Reading Coach in Jacksonville, Florida at River City Science Academy Elementary (Main Beach Campus)

Position Summary

The Reading Coach is responsible for improving student achievement by supporting teachers, instructional teams, and school leaders in the implementation of high-quality, evidence-based instructional practices. Through coaching, professional development, data analysis, and collaborative planning, the Reading Coach promotes a culture of continuous improvement focused on student learning.

The Reading Coach serves as an instructional leader who helps educators translate research into classroom practice. This role requires a deep understanding of the science of learning and the science of reading, including how students acquire, retain, and apply knowledge. The Reading Coach supports teachers in implementing instructional practices grounded in cognitive science, such as explicit instruction, retrieval practice, spaced review, effective feedback, knowledge building, and formative assessment.

The Reading Coach works collaboratively with administration, teachers, and support staff to strengthen instructional systems, improve student outcomes, and ensure alignment with school, district, and state priorities.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Instructional Coaching & Teacher Development

• Provide ongoing instructional coaching to teachers through classroom observations, modeling, co-teaching, feedback conversations, and reflective practice.
• Support teachers in planning and delivering rigorous, standards-aligned instruction that promotes student engagement and achievement.
• Assist teachers in implementing research-based instructional strategies aligned with the science of learning and evidence-based educational practices.
• Model effective instructional techniques, classroom management strategies, and student engagement practices.
• Facilitate professional learning opportunities, including workshops, PLCs, study groups, and job-embedded professional development.
• Support new teachers through onboarding, mentoring, and individualized coaching plans.
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement by encouraging goal setting, reflection, and professional growth.

Science of Learning & Instructional Excellence

• Promote a schoolwide understanding of how learning occurs and how instructional practices impact long-term retention and transfer of knowledge.
• Support teachers in implementing instructional practices grounded in cognitive science, including retrieval practice, spaced practice, explicit instruction, worked examples, effective questioning, and cognitive load management.
• Assist teachers in designing lessons that build durable knowledge, strengthen student thinking, and improve learning outcomes.
• Analyze instructional practices and provide recommendations based on current educational research and evidence.
• Stay current on emerging research related to learning science, curriculum implementation, and effective instructional practices.

Data Analysis & Student Achievement

• Analyze student achievement data, assessment results, and progress-monitoring information to identify instructional strengths and areas for improvement.
• Collaborate with teachers and school leaders to develop action plans that address student learning needs.
• Support data-driven decision-making at the classroom, grade level, and school level.
• Monitor implementation of instructional initiatives and evaluate their impact on student outcomes.
• Assist teachers in using formative and summative assessment data to inform instruction and intervention.

Curriculum & Instructional Planning

• Support teachers in aligning instruction with Florida's B.E.S.T. Standards, curriculum resources, and school priorities.
• Collaborate with teachers to develop instructional plans, assessments, and learning experiences that promote deep understanding and mastery.
• Assist in the selection, implementation, and evaluation of instructional resources and materials.
• Facilitate collaborative planning meetings and professional learning communities focused on student achievement and instructional improvement.
• Support vertical and horizontal alignment of curriculum and instructional practices across grade levels and content areas.

Collaboration & Communication

• Build positive, professional relationships with teachers, administrators, and support staff.
• Partner with school leaders to identify instructional priorities and develop professional learning plans.
• Participate in MTSS, intervention planning, and other student support processes as needed.
• Communicate effectively regarding instructional initiatives, student achievement trends, and professional learning opportunities.
• Facilitate collaborative discussions that promote shared accountability for student learning and teacher growth.
• Maintain confidentiality regarding personnel, student, and school information.

School Leadership & Professional Responsibilities

• Proactively identify instructional, curricular, and organizational opportunities for improvement and collaborate with stakeholders to develop and implement action plans.
• Serve as a catalyst for continuous school improvement by anticipating needs, proposing solutions, and leading initiatives that strengthen teaching and learning.
• Demonstrate ownership of assigned responsibilities and schoolwide goals by acting independently, following through on commitments, and seeking opportunities to increase student achievement without requiring direct supervision.
• Serve as a member of the school's instructional leadership team.
• Support the implementation of school improvement goals and strategic initiatives.
• Assist with planning and facilitating schoolwide professional development.
• Participate in classroom walkthroughs, instructional rounds, and school improvement activities.
• Maintain accurate coaching records, observation notes, and professional learning documentation.
• Follow all school, district, state, and federal policies, procedures, laws, and regulations.
• Attend required meetings, trainings, and school events.
• Perform other related duties as assigned by the principal or his/her designee.

Minimum Qualifications Required

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution.
• Valid Florida Educator Certificate in K-6 education.
• Florida Reading Endorsement.
• Minimum of five years of successful classroom teaching experience.
• Minimum of three years of successful classroom teaching experience in third through fifth grade.
• Successful teaching experience across multiple grade levels, lower and upper elementary.
• Demonstrated evidence of significant student academic growth and achievement outcomes.
• Demonstrated expertise in effective instructional practices and student achievement.
• Strong knowledge of curriculum, assessment, and instructional planning.
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and interpersonal skills.
• Strong understanding of the science of reading and science of learning, including evidence-based instructional practices that improve student outcomes.
• Florida Reading Coach Endorsement/Certification or active enrollment in an approved pathway leading to the credential within a timeline established by the school.
• Demonstrated ability to take initiative, identify opportunities for school improvement, and independently develop and implement solutions that positively impact teacher effectiveness and student achievement.
• Proven ability to work autonomously, prioritize responsibilities, and drive instructional improvement efforts with minimal supervision.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in Education, Curriculum and Instruction, Educational Leadership, Reading Education, or a related field.
• Instructional coaching, teacher leadership, department chair, or mentor teacher experience.
• Experience leading professional development and facilitating adult learning.
• Expertise in literacy instruction, curriculum implementation, data analysis, and school improvement initiatives.
• Experience supporting teachers through coaching cycles, classroom observations, and data-driven instructional planning.
• Demonstrated success in improving teacher effectiveness and student achievement at the school or grade-level scale.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Deep knowledge of the Science of Reading and evidence-based literacy instruction.
• Deep understanding of the science of learning and evidence-based instructional practices.
• Knowledge of Florida's B.E.S.T. Standards and assessment systems.
• Ability to coach adults through change and continuous improvement.
• Strong data analysis and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to facilitate professional learning and collaborative teams.
• Ability to build trust and maintain productive professional relationships.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Proficiency with instructional technology and data management systems.

Working Conditions / Physical Requirements

• Light work: exerting up to 20 pounds occasionally and/or up to 10 pounds frequently.
• Ability to sit, stand, walk, bend, and reach as required in a classroom and school setting.
• Work primarily indoors in classrooms; some outdoor supervision (e.g., recess, dismissal, events) is required.
• Moderate noise level, with higher levels during assemblies, recess, lunch or group activities.
• Must be able to perform essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Demonstrated reliability and punctuality in fulfilling assigned supervisory and school duties (e.g., cafeteria, hallway, bus, extracurricular events).
• Ability to maintain timely and professional communication with families and colleagues through approved school platforms.

Reporting Relationships

• Reports to: Principal or designated school administrator.
• Works closely with: Teachers, instructional support staff, and student services teams.

Terms of Employment

• Ten-month position: hours and work year follow the school calendar.
• Salary and benefits are established annually in accordance with the school’s compensation plan.
• Performance evaluated according to school policy and Florida teacher evaluation standards.

RCSA is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on race, color, gender, sexual orientation, religion, or national origin.