• Info for Aspiring Lit Spec

Information for Aspiring Early Literacy Specialists

  • As a Texas Reading Academy Authorized Provider the Houston Independent School District (HISD) will hire Early Literacy Reading Specialists (Cohort Leaders) to administer the Reading Academies Blended (online) course and Comprehensive (on-site, live) course.

    Blended vs. Comprehensive Models

    Model

    Cohort Size

    Time Commitment

    Requirements

    Blended

    90 participants per cohort

    40 hours of work providing online and classroom implementation support

    Cohort Leaders will lead 1 cohort at a time

    Evaluate artifacts and provide feedback

    Provide virtual office hours

    Check-in with Reading Academy administrator every two weeks

    Provide in-person coaching

    Comprehensive

    50 participants per cohort

    40 hours of work per week providing classroom implementation support

    Cohort Leaders will lead 1 cohort at at time

    Evaluate artifacts and provide feedback

    Provide virtual office hours

    Check-in with Reading Academy administrator every two weeks

    Provide in-person training and coaching

    Step 1: Complete a multiple choice pre-screener

    Applicants may apply one time per screening window. Unsuccessful applicants may re-apply in subsequent screening windows.

    Window

    Application Opens

    Application Closes

    Pre-Screener Results Notification

    Window 1

    March 9

    March 31

    April 15

    Window 2

    April 22

    May 3

    May 13

    Window 3

    May 22

    June 7

    June 19

     

    Step 2: Must demonstrate proficiency with artifacts

    Applicants will be asked to complete the same artifacts that will be included in the Reading Academies. Applicants must videotape themselves and agree that their artifacts can be re-used and shared throughout the academies.

    Step 3: Review and evaluate sample artifacts effectively

    Applicants will be given prompts, sample response artifacts, rubrics, and grading guidance. They must accurately evaluate artifacts in the same way they will be asked to do during academies.

    Step 4: Must meet qualifications outlined in the HISD Job Description and interview for the position

    Interested candidates should apply for the Early Literacy Reading Specialist position via HISD Applitrack. Applicants invited to interview must demonstrate their ability to successfully carry-out roles and responsibilities as described in the Job Description for the HISD Early Literacy Reading Specialist.