The Role
Leads K-3 literacy improvement across a school network by coaching teachers and leaders, strengthening Science of Reading instruction and MTSS systems, analyzing student and implementation data, facilitating professional learning, developing instructional resources, and supporting literacy initiatives and assessments. The role requires frequent travel between campuses and collaboration across literacy teams to ensure instructional coherence and successful third-grade transitions.
Summary Generated by Built In
About Mastery:
Founded in 2001, Mastery Schools is a public charter network of 23 K-12 schools in Philadelphia and Camden, serving more than 14,000 students.
At Mastery, we’re on a mission to provide all students with the academic and personal skills they need to succeed after graduation and pursue their dreams. Student achievement is not just a goal for our organization; it's the reason we exist, and every member of our team is dedicated to securing student success. We are also committed to pursuing equity, actively disrupting systemic racism, and addressing the disparities that limit our students' choices.
Our culture is built on respect, service, and the belief that the success of our students, their families, and the communities we serve will help us achieve our mission. We foster a positive, open, and inclusive environment where honesty, humor, and continuous improvement are celebrated.
Join us in creating a model urban school district that serves all students with excellence. Together, we can make a lasting impact.
Position Summary:
The Assistant Director of K-3 Literacy ensures that Mastery Schools students develop the foundational literacy skills, knowledge, and instructional experiences necessary to become successful, independent readers and writers. Reporting to the Director of Early Literacy, the Assistant Director partners with schools to strengthen Tier 1 instruction, teacher practice, and implementation of evidence-based literacy programming grounded in the Science of Reading.
While serving primarily on the K-2 Literacy Team, the Assistant Director also partners closely with the 3–8 Literacy Team to ensure a coherent transition into third grade. This includes supporting the design and implementation of high-quality WIN (What I Need) blocks, strengthening Tier 1 instruction through data-informed decision making, and ensuring instructional coherence across foundational skills, language comprehension, reading comprehension, and writing.
The Assistant Director serves as a strategic thought partner to schools and advances Mastery's vision for literacy through teacher coaching, professional learning, instructional resource development, and data-driven continuous improvement.
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Support implementation of high-quality Tier 1 literacy instruction grounded in the Science of Reading through teacher and leader coaching, classroom observation, modeling, feedback, and professional development.
- Partner with schools to strengthen K-3 MTSS, including Tier 1 instruction, intervention systems, progress monitoring, and data-driven instructional planning.
- Analyze student achievement, assessment, and implementation data to identify instructional trends, diagnose opportunities for improvement, and inform school support and network priorities.
- Design and facilitate high-quality professional learning that strengthens teacher and leader practice and instructional execution.
- Develop instructional resources, planning tools, exemplar materials, and implementation guidance that support high-quality curriculum implementation and instructional decision making.
- Contribute to the planning, implementation, and continuous improvement of network literacy initiatives, assessments, pilots, and strategic priorities.
- Collaborate closely with the K-2 and 3-8 Literacy Teams to ensure instructional coherence and successful transitions into third grade.
- Provide support to Academic Operations as needed, including assessment implementation, school support, and other network priorities.
Qualifications:
- Results-oriented with a strong commitment to improving student outcomes. Deep belief in the mission and instructional model of Mastery Schools.
- Demonstrate deep knowledge of early literacy, the Science of Reading, Common Core State Standards, MTSS, and evidence-based instructional practices, with a high bar for instructional quality.
- Strong coaching, communication, and interpersonal skills with the ability to influence adult learning and instructional practice.
- Demonstrated ability to analyze and interpret student achievement and instructional implementation data to drive continuous instructional improvement.
- Ability to diagnose classroom instruction, identify high-leverage next steps, and provide clear, actionable feedback that strengthens teacher practice.
Education and Experience:
- Bachelor's degree required.
- At least five years of experience in literacy instruction, teacher coaching, curriculum development, or instructional leadership.
- Demonstrated record of improving literacy outcomes through instruction, coaching, curriculum development, or instructional leadership.
- Experience implementing evidence-based literacy practices aligned to the Science of Reading.
- Demonstrated success working with students and educators in historically under-resourced school communities.
Other Requirements:
- Ability to physically perform the essential duties of the role as outlined above, and to work in the environmental conditions required, such as traveling to network campuses, monitoring and interacting with students, in-person facilitation of trainings, etc.;
- This role requires frequent travel between multiple locations. Reliable transportation is essential to fulfill job responsibilities.
Salary and Bonus Information:
External candidates hired for this role are eligible for a $3,000 signing bonus as well as up to $5,000 for relocation expenses.
The Assistant Director or Early Literacy (K-3) at Mastery can expect a starting salary between $104,000 - $110,200, based on education and experience, with opportunities for growth as your career progresses. Each offer is made in alignment with Mastery’s compensation philosophy and commitment to pay equity, ensuring fairness and consistency across our team.
Mastery's Benefits Package:
We offer a full benefits program and opportunities for professional growth. Some of our most popular benefits include our 403(b) retirement plan for PA employees (with a 5% match from Mastery for full-time employees), enrollment in the State of New Jersey Pension Plan for NJ employees, a robust Employee Assistance Program, mental health and counseling programs, an annual Professional Development Fund, and discounts and perks at a myriad of retailers, travel organizations, insurance providers, and so much more, as well as access to the HealthAdvocate Helpdesk to help you navigate various benefits-related topics. Please go here to see all of our Benefits offerings!
Annual Calendar:
As you plan to make Mastery your new work home, please feel free to review our calendar here. We like to think our calendar is a benefit of working here too!
Why You Should Apply:
Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they can perform every job description task. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and that candidate may come from a less traditional background. Mastery may consider an equivalent combination of knowledge, skills, education, and experience to meet minimum qualifications. If you are interested in applying, we encourage you to think broadly about your background and skill set for the role.
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree
- At least five years of experience in literacy instruction, teacher coaching, curriculum development, or instructional leadership
- Demonstrated record of improving literacy outcomes through instruction, coaching, curriculum development, or instructional leadership
- Experience implementing evidence-based literacy practices aligned to the Science of Reading
- Demonstrated success working with students and educators in historically under-resourced school communities
- Deep knowledge of early literacy, the Science of Reading, Common Core State Standards, MTSS, and evidence-based instructional practices
- Strong coaching, communication, and interpersonal skills
- Ability to analyze and interpret student achievement and instructional implementation data
- Ability to diagnose classroom instruction and provide clear, actionable feedback
- Reliable transportation for frequent travel between network campuses
- Ability to physically perform essential duties and work in required environmental conditions
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The Company
What We Do
Mastery Charter Schools is a growing nonprofit charter public school network operating more than 24 schools serving over 14,000 K-12 students in Philadelphia and Camden. Recognized nationally for its work in school turnarounds and dramatic student achievement gains, the organization integrates modern management and effective educational practices to ensure all students learn the academic and personal skills necessary for postsecondary success and pursuing their dreams.
