Literacy Specialist (Writing Focus)

POSITION: Literacy Specialist (Writing Focus)

LOCATION: Statewide with Southern WV Focus

REPORTS TO: MSESC Executive Director & Director of Office of Academic Support, WVDE

EMPLOYMENT TERM: Full-time (240 Days)

JOB SUMMARY

The Literacy Specialist will support statewide efforts to strengthen student achievement in writing, with an emphasis on improving comprehension and vocabulary development. This role is grounded in the principles of the Science of Reading and aligned with the goals of the Third Grade Success Act. The specialist will work collaboratively with educators, school leaders, and district teams to build instructional capacity and support high-quality writing and literacy instruction across classrooms. This position offers an opportunity to make a meaningful impact on literacy outcomes by supporting educators and advancing high-quality instruction across the state.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

  1. Provide professional learning, coaching, and support to educators with a primary focus on writing instruction, including its connection to reading comprehension and vocabulary development.
  2. Support the implementation of evidence-based practices aligned to the Science of Reading.
  3. Assist schools and districts in aligning literacy instruction to the requirements of the Third Grade Success Act.
  4. Develop and deliver in-person and virtual training sessions using platforms such as Microsoft Teams.
  5. Collaborate with WVDE staff and MSESC Regional Specialists to analyze data and create resources and tools for schools and districts that align with the Science of Reading.
  6. Collaborate with literacy and numeracy specialists, administrators, and instructional teams to strengthen classroom practices
  7. Assist schools and districts in analyzing student data to inform instructional decisions and support continuous improvement.
  8. Create and curate high-quality instructional resources to support writing, comprehension, and vocabulary instruction
  9. Stay current on research and best practices in literacy instruction and share insights with stakeholders
  10. Travel statewide to provide onsite support, training, and coaching
  11. Complete other duties and responsibilities as assigned by the WVDE Director of Academic Support and/or the MSESC Executive Director.

QUALIFICATIONS:

  1. Bachelor’s degree required, master’s degree in literacy, education, or a related field preferred
  2. Minimum of five (5) years of successful classroom teaching experience in grades K-5
  3. Deep understanding of the Science of Reading, including its application to writing, comprehension, and vocabulary development
  4. LETRS certified or currently enrolled in LETRS Program
  5. Strong knowledge of effective writing instruction and its integration with reading
  6. Experience supporting or implementing initiatives aligned with the Third Grade Success Act preferred
  7. Demonstrated ability to deliver engaging professional development, both in-person and virtually
  8. High level of proficiency with technology, including Microsoft Teams and other digital platforms
  9. Experience in instructional coaching or teacher leadership roles preferred
  10. Experience with Write-On with Cambi preferred
  11. Ability to build strong relationships and work collaboratively across teams
  12. Commitment to continuous learning and professional growth
  13. Strong communication, collaboration, and organizational skills
  14. Ability and willingness to travel statewide on a regular basis

Send Application & Resume:

Ms. Jan Hanlon, Executive Director

Mountain State ESC

501 22nd Street Dunbar, WV 25064

Or download the application under Job Posting at Mountain State Educational Cooperative Services (mountainstateesc.com) and submit along with support documents via email to rjpreece@k12.wv.us by 3:00 p.m. April 16, 2026

Resume Must Include:

  1. List of educational institutions attended, course of study, dates attended, and certificates earned.
  2. List of employers for the past ten years, including address and name of immediate supervisor(s).
  3. Description of responsibilities/work experiences in previous employment.
  4. Alignment of work experience with posted Job Description.

5.List of at least three (3) references including addresses and telephone numbers.

Mountain State ESC does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), sexual orientation, genetic information, disability or age.

Mountain State Educational Services Cooperative 2026