Reading Specialist/Literacy Education Consultant

The Reading Specialist/Literacy Education Consultant is a position that supports rural school districts through professional development, intensive instructional coaching, and strategic guidance designed to improve reading and writing outcomes for all students. Through extensive instructional coaching and partnerships with educators and school leaders, the consultant helps build sustainable literacy practices within the partner school district. This role requires deep expertise in the Science of Reading (SoR) research body and mastery in the systematic implementation of the Structured Literacy framework. The consultant will spend a significant portion of their time in classrooms, utilizing evidence-based instructional coaching to shift teaching practices ensuring effective implementation of Structured Literacy. The position is funded through an initial three-year grant and may be extended based on future funding opportunities and program needs.

Key Responsibilities

• Execute job-embedded instructional coaching with classroom teachers and special education staff.

• Provide non-evaluative, actionable, and behavior-specific feedback to teachers.

• Model explicit, systematic instructional techniques in real-time classroom settings.

• Facilitate video-coaching sessions or peer-observation walks to build reflective capacity among building teaching staff.

• Design and deliver workshops and professional learning communities (PLCs) centered on the pillars of Structured Literacy.

• Co-evaluate existing district literacy curricula, lesson plans, and supplementary materials to ensure strict alignment with evidence-based practices and High-Quality Instructional Materials (HQIM) standards.

• Partner with Building Leadership Teams (BLTs) to interpret state and local data.

• Coach teachers on how to use screening and progress-monitoring data to form flexible tier groups, target specific sub-skill deficits, and adjust pacing.

• Monitor program implementation fidelity metrics across classrooms to ensure instructional coaching efforts translate into quantifiable student reading growth.

• Maintain coaching data.

Qualifications & Skills

• Master’s Degree in Reading/Literacy, Curriculum and Instruction, Educational Leadership, or a closely related field required.

• Valid Kansas Professional Teaching License as a Reading Specialist (highly preferred), Elementary Education, Special Education.

• Minimum of 5 years of successful classroom teaching experience in Kansas public or accredited private schools, with a documented track record of improving literacy scores using evidence-based methods.

• Minimum of 2 years of experience in an instructional coaching or educational leadership capacity (e.g., Literacy Coach, Reading Interventionist, instructional mentor, or educational service center consultant) utilizing formalized coaching frameworks (e.g., Jim Knight's Instructional Coaching).

• Formal training or certification in recognized Science of Reading/Structured Literacy frameworks (e.g., Facilitator of LETRS).

Benefits:

·         Competitive salary

·         Comprehensive benefits package: health insurance, KPERS, and paid time off

·         Collaborative and supportive work environment

 About Us:

Smoky Hill Education Service Center (SHESC) is a leading provider of innovative educational services, resources, and support to school districts, educators, and students across Kansas. Through its mission—creating learning opportunities and solutions through responsive service—SHESC is committed to meeting the evolving needs of the communities it serves with flexibility, expertise, and dedication.

To be considered for this position, please submit a cover letter, resume, and contact information for three professional references to krobinson@smokyhill.org.

Teacher

Smoky Hill Education Service Center is seeking an experienced teacher for Lawrence Gardner High School, an accredited high school serving students at the Kansas Juvenile Correctional Complex in Topeka.  This is a full-time, 12-month contract reporting to the Principal.

Position Responsibilities Include:

·         Provide instruction aligned with Kansas State Standards using approved materials

·         Use data to inform instruction and monitor student progress

·         Participate in professional development and school-wide initiatives

·         Promote a safe classroom focused on growth, respect, and discipline

·         Differentiate classroom instruction based on student needs

·         Collaborate effectively with all education stakeholders

·         Maintain student goal and graduation progress

·         Preserve accurate records and confidentiality

·         Performing other duties as assigned by Smoky Hill ESC leadership

Qualifications:

·         Bachelor’s degree in education

·         Valid Kansas educator license

·         Experience teaching in alternative, special education, or correctional settings preferred 

·         Professionalism, dependability, and discretion in handling confidential information.

Benefits:

·         Competitive salary

·         Comprehensive benefits package: health insurance, KPERS, and paid time off

·         Collaborative and supportive work environment

About Us:

Smoky Hill Education Service Center (SHESC) is a leading provider of innovative educational services, resources, and support to school districts, educators, and students across Kansas. Through its mission—creating learning opportunities and solutions through responsive service—SHESC is committed to meeting the evolving needs of the communities it serves with flexibility, expertise, and dedication.

To be considered for this position, please submit a cover letter, resume, Kansas educator license, and a list of three professional references to krobinson@smokyhill.org.

‍Teacher Assistant

Smoky Hill Education Service Center is seeking a teacher assistant for Lawrence Gardner High School, an accredited high school serving students at the Kansas Juvenile Correctional Complex in Topeka.  This is a full-time, 12-month contract reporting to the Principal.

Position Responsibilities Include:

·         Support the teacher with classroom management

·         Assist with instruction aligned with Kansas State Standards using approved materials

·         Participate in professional development and school-wide initiatives

·         Promote a safe classroom focused on growth, respect, and discipline

·         Collaborate effectively with all education stakeholders

·         Preserve accurate records and confidentiality

·         Performing other duties as assigned by Smoky Hill ESC leadership

Qualifications:

·         High School Diploma or Associate's Degree preferred

·         Experience working in alternative, special education, or correctional settings preferred 

·         Proficiency with technology or willingness to receive training.

·         Professionalism, dependability, and discretion in handling confidential information

Benefits:

·         Competitive salary

·         Comprehensive benefits package: health insurance, KPERS, and paid time off

·         Collaborative and supportive work environment

About Us:

Smoky Hill Education Service Center (SHESC) is a leading provider of innovative educational services, resources, and support to school districts, educators, and students across Kansas. Through its mission—creating learning opportunities and solutions through responsive service—SHESC is committed to meeting the evolving needs of the communities it serves with flexibility, expertise, and dedication.

To be considered for this position, please submit a cover letter, resume, Kansas educator license, and a list of three professional references to krobinson@smokyhill.org.