Job Description
We want YOU here! Are you passionate about building strong literacy foundations for our youngest learners? The Sioux Falls School District is seeking an Early Childhood Literacy Coach to support educators in delivering high-quality, developmentally appropriate instruction. In this role, you'll collaborate with teachers, lead professional learning, and use data to help ensure every child gains the early literacy skills they need to thrive. If you're an instructional leader who believes in the power of early learning and meaningful coaching, we'd love to connect with you!
Please note: This position is grant-funded and is anticipated to run from 2025 to 2029.REQUIREMENTSEDUCATION LEVEL:Master's degree in Reading, or Master's degree with an endorsement in Reading (willingness to pursue endorsement may be acceptable). Valid teaching certification/license
EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:Minimum of 3 years of successful classroom experience in early childhood and/or elementary. Previous coaching or mentoring experience, preferred
OTHER REQUIREMENTS:Deep knowledge of early literacy development, developmentally appropriate practice, and instructional coaching models. Strong interpersonal and communication skills. Reflective practitioner with a commitment to continuous improvement. Ability to build trust and foster professional growth. Organizational and data-analysis skills to inform coaching and instruction. Experience with universal screening tools and formative assessment systems and familiarity with MTSS, data-driven instruction, and culturally responsive practices, preferred.
CERTIFICATION This position requires a
valid South Dakota teaching certification with endorsements in the content area.
Please note, endorsement requirements may vary based on specific course assignments.
Questions about SD teaching certification:South Dakota Department of Education
YOUTH SUICIDE AWARENESS AND PREVENTION TRAININGSouth Dakota Codified Law 13-42-71 equires certified educators to complete at least one hour of approved youth suicide awareness and prevention training every five years. Compliance is verified through district accreditation reviews. You will be required to provide your most recent certificate of completion prior to starting employment with the Sioux Falls School District.
Visit https://doe.sd.gov/suicideprevention/ to view the list of approved trainings and detailed instructions for completion. These trainings listed are the only accepted trainings per SDCL 13-42-71. Please carefully review the options before selecting a training as unapproved trainings will require you to retake an approved course.
PROGRAM SUMMARYThis is a grant funded position from 2025 to 2029. The Early Childhood Literacy Coach provides instructional leadership, professional development, and coaching to early childhood educators with a strong emphasis on the science of reading and the implementation of evidence-based literacy practices. This role is central to building educator capacity and ensuring that instruction is aligned with early learning standards and grounded in the latest research on how young children acquire language and literacy. The coach works collaboratively with early childhood teachers, paraprofessionals, and administrators to enhance classroom literacy environments, curriculum delivery, assessment use, and instructional decision-making.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS & DUTIESInstructional Coaching and Support- Model effective literacy instruction during classroom visits and co-teaching sessions.
- Provide job-embedded, reflective coaching to teachers based on classroom observations and student data.
- Support the integration of developmentally appropriate, evidence-based literacy practices.
Professional Development- Plan and facilitate ongoing professional development aligned with district initiatives and early literacy research.
- Lead workshops and PLCs (Professional Learning Communities) focused on language development, early reading skills, and literacy-rich environments.
- Provide training on universal and developmental screeners and how to use data for instructional planning.
Curriculum and Assessment Support- Assist teachers in implementing the district's approved early literacy curriculum.
- Guide staff in the effective use of assessment tools for progress monitoring and goal setting.
- Help interpret screening data and support tiered intervention planning within an MTSS framework.
Collaboration and Communication- Work in partnership with early childhood leaders, speech-language pathologists, and special education staff to align supports.
- Maintain strong communication with school teams and district leadership regarding literacy initiatives and student progress.
- Provide input on literacy resource selection, classroom materials, and curriculum enhancements
PAY INFORMATIONStarting at $52,821 to $59,485 per year, based on experience.
View the complete salary schedule here: 2025-2026 Teacher Salary Schedule
Pay Day: Last working day of each month.
HOURS & FTEMonday through Friday, 7:30 am to 4:00 pm
1.0 FTE, 40 hours per week, 9 months
CALENDAR
2025-2026 New SFEA Staff Calendar
Estimated Start: August 2025BENEFIT INFORMATION
Benefits (only for positions 20 hours per week or more)
CURRENT DISTRICT EMPLOYEES All current District employees interested in applying must complete an application.
Post-Offer Criminal Background Check Required
Relay Services for Deaf or Hard of Hearing: Dial 711, then the desired number
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