Literacy Coach

Job Description Summary Organization's Summary Statement:

Project ECHO (Evidence-Based Coaching for Higher Outcomes): Improving Literacy Outcomes through Research-Practice Partnerships is a five-year initiative funded by the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) with federal funds from the U.S. Department of Education's Comprehensive Literacy State Development (CLSD) program, administered by the Office of Elementary and Secondary Education. This project represents a research-practice partnership between Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) and the University of Maryland (UMD) to build sustainable, system-wide middle school literacy infrastructure. Project ECHO focuses on implementing two key interventions:

• PACT Plus, an evidence-based set of comprehension building practices, and
• AIM Coaching, an adaptive intervention model that emphasizes ongoing professional learning, collaboration, and differentiated support for teachers as they implement PACT Plus across the content-area and supplemental intervention setting.

Coaches hired through UMD will serve a critical role in bridging research and practice. They will support school-based implementation, strengthen teacher capacity, and facilitate feedback loops between schools and the research team to ensure instructional integrity and sustained impact.

Job Summary:

Dr. Jade Wexler from the Department of Counseling, Higher Education, and Special Education in the College of Education at the University of Maryland seeks two individuals to serve as AIM Literacy Coaches. AIM Coaches will be embedded within MCPS middle schools during the life of the project (2025-2029) to support the implementation of PACT Plus. During the 2025-26 school year, coaches will participate in professional learning related to PACT Plus and AIM Coaching. Further, they will develop relationships with school staff and work with the research team to assist with classroom observations and data collection. During the remaining project years, coaches will provide direct instructional coaching using the AIM Coaching Model to support teachers as they deliver PACT Plus lessons, and work with schools to ensure the practices are sustained beyond the life of the project.

Primary Responsibilities include:

2025-2026 (Collaboration and Learning):

• Participate in PACT Plus and AIM Coaching professional development trainings
• Develop rapport and trust with school staff
• Conduct structured classroom observations using project protocols
• Assist with collection of student outcome data
• Develop materials in collaboration with other research team and MCPS team members
• Participate in research team meetings and contribute feedback from the field 2026-2029 (Implementation)
• Provide job-embedded coaching and support to teachers in implementing the PACT Plus practices
• Engage in regular coaching cycles using the AIM Coaching Model
• Engage in data collection activities
• Collaborate with school-based leaders and project staff to monitor progress and address barriers
• Document coaching activities and implementation fidelity
• Contribute to continuous improvement efforts and practice-informed research

Appointment Details:

• 12-month full-time position
• Salary commensurate with experience
• Position begins Fall 2025, with renewal annually based on performance and continued funding
• Regular in-person work at assigned schools in Montgomery County, MD is required

Physical Demands:

N/A Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in education, literacy, special education, or a related field
• At least 3 years of experience teaching in grades 6-12 (ELA, social studies, science, or special education)
• Familiarity with explicit instruction and/or academic interventions
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Ability to work collaboratively with school personnel and university researchers
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple responsibilities
• Ability to travel regularly to local middle schools (schools located in Montgomery County, MD)

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's degree in education, special education, or related field
• Experience with instructional coaching or teacher leadership
• Experience working with students with disabilities or multilingual learners
• Experience with evidence-based adolescent literacy instruction and/or intervention

Licenses/ Certifications:

N/A Additional Job Details Required Application Materials:

• Cover letter
• Resume or CV
• Contact information for three professional references

Best Consideration Date:

03/27/2026

Posting Close Date:

N/A Open Until Filled:

Yes Financial Disclosure Required No For more information on Financial Disclosure, please visit Maryland's State Ethics Commission website . Department EDUC-Counseling, Higher Education and Special Education Worker Sub-Type Faculty Regular Salary Range 85,000

• 100,000 Benefits Summary For more information on Regular Faculty benefits, select this link .

Background Checks Offers of employment are contingent on completion of a background check. Information reported by the background check will not automatically disqualify anyone from employment. Before any adverse decision, the finalist will have an opportunity to provide information to the University regarding disclosable background check information. The University reserves the right to rescind the offer of employment or otherwise decline or terminate employment if the information reported by the background check is deemed incompatible with the position, regardless of when the background check is completed. Employment Eligibility The successful candidate must complete employment eligibility verification (on Form I-9) by presenting documents that establish identity and work authorization within the timeframe required by federal immigration law, and where applicable, to demonstrate renewed employment authorization. Failure to complete employment eligibility verification or reverification within the timeframe set forth by law may result in suspension or termination of employment. EEO Statement The University of Maryland, College Park is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment. Please read the University's Equal Employment Opportunity Statement of Policy. Title IX Non-Discrimination Notice Resources Learn how military skills translate to civilian opportunities with O

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