Field Instructor, Institute for Urban Education, UMKC School of Education, Social Work & Psychological Sciences

University of Missouri-Kansas City

School of Education, Social Work & Psychological Sciences

Institute for Urban Education

The University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC) School of Education, Social Work & Psychological Sciences is seeking a Field Instructor to lead a Literacy Coach Fellowship for literacy coaches in Kansas City area elementary schools. This individual will participate in a grant-funded initiative to develop and support literacy coaches in urban schools, with an emphasis on the Science of Reading, instructional coaching, and culturally responsive literacy instruction.

We invite applications and nominations for a 1.0 FTE, non-tenure track position with a focus on training and supporting literacy-focused instructional coaches. The Literacy Coach Fellowship Lead will collaborate with building-based literacy coaches in Kansas City urban partner schools, fostering a community of practice focused on evidence-based literacy instruction and coaching best practices. The program's mission is to increase literacy achievement in the participating elementary schools through high-quality coaching and professional development for literacy educators.

Major Responsibilities:

The Literacy Coach Field Instructor will be responsible for training and supporting building-based literacy coaches throughout the summer and academic year. Duties include:

• Provide comprehensive training on instructional coaching for effective literacy instruction grounded in the Science of Reading
• Facilitate the use of literacy instructional frameworks and coaching rubrics to observe and support literacy coaches and teachers
• Mentor literacy coaches on co-teaching, demonstrating best practices, and working with resistant or struggling educators
• Design and facilitate professional development sessions to develop literacy coaches' knowledge and skills related to effective literacy instruction and instructional coaching
• Support and collaborate on the development of professional development sessions to be facilitated by school-based coaches
• Assist literacy coaches in interpretation of student literacy data to inform coaching practices that support effective instruction
• Collaborate with UMKC faculty and school leaders to ensure program implementation aligns with evidence-based literacy instruction and coaching models.
• Support coaches in developing site-specific literacy improvement plans that reflect the needs of their school communities.
• Collect and analyze data on coaching effectiveness and student literacy growth to inform program improvements.
• Participate in weekly observation and feedback sessions with literacy coaches, providing both in-person and virtual coaching support.
• Ensure fidelity to the five components of literacy instruction and literacy coaching methods
• Serve as a liaison between UMKC, school sites, and other stakeholders in the literacy coaching initiative.
• Work closely with school administrators, instructional coaches, and teachers to create consistent coaching expectations across multiple schools.
• Contribute to research, reports, and presentations related to literacy coaching effectiveness.

This is a 9-month, full-time (1.0 FTE), benefit eligible, unranked/non-tenure track academic position.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Master's degree from an accredited institution in Elementary Education, Reading Education, Literacy, Curriculum & Instruction, or a related field.
• Minimum five years of successful teaching experience, including teaching reading in grades K-3.
• Minimum three years of experience coaching teachers, supporting adult learners, or leading professional development.
• Expertise in evidence-based literacy instruction (e.g., Science of Reading, LETRS training, phonics, comprehension strategies).
• Current or previous P-12 teacher certification is required.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience as a building-based literacy coach or instructional coach in K-12 settings.
• Completion of LETRS training.
• Knowledge of culturally responsive and equity-focused literacy instruction.
• Experience in data-driven instructional decision-making and literacy assessment interpretation.
• Doctorate in Education, Literacy or a closely related field.
• Prior work in urban education settings with historically underserved students.
• Familiarity with the Kansas City educational landscape and its literacy challenges.

Salary is commensurate with experience, education, and internal equity.

Interested applicants must submit:

• A cover letter detailing relevant experience and interest in literacy coaching.
• A curriculum vitae or resume.
• A writing sample (e.g., professional development plan, literacy coaching framework, or academic writing).
• Contact information for four professional references.

Applications should be combined into a single PDF or Microsoft Word document and uploaded as your resume attachment. Do not include special characters in the document name.

For technical issues, email umpshrsupport@umsystem.edu.
For questions about the position, contact umkcfacultysearch@umkc.edu, including the name of the position.

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Position start date is August 1, 2025*

*successful applicant will be available for part-time work in June and July 2025

Kansas City offers the best of both worlds-a vibrant, urban community with Midwestern appeal. The city's rich history and its modern-day, innovative thinking come together to create an eclectic group of neighborhoods that offer a little something for everyone. From thriving arts districts, an energetic downtown nightlife, casual to upscale shopping and champion sports teams, you will have no problem making yourself at home. Of course, one of Kansas City's biggest claims to fame is its food, especially its world-famous barbecue. Foodies will delight in the culinary scene found throughout the city. Ranging from award-winning chefs to cozy pizza joints, Kansas City definitely is not lacking any flavor.

UMKC's campuses are conveniently nestled in the middle of all the action. Volker Campus is just minutes from the legendary Country Club Plaza, perfect for shopping or restaurants for lunch or after-work happy hours. Surrounded by hip neighborhoods and eateries, the Health Sciences Campus is located downtown near University Health Truman Medical Center and Children's Mercy Hospital.

UMKC is proud to be "Kansas City's university," and the campus and its people celebrate all the characteristics of the surrounding community. To learn more about life in Kansas City and find more resources, visit VisitKC.com.

This position is eligible for University benefits. As part of your total compensation, the University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision plans, retirement, and educational fee discounts for all four UM System campuses. For additional information on University benefits, please visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website at https://www.umsystem.edu/totalrewards/benefits.

Values Commitment

We value the uniqueness of every individual and strive to ensure each person's success. Contributions from individuals with diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives promote intellectual pluralism and enable us to achieve the excellence that we seek in learning, research and engagement. This commitment makes our university a better place to work, learn and innovate.

In your application materials, please discuss your experiences and expertise that support these values and enrich our missions of teaching, research, and engagement.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of Missouri System is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Equal Opportunity is and shall be provided for all employees and applicants for employment on the basis of their demonstrated ability and competence without unlawful discrimination on the basis of their race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, disability, or protected veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable state or federal law. This policy applies to all employment decisions including, but not limited to, recruiting, hiring, training, promotions, pay practices, benefits, disciplinary actions and terminations. For more information, visit https://www.umsystem.edu/ums/hr/eeo or call Human Resources at 816-235-1621.

To request ADA accommodations, please call the Office of Equity & Title IX at 816-235-6910.