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SchoolKit Early Reading Teaching Facilitator job advertisement photo

Seeking educators with expertise in early literacy for paid summer employment delivering professional development in various locations across Tennessee!

SchoolKit logoPart-Time Early Reading Training Facilitator

Please apply by Friday, April 2

Location: Tennessee

SchoolKit, in partnership with TNTP and the College of Health, Human Sciences and Education at the University of Tennessee Knoxville (CEHHS), is seeking part-time Early Reading Training Facilitators for Summer 2021. The trainings will be delivered to PreK through Grade 4 teachers. This position is based throughout Tennessee (locations vary). Preference will be given to candidates who live in or are geographically close to Tennessee. Facilitators will be required to deliver trainings in-person at various locations across Tennessee. Virtual onboarding and facilitation preparation will begin in April. Trainings will take place from May through August 2021. Facilitators must commit to delivering at least three full weeks of in-person training during this time frame.

About Us 

SchoolKit is a team of experienced educators who believe that excellent instruction is the foundation of equitable schools. Working in partnership with local educators, we help improve instruction and leadership through content and curriculum-specific training and support. Our partner, CEHHS, offers programs of study that lead to initial teacher licensure as well as undergraduate programs in educational interpreting and audiology/speech pathology and advanced programs leading to several teaching endorsements including gifted education and the Literacy Specialist.

In partnership with TNTP and CEHHS, SchoolKit is facilitating a two-part training sequence on foundational reading skills for approximately 11,000 PreK through Grade 4 teachers in Tennessee. The first of the two-part training sequence addresses foundational reading skills and the scientific research on how they are developed. This course is designed to be completed by teachers asynchronously (i.e., at their own pace without real-time facilitator interaction) in Spring 2021.

The second of the two-part training sequence uses the Tennessee Foundational Skills Curriculum Supplement (TNFSCS) to train teachers in scientifically-based instructional methods for developing foundational reading skills using a sounds-first approach focused on oral language. This course is designed to be completed by teachers synchronously (i.e., in real-time with the support of a facilitator) in Summer 2021. Individuals selected for this role will serve as Early Reading Training Facilitators for course two in various locations across Tennessee this summer.

What You’ll Do

In this part-time role, facilitators will lead week-long in-person trainings for cohorts of up to 50 teachers on scientifically-based instructional methods for developing foundational reading skills using a sounds-first approach focused on oral language. Cohorts will participate in a five-day training experience, approximately 8 hours per day, led by the facilitator. Trainings will take place across Tennessee at approximately 20 sites. Trainings begin the week of May 24th and run through at least the week of August 9th.

Specific responsibilities include:

  • Internalize course one content on foundational reading skills
  • Complete a facilitation preparation program with SchoolKit staff members to be prepared to effectively facilitate course two in-person during Summer 2021
  • Prepare for and facilitate week-long trainings on foundational reading skills, using the detailed course materials provided by SchoolKit 
  • Ensure participants make meaningful and lasting changes to their approach and practice, by building their understanding of the impact of using a sounds-first approach focused on oral language to develop foundational reading skills
  • Expertly model using a sounds-first approach focused on oral language to develop foundational reading skills
  • Create conditions for participating teachers to feel comfortable taking risks and trying things that make them feel uncomfortable
  • Provide meaningful feedback to participants throughout the day that helps them change their mindsets and practice
  • Grade participants’ culminating performance task using guidance and norming provided by SchoolKit

Qualifications

Early Reading Training Facilitators are experienced educators who have a demonstrated track record of success implementing the Tennessee Foundational Skills Curriculum Supplement (TNFSCS) or have advanced degrees in reading and training and/or certifications from accredited and reputable organizations (i.e. LETERs, Orton Gillingham). Trainers are deeply knowledgeable about using a sounds-first approach focused on oral language to develop foundational reading skills.  Facilitators hold high expectations for what students and teachers are capable of and have strong organizational and communication skills. Ideal candidates will also have:

  • A minimum of three years of successful teaching experience
  • Experience with Tennessee Foundational Skills Curriculum Supplement (TNFSCS), Core Knowledge Language Arts (CKLA) or Amplify CKLA is preferred
  • Demonstrated ability to motivate and inspire students and adults
  • Experience in facilitating effective in-person training experiences for adult learners
  • Demonstrated ability to connect with adult learners quickly and to build strong working and mentoring relationships
  • Exceptional skills in time management, including the ability to balance multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
  • A positive outlook, flexibility, and sense of possibility in stressful situations
  • Evidence of working successfully in teams or cooperative settings.

Time Frame and Compensation

  • In Spring 2021, facilitators will complete up to 60 hours of virtual training and preparation, including mastering the content from course one of this two-part training sequence on foundational reading skills.
  • In Summer 2021, facilitators will deliver week-long in-person trainings (8 hours per day) to cohorts of up to 50 teachers. The content of the trainings is the same each week and will not require additional new preparation by the facilitator. Trainings begin the week of May 24th and run through the week of August 9th. Preference will be given to facilitators who can commit to delivering at least three full weeks of in-person training during this time frame. 
  • For each cohort trained, facilitators will also spend up to 25 hours grading participants’ performance tasks.

SchoolKit offers a competitive hourly wage commensurate with experience in a similar position. The pay rate for this role is $36 per hour. Travel costs, including mileage, lodging, and meals, will be covered. The table below illustrates approximate compensation based on estimated hours. 

Opportunity  Time Commitment  Approximate Compensation* 
Preparation and 

Initial 3 Weeks of Facilitation 

  • Up to 60 hours for preparation 
  • Up to 40 hours of facilitation per week (120 hours total for 3 weeks) 
  • Up to 25 hours of grading per cohort trained (75 total for 3 cohorts**) 
$9,180
Additional Weeks of Facilitation 
  • Up to 40 hours of facilitation per week 
  • Up to 25 hours of grading per cohort trained**
$2,340

*Note: compensation is hourly and will be based on hours worked. 

**1 cohort is trained per week. 

To Apply

It’s in your best interest to apply as soon as possible; the priority deadline for this role is Friday, April 2nd.  Please complete our online application at https://schoolkitgroup.formstack.com/forms/tn_facilitator_application

SchoolKit is an Equal Opportunity employer. Personnel are chosen on the basis of ability without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, marital status or sexual orientation, in accordance with federal and state law.