The Instructional Specialist - Literacy will support the content area of Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, or Reading English/Language Arts in organizing, facilitating, and supporting the school system’s literacy initiatives.  The incumbent will assist the specific Content Area Supervisor in the implementation of the Emphasize Rigorous Literacy instructional plan and the Maryland College and Career-Ready Standards plan for the district.  The Instructional Specialist - Literacy will assist teachers in improving their teaching and learning.  The Instructional Specialist - Literacy must be knowledgeable about disciplinary literacy and instructional strategies for their specified content area.  The Instructional Specialist - Literacy will assist the school-based Literacy Coaches in communicating the components of the literacy plan to the community, and assisting with teachers to build their capacity to employ effective literacy strategies into their daily classroom practices to meet the demands of Maryland College and Career-Ready Standards.  

Demonstrate and model literacy practices/lessons through professional development systemically and within schools;

Research and provide information and guidance regarding a range of effective and innovative literacy practices through various venues such as individual discussions (formal/informal), study groups, and professional learning communities;

Collaborate to build teacher capacity in areas of:  1) increasing the depth of understanding of literacy practices and their relationship to contents and student achievement; 2) use of research-based instructional strategies; and 3) planning for and implementing the principles of the Universal Design for Learning  (UDL);

Provides formal teacher observations using the Framework for Teaching Rubric (Descriptors of Practice) and written feedback for informal observations;

Effective use of student literacy data to inform instruction;

Examining student work to inform instruction;

Effective literacy instruction;

Facilitate vertical articulation between schools;

Meet regularly with school staff members to collaborate on school specific literacy goals;

Attend professional development to enhance knowledge of discipline literacy and instructional strategies in literacy;

Provide professional development that supports rigorous instruction and differentiation to improve student achievement; and

Performs related work and other duties as required.

Expert knowledge and skills in the areas of critical thinking, reading, writing, speaking, and listening;

Excellence in teaching; thorough knowledge of Maryland College and Career-Ready Standards, assessment, and instruction; 

Ability to work well with teachers, parents, and administrators;

Ability to coach, model, and build the knowledge and skills of teachers through professional development in the area of literacy;

Computer literacy including proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, cloud-based systems;

Excellent skills in analysis and use of data to support instructional decisions and acceleration of students. Strong technology skills and the ability to support schools with technology integration into the curricula, particularly in the areas of digital literacy;

Excellent organizational, human relation and management skills; and

Excellent oral and written communication, facilitation, interpersonal, and collaboration skills.

Master’s degree from an accredited college or university with graduate credits in reading with five (5) years successful teaching experience and three (3) years PGCPS teaching experience preferred.

Advanced Professional Certificate; Administration I Certificate required.

No direct supervisory responsibilities.



The physical demands are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand, talk, hear, walk, sit, and use fingers, tools or controls. The employee is occasionally required to reach with hands and arms and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision such as to read handwritten or typed material, the ability to adjust focus, and depth perception. While performing the duties of this job, the employee may occasionally push or lift up to 25 lbs.




The work environment characteristics are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of the job.




None.