At Chattanooga 2.0, we’re working toward a major goal: dramatically increasing the number of our third- through fifth- grade children reading and writing on grade level by 2030. Ambitious? Yes. Achievable? YES!

Currently, six out of every ten elementary students in Hamilton County Schools are not reading or writing on grade level. That number is even higher for the 30% of elementary students from low-income backgrounds: less than two out of every ten students are proficient.

How do we turn those numbers around in order to reach our goal for Hamilton County? By engaging everyone who has a stake in our children’s futures: families, educators, and the broader community. We’ve mapped out a plan to ensure every child has what they need in each of the following settings to become literate:

• Home
• School
• Community

Across each category, we will uplift programs that are getting results, partner with others in implementation, or lead the work ourselves in pursuit of a community-wide literacy goal for our third- through fifth-grade students.

In an effort to reach our goal, we’re excited to announce a new strategy at Chattanooga 2.0: our Tactical Literacy Team. This team will be integral in changing the literacy landscape in Hamilton County by creating a scalable proof point for our schools and community. The primary goal is to provide individualized reading intervention to elementary students with significant reading challenges in order to help them overcome their difficulties and become fluent readers. To that end, we’re looking for early literacy educators to join the Tactical Literacy Team.

Tactical Literacy Team members will work closely with school personnel, especially the Response to Instruction and Intervention (RTI²) team, to identify students in need of intensive reading intervention and develop customized intervention programs aligned to the Science of Reading.

You’ll find a full job description below, but, among the qualifications we’re looking for in a candidate is a deep understanding of dyslexia and other significant reading challenges. Additionally, we’re looking for thought leaders – people who can take the science of what they know and put it into action. You’ll do this by working with partners and stakeholders to formulate unique programs that best fit students. The Tactical Literacy Team is a groundbreaking new initiative in Hamilton County. If you share our passion and dedication, we’d love to have you on our team. If you are interested in joining this transformational team, email a cover letter and resume with the subject line “Tactical Literacy Team Application” to Brandon Hubbard-Heitz (brandon@chatt2.org), Director of Literacy and Student Strategy at Chattanooga 2.0 by September 4.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Collaborate with the RTI² team at the targeted school to identify students with dyslexia or significant reading challenges who require individualized reading interventions beyond the school’s capacity 

• Conduct assessments and utilize the HCS universal screening results to determine the specific needs of each student and design appropriate intervention plans
• Develop and implement evidence-based intervention strategies, programs, and activities tailored to meet the unique needs of students with dyslexia
• Provide direct, specialized instruction to students with dyslexia in small group or one-on-one settings during the RTI² block or other in-school and after school opportunities, focusing on explicit and systematic code instruction, phonological awareness, phonics, word recognition, comprehension, and writing skills
• Monitor and evaluate student progress regularly, adjusting interventions as needed to ensure continuous improvement and growth
• Collaborate with school personnel, including teachers and administrators, and families to ensure effective communication and coordination of interventions
• Serve as a resource and provide ongoing support to school-based personnel regarding dyslexia and evidence-based instructional strategies
• Stay updated with the latest research, best practices, and interventions related to dyslexia and reading difficulties, and incorporate this knowledge into the intervention programs
• Maintain accurate records, documentation, and reports related to intervention plans, student progress, and program outcomes 
• Collaborate with the team members and school personnel to share expertise, exchange ideas, and enhance the overall effectiveness of the program 
• Partner with school personnel to develop and deliver communication, resources, and training for families and caregivers to support literacy at home

QUALIFICATIONS

• Deep expertise and significant experience in serving students with dyslexia or other significant reading challenges is essential 
• Strong understanding of dyslexia, its neurobiological origins, and the phonological component of language 
• Knowledge of evidence-based interventions, strategies, and best practices for teaching students with dyslexia, including explicit and systematic code instruction, phonological awareness, phonics, and comprehension instruction 
• Experience in conducting assessments and using data to inform instructional decisions and monitor student progress 

• Familiarity with the Response to Instruction and Intervention (RTI²) theory and practices as well as Tennessee’s RTI² manual
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to effectively collaborate with school personnel, students, and families 
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail for managing intervention plans, records, and documentation 
• Ability to work independently as well as part of a team, demonstrating flexibility and adaptability 
• Passion for helping students with dyslexia overcome reading challenges and achieve academic success 
• Bachelor’s degree in education, psychology, or a related field is required; a master’s degree is preferred 
• Relevant certifications or credentials are highly desirable (e.g., from the International Dyslexia Association’s Center for Effective Reading Instruction) or a willingness to participate in professional learning to grow one’s knowledge, skills, and/or certifications

Note: This job description provides a general outline of the key responsibilities and qualifications required for Tactical Literacy Team member position. Actual duties and requirements may vary based on the specific needs of the Tactical Literacy Team and the school involved.