Per-Diem Literacy Educational Consultant

About Teaching Matters

Teaching Matters is a national nonprofit dedicated to ensuring that every child, no matter zip code, has equitable access to great teaching. Our mission is to close the opportunity gap of a radically unequal education system for underserved and historically marginalized children. For 30 years we have supported over 1,500 schools to advance academic achievement; deepened the teaching practice of 35,000-plus teachers, and affected the learning of over 600,000 students. We bring deep knowledge, experience and a commitment to effective, research-based school and district support. We have a team of over 80 coaches which, together, have a successful history of providing professional development to thousands of educators with the overall goal of strengthening teacher effectiveness and leadership to improve student achievement.

We currently seek exceptional educational consultants to support transformative instructional improvements in Philadelphia public schools. This career opportunity offers the right candidates the chance to have a major impact on urban K-12 teachers and students.

Work will primarily be school-based and require intensive interaction with school leaders, teacher leaders, teachers, and students. Travel throughout Philadelphia required.

The primary role of the Literacy Educational Consultant will be to support teachers and administrators in the following key areas:

• Support teachers and school leaders in implementing culturally responsive instructional practices in the literacy classroom and deepening content knowledge and pedagogy of teachers.

• Conduct a needs analysis of schools, analyzing data, conducting instructional walks with administration, observing instruction, and reviewing curricula and materials to ensure that a diverse representation of multiple perspectives is evident.

• Develop an action plan for coaching aligned with a measurable goal for the work.

• Execute a coaching action plan, refining and revising when needed to meet the needs of the school.

• Build teachers’ capacity to effectively implement Common Core aligned curriculum and analyze data effectively to drive instruction.

• Differentiate teacher support based on individual needs and address needed teacher mindset shifts.

• Facilitate teacher teams reflecting on practice, analyzing data that leads to deep analysis and identification of inequitable practices in schools, and looking at student work toward the goal of improving pedagogical practices and student outcomes.

• Develop leadership skills of teacher leaders.

• Guide school leaders in making critical changes to systems, structures, and communication in their school, leading to an environment where professional collaboration is embraced and student success is the focus.

• Identify equitable and scaffolded pedagogical practices that allow for a variety of student voices in classroom practices and curricular materials.

• Recommend refinements to Teaching Matters’ programs in response to needs identified in schools.

• Possess the soft skills necessary for addressing mindsets relating to student achievement and opportunity.

Key Qualifications:

• Minimum of 4 years experience as a literacy coach/school leader and/or minimum of 4 years of teaching or equivalent experience in elementary school grades.

• Must have: EL Education Focus - Curriculum Adoption

• Must have: Demonstrated effectiveness in the Science of Reading and achieving ambitious, measurable student results in literacy.

• Experience facilitating teacher teams / groups to achieve student outcomes.

• Dynamic presenter, comfortable engaging large groups of educators in professional workshops and work-sessions.

• Passion for advocating for students and communities traditionally marginalized and under-resourced.

• Demonstrated knowledge of classroom management strategies that are equitable and inclusive.

• Experience in urban schools.

• Technology skills with current computer software, including word processing and online collaboration tools.

• Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills, well organized.

• Excellent writing and communication skills.

• Superior interpersonal skills to motivate and lead others at all levels within a school.

• Demonstrates deep commitment to Teaching Matters’ mission, vision, and core values.

• Bachelor degree required. Master’s Degrees preferred

Perks of the Job:

• Per diem rates range from $640.56 to $666.06 per day, training days $540.60.

• Bonus Opportunities

• Monthly Professional Growth Days - an opportunity to collaborate with your intelligent, like-minded colleagues

• Flexible scheduling - work as much, or as a little as your schedule allows - you set your schedule

• 403b options

• Biannual social gatherings with the team

****Offer is contingent on completing and procuring satisfactory results of all the required pre-employment requisites, which includes being fingerprinted and validated through the Philadelphia School District.

Teaching Matters is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.