Language and Literacy Consultant

This full-time (1.0 FTE), year-round position at the Regional Professional Development Center (RPDC), part of the University of Missouri-Kansas City's School of Education, is primarily funded through a contract with the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE). The mission of the UMKC School of Education is to recruit, prepare and support teachers, mental health professionals and administrators who will create lifelong opportunities through education for America's diverse urban communities. The physical location of the RPDC is Union Station, 30 W. Pershing Rd., KCMO Suite 401.

The purpose of the Language and Literacy Consultant is to provide educators with support to assist Local Education Agencies (LEAs) in the development and implementation of effective instructional methods, assessments, and/or activities related to improving academic performance. The expected outcome for this effort is to improve academic achievement of students by implementing effective, evidence-based instructional practices and strategies.

This position reports to the Director of the UMKC RPDC and works collaboratively with Missouri's DESE staff to serve Missouri PK-12 educators, assist with statewide school improvement issues, and to perform other duties as assigned.

Overall Program Activities

• Participate in collaborative planning meetings with other literacy consultants within and across regions. Must participate in at least one literacy planning meeting with other literacy coaches, specialists, and consultants within the RPDC.
• Assist DESE with the collection of data for statewide analysis.
• Attend and actively participate in statewide monthly resource, support, and training meetings, as designated by the DESE master calendar and direction from DESE Technical Contact and/or DESE Curriculum Directors.
• Assist all partner LEAs in improving academic achievement of students.
• Assist educators in implementing effective, evidence-based instructional practices and strategies.
• Assist identified LEAs within the region to improve post-secondary outcomes for students.
• Attend regional and national conferences, as requested by DESE.
• Report data and Consultant activities as required in a format and through a system designated by DESE.

Training Activities

K-3 Consultants

• All training activities must focus on support for teachers participating in the Read, Lead, Exceed LETRS training initiative. Any other training outside of this focus must be approved by DESE Technical Contact and/or DESE Literacy Coordinator and aligned with Missouri Read, Lead, Exceed Literacy Initiatives.
• Provide at least one (1) training to LEAs on best practice for effective literacy acquisition, instruction, and intervention in support of science of reading teaching practices.
• Provide at least one (1) training to LEAs in the area of the five (5) components of literacy instruction: phonemic awareness, phonics, vocabulary, fluency, and comprehension, as they relate to reading, writing, spelling, listening, and speaking.
• Provide at least one training to LEAs on developing best practices for effective classroom discourse practices aligned with the current research of instruction and intervention effectiveness for all students.

K-12 Consultants

• All training activities must focus on Missouri Read, Lead, Exceed Literacy Initiatives and provide support for teachers and administrators. Any other training outside of this focus must be approved by DESE Technical Contact and/or DESE Literacy Coordinator and aligned with Missouri Read, Lead, Exceed Literacy Initiatives.
• Provide at least one (1) training to LEAs on how to use priority standards to support instruction around the Missouri Learning Standards (MLS) as well as using priority standards resources.
• Provide at least one (1) training to LEAs on the practice of multi-disciplinary and comprehensive literacy instruction and materials.
• Provide at least one training to LEAs on high-quality instructional materials supported by DESE initiatives.
• As requested, provide coaching on developing classroom and local assessment.
• Provide LETRS training for statewide literacy initiatives as required by DESE.

Planning/Communication/Collaboration Activities

• Serve as a mentor for new consultants.

Meeting/Conference Activities

• Attend and participate in monthly, multi-day meetings, with other Consultants at the direction of the DESE Technical Contact and/or DESE Curriculum Directors.
• Attend and participate in any conference as requested by the DESE Technical Contact.

Required Travel

Language and Literacy Consultants are expected to travel within the assigned Regional Professional Development Centers (RPDC) region as needed, including travel for attendance at DESE required meetings/conferences.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and experience and at least 3 years of experience from which comparable knowledge and skills can be acquired is necessary.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree or higher in education or related field. Education Specialist or PhD/EdD degree preferred. The ideal candidate will have:
• Five (5) years' experience as a teacher and/or administrator.
• Expertise and/or significant leadership experience implementing instructional best practice resulting in improved student learning outcomes.
• Demonstrated commitment to and experience in serving students with diverse backgrounds, perspectives, goals, and abilities in alignment with the School of Education's mission, vision, values, and priorities.
• Proficiency in word processing applications (i.e., Google Docs, Moodle, BrightSpace, Microsoft Office Suite, Apple systems).
• Excellent written, verbal and organizational skills.
• Able to relate to various education skills that encompass a preK-12 school system.
• Ability to conduct regional and in-state travel (travel expenses will be reimbursed).

Anticipated Hiring Range

Anticipated salary range is $55,000-$60,000, commensurate with experience, education, and internal equity.

Application Materials

Application materials should include a resume and cover letter.

Application Deadline

For best consideration, apply by 8/22/2025. Applications will continue to be accepted until filled.

University benefits information. The University of Missouri is an Equal Opportunity Employer.