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