Early Literacy Teacher Leader
New Today
Location: As Assigned by OPS Administration
Reports To: Coordinator of Early Literacy
Work Schedule/FLSA Status:
per negotiated agreement / Exempt
2025/26 Step 1 with a Master's Degree: $57,820 plus 5% salary variance. Salary credit may be awarded for applicable experience. Placement on the salary schedule will follow the applicable negotiated agreement.
Position Purpose: Provides one-on-one professional learning and coaching to elementary teachers in best practices in literacy development to improve literacy instruction so that all students are reading on or above grade level. The focus will be on building teachers understating of literacy as well as the art and science of literacy instruction. This position will facilitate professional learning sessions, model best practices, coach staff on observed lessons, and work collaboratively with teachers to implement literacy strategies. This position will also provide direct instruction to students for literacy interventions for at least 10% of their time.
Essential Performance Responsibilities:
- Provide professional learning and coaching on school literacy initiatives consistent with district goals and objectives.
- Analyzes teacher practices through classroom observations, data analysis and student work to guide coaching and professional learning in assigned school and across the district.
- Provides direct coaching feedback to teachers based on observations and analysis of practice.
- Tracks student and teacher progress to assist in coaching and provide data to drive professional learning.
- Conducts student interventions groups and small group instruction at least 10% of time.
- Promotes a classroom environment that is safe and conducive to individualized and small group instruction, and student learning.
- Develops intervention plans and instructional materials and translates these into learning experiences so as to best utilize the available time for instruction.
- Conducts ongoing assessment of student learning, and modifies instructional methods to fit individual student's needs, including students with special needs; conducts individual small group instruction as needed.
- Develops teachers' capacity to collect and analyze data to improve student learning specific to literacy.
- Instructs students in the principles of responsible citizenship and other subject matters specified in applicable laws, as well as administrative regulations and procedures of the Omaha Public Schools.
- Continues to acquire professional knowledge and learn of current developments in the educational field by attending seminars, workshops or professional meetings, or by conducting research.
- Organizes and maintains a system for accurate and complete record-keeping, grading, and reporting for all student activities, achievement and attendance as required by district procedures and applicable laws.
- Encourages parental involvement in students' education and effectively communicates with students and parents.
- Coordinates with other elementary school professional staff members, especially within grade level and specific subjects, to evaluate and assess curriculum, and participates in faculty meetings and committees.
- Supervises students in activities that take place out of the classroom during the school day, including activities involving school transportation.
- Administers standardized tests in accordance with district testing programs as well as district testing policies and procedures.
- Evidence of the willingness and the ability to comply with the standards for ethical and professional performance established by district policy as well as the State Board of Education.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Master's Degree in Education with a focus on literacy or equivalent required.
- Obtain and Maintain a valid Nebraska Teaching License in areas assigned.
- 5 years of successful teacher experience in a K-5 classroom required; urban teaching experience preferred.
- 3 years' experience utilizing core literacy practices such as Balanced Literacy, Guided Reading and/or Readers and Writers Workshops preferred.
- Knowledge of current teaching methods and educational pedagogy.
- Knowledge of applicable federal and state laws regarding education and students.
- Ability and patience to work interactively with students and teachers.
- Skill in organization, time management, communication, and interpersonal skills.
- Excellent skills in verbal and written communication; collaborative coaching style.
- Ability to effectively use computer systems such as Microsoft Outlook, Infinite Campus, etc.
- Displays a significant degree of professionalism and confidentiality.
- Ability to conform to proper standards of professional dress and appearance.
- Knowledge of OPS's mission, purpose, goals and the role of every employee in achieving each of them.
Additional Duties:
Performs other related tasks as assigned.
Equipment: This position may require the ability to use SMART boards and iPads in addition to basic office equipment such as computers, copiers, scanners, and fax machine. Must always comply with OPS's guidelines for equipment use.
Travel: Limited travel may be required.
Physical and Mental Demands, Work Hazards:
- Must be able to respond rapidly in emergency situations.
- Must have organization, time management, communication, and interpersonal skills.
- Work in school building environments.
Interrelations:
- Contact with personnel within the district and with customers and vendors.
- Will be working under the direct supervision of the department supervisor in order to complete day to day tasks.
- Will be working with a diverse population requiring the ability to handle all situations with tact and diplomacy.
- Understands and responds appropriately to stakeholder needs and maintains a positive attitude with all stakeholders.
- Expected to interact with all stakeholders in a friendly, professional manner and provide quick, responsive customer service.
Employee Punctuality and Appearance:
- In order for schools to operate effectively, employees are expected to perform all assigned duties and work all scheduled hours during each designated workday, unless the employee has received approved leave.
- Any deviation from assigned hours must have prior approval from the employee's supervisor or building administrator.
- All employees are required to report to work dressed in a manner that reflects a positive image of Omaha Public Schools and is appropriate for their position.
Terms of Employment
This position is treated as a full-time exempt certified position. The terms of your employment will be governed by applicable state laws regulating employment or teaching in a Nebraska public school and Board of Education policies, as those laws and policies may change from time to time, and the Teacher Contract. If your position is represented by a collective bargaining representative, then your employment will also be governed by a negotiated agreement between OPS and that collective bargaining representative.
Terms of employment are contingent upon:
- Verification of a valid Nebraska Teaching License or other required license.
- A background check which demonstrates background is acceptable for the position sought and working with or around students.
- Verification of U.S. Citizenship or legal authorization to work in the United States.
- Successful completion of a tuberculosis skin test (if required by federal law for your position).
- Execution and delivery to OPS of a Teacher Contract presented by OPS.
Omaha Public Schools does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex (including pregnancy), marital status, sexual orientation, disability, age, genetic information, gender identity, gender expression, citizenship status, veteran status, political affiliation or economic status in its programs, activities, employment, and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. The following individual has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies: Director for the Office of Equity and Diversity, 3215 Cuming Street, Omaha, NE 68131. (531-299-0307)
The Omaha Public School District is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its services, programs, activities, education and employment for individuals with disabilities. To request disability accommodation in the application process please contact the human resources department at 531-299-0240.
- Location:
- Omaha
- Job Type:
- FullTime