Reading Foundations expertise (Primary Grades)

Expeditionary Learning
Curriculum Designer - Reading Foundations expertise
(Primary Grades)
Location
Denver, CO, New York, NY, Amherst, MA - preferred; Remote location possible
ABOUT EXPEDITIONARY LEARNING
Expeditionary Learning is a leading K-12 education non-profit that is meeting the national challenge to raise
student achievement. Combining challenging work with the joy of discovery and pride in mastery, EL offers
the education we would want for every child: one that prepares citizens with both the skills and the character
necessary for success throughout college, work and life.
Our portfolio of instructional materials and coaching services draws on 20+ years of success in more than 160
EL schools, serving 4,000 teachers and 53,000 students in 31 states and Washington D.C. Based on founding
principles of meaningful work, character and respect for teachers, EL’s offerings transform teaching and
learning to promote habits of scholarship and character that lead to high student achievement, regardless of
student background.
In addition to success on standardized tests, EL students demonstrate critical thinking, intellectual courage
and emotional resilience; they possess the passion and the capacity to contribute to a better world. For more
information, visit http://elschools.org/
About the Position
The Curriculum Designer - Reading Foundations expertise will work as part of a team under the supervision of
the Director of Curriculum Design to develop and write high quality and engaging curriculum that addresses the
Common Core Reading Foundations standards for grades K-2.
The team of curriculum designers will be responsible for conceptualizing and executing effective and engaging
ways to teach students the Reading Foundations standards in a “Skills Block” of instruction. The focus will be on
a structured phonics approach, with lessons written down to the detailed daily level.
Curriculum Designer- Reading Foundations expertise (Primary Grades) March 2015
In order to ensure strong coherence and vertical alignment, this single “Reading Foundations” team will design
curriculum to address the full spectrum of RF standards for grades K, 1, and 2. This team also will collaborate
closely with several master teachers who will write student “readers” that align with the lessons the Reading
Foundations team develops.
This position represents an exciting opportunity for individuals with expertise in a structured phonics approach
to teaching the CCSS Reading Foundations standards in the primary grades, as well as expertise in curriculum
design, backwards planning, experience with project-based learning, and deep understanding of the CCSS
“instructional shifts” particularly as they apply to primary grades.
Specific responsibilities will include but are not limited to:
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Collaborate as a part of a high-functioning team to oversee all aspects of EL Reading Foundations/Skills
curriculum design for grades K-2
Coordinate with grade level leads who oversee separate teams creating integrated literacy curriculum in
order to ensure alignment between the Integrated Literacy modules and the Skills Block wherever
possible
Create process efficiencies in order to coordinate the design and writing of Reading Foundations
curriculum for grades K-2 on a rapid timeline: a comprehensive year’s worth of instruction -- for grades
K, 1, and 2 -- between August 2015-June 2016
Collaborate with and critique the work of fellow curriculum writers responsible for lesson writing
Train EL master teachers to create phonetically controlled leveled readers
Project manage and serve as design lead across the K-2 Skills strand.
Give and receive critique based on all criteria for quality and ensure CCSS alignment, EL brand integrity,
and integration of feedback from external evaluators
Provide feedback at the unit and lesson level for the Reading Foundations team
Coordinate feedback loops with EL and external constituencies/clients
As needed, carry out special projects or problem-solving as assigned by the Director of Curriculum
Design
CANDIDATE REQUIREMENTS
A successful Foundational Reading Curriculum Designer candidate for the primary grades will have:
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Five or more years of relevant work experience, specifically grades K-2
Proven experience and deep expertise in teaching and learning, specifically literacy
A master’s degree in Reading Instruction or certification as a reading specialist preferred
Expertise preferred in the CCSS Reading Foundations standards, a structured phonics approach, and best
practices in reading instruction
Outstanding writing and editing skills (particular to the “curriculum genre”) to be efficient, concise,
sequential, and able to write and edit quickly with minimal supervision
Extraordinary written and verbal communications skills (phone, email, in-person, videoconference)
Curriculum design expertise (backwards design, holding the big picture and purpose, assessment,
addressing CCSS reading foundations standards)
Commitment to EL’s model of curriculum, instruction, and assessment
Familiarity with EL’s Grades 3-8 ELA curriculum preferred
Strong computer skills including Microsoft Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel) and other
presentation formats
Curriculum Designer- Reading Foundations expertise (Primary Grades) March 2015
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Strong research skills
A dynamic ability to manage complex tasks and tight deadlines independently and proactively
An ability to analyze, critique, and creatively revise curriculum across multiple grade levels
A keen eye for detail and ability to triage and problem-solve
Strong self-motivation and self-management skills; an effective independent worker
High efficacy, high flexibility, high self-awareness, and a sense of humor
Ability to effectively lead teams collaboratively and flexibly to accomplish a common goal
Commitment to self-reflection and a growth mindset as a member of a high-functioning team
Compensation
Competitive compensation and benefits package commensurate with experience.
How to Apply
The anticipated start date for this position is March 2015. Applications will be reviewed until the position is filled.
Please submit your resume and one page cover letter (in MS Word or PDF format) to [email protected].
In order for EL to accurately review your application, please attach these documents in MS Word or PDF format
and not include them into the body of the e-mail. The subject line of the e-mail must include “ Curriculum
Designer - Reading Foundations expertise”.
In your cover letter, identify the position you are applying for and how you heard of the job opening and
Expeditionary Learning. Please also indicate your salary requirements.
No phone calls please. EL will respond only to final candidates.
ANTI-DISCRIMINATION POLICY AND COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY EOE
Expeditionary Learning seeks individuals of all backgrounds to apply for this position. We are committed to
maximizing the diversity of our organization and want to engage all those who can contribute to this effort.
Expeditionary Learning provides equal employment opportunities for all applicants and employees and prohibits
discrimination with respect to the hiring or promotion of individuals, conditions of employment, disciplinary and
discharge practices, or any other aspect of employment on the basis of gender, race, color, ethnicity, disability,
or any other factor which cannot lawfully be used as a basis for an employment decision.
Curriculum Designer- Reading Foundations expertise (Primary Grades) March 2015