successful at Room to Read, you will also:
- Have passion for our mission and a strong desire to impact a dynamic nonprofit organization
- Be a proactive and innovative thinker who achieves results and creates positive change
- Have a very high level of personal and professional integrity and trustworthiness
- Embrace diversity and a commitment to collaboration
- Thrive in a fast-paced and fun environment
Room to Read is proud to be an equal opportunity employer committed to identifying and developing the skills and leadership of people from diverse backgrounds. EOE/M/F/Vet/Disabled
