Senior Literacy Consultant - Non-Classified - Term-Limited

Colorado Department of Education – What We Do 
The Colorado Department of Education (CDE) provides leadership, resources, support, and accountability to the state's 178 school districts, 1,888 schools, over 53,000 teachers, and over 3,200 administrators to help them build capacity to meet the needs of the state's approximately 905,000 public school students. In addition, CDE provides structural and administrative support to the Colorado School for the Deaf and the Blind and the Charter School Institute.

As the administrative arm of the State Board of Education, CDE is responsible for implementing state and federal education laws, disbursing state and federal funds, holding schools and districts accountable for performance, licensing all educators, and providing public transparency of performance and financial data.

CDE is a values-based agency that serves students, parents, and the general public by protecting public trust through ensuring adherence to laws, strong stewardship of public funds, and accountability for student performance.

CDE strives to incorporate five core values that we uphold in our work internally and externally.   If you come to CDE, be prepared to incorporate Integrity, Equity, Accountability, Trust, and commitment to Service in what you do.

Why Work For CDE
The work we do is rewarding and impacts the students, families, educators, and communities across Colorado. Our leadership also promotes a culture that puts families and self-care as a priority. Along with meaningful work and an environment that puts employees first, the state also offers rich benefits that intend to make us an Employer of Choice!
The following is a summary of the benefits we offer:

• Flexible work schedules and flexible workplace options that may include flexible working hours, working from home, working in the office, and/or a hybrid working environment.
• Premier medical, dental, vision, and dependent life insurance options. All with a generous employer contribution keeping employee costs as low as possible.
• Employer-paid short-term disability and life insurance.
• Up to 160 hours of Paid Family Medical Leave (PFML).
• 11 paid holidays per year.
• Competitive vacation and sick leave accruals.
• Retirement through the Public Employees Retirement Association (PERA) www.copera.org.
• Employer-paid RTD Eco Pass (certain restrictions may apply).
• Paid professional development opportunities.

A wide salary range is posted for this position, and any job offer is based upon a salary analysis to comply with the Colorado Equal Pay for Equal Work Act. The salary analysis considers relevant experience, education, certifications, and state seniority relative to others performing substantially similar work. While most salary offers are made within the posted range, occasionally an offer is made below or above the posted range based upon this salary analysis.

The State of Colorado strives to create a Colorado for All by building and maintaining workplaces that value and respect all Coloradans through a commitment to equal opportunity and hiring based on merit and fitness. The State is resolute in non-discriminatory practices in everything we do, including hiring, employment, and advancement opportunities.Make an Impact on Early Literacy Across Colorado. Help strengthen reading outcomes for Colorado’s youngest learners. As a Senior Literacy Consultant, you’ll support statewide implementation of the READ Act, partnering with districts and schools to advance scientifically and evidence-based reading instruction—particularly for multilingual learners, students with disabilities, and students at risk for or identified as having dyslexia. You’ll provide professional development and technical assistance, analyze literacy data, develop resources, and collaborate with educators and partners to turn evidence-based practices into meaningful results for K–3 students across Colorado.

Bring your literacy expertise, leadership, and passion for supporting educators to CDE—and help build stronger readers across Colorado. 

Work Environment:

• Extended hours during the evening or the weekend may be required by business needs.
• At least 30-40% Travel required within Denver Metro/Downtown within the state of Colorado for Meetings/Training.
• Driving Required (Please see description under Conditions of Employment).
• A Remote (Home) office is required.
• Required to report to the work location per business needs
• Essential Functions (ADAAA)
  • MEDIUM/Office-Work Site Environment:
    • Required to sit, view a computer screen, and utilize a keyboard and mouse for extended periods of time.
    • May be required to exert up to 10 lbs. of force constantly, and/or up to 20 lbs. of force frequently, and/or up to 50 lbs. of force occasionally to move objects (If lifting boxes, documents, mail, or packages of 10 lbs or more).
    • Required lifting, bending, stooping, pushing, walking, squatting, climbing, etc.
    • May require exposure to inclement weather, extreme temperatures, high elevations, noise, etc.
  • Colorado State Driver License Required: Required to safely operate a motor vehicle (OR State of Colorado Fleet motor vehicle/Colorado DL required) to complete travel requirements.

Position Summary:
The Senior Literacy Consultant supports the implementation of the Colorado Reading to Ensure Academic Development Act (READ Act). The Senior Literacy Consultant will be responsible for managing professional development contracts as well as providing guidance and professional development to districts and schools in support of scientifically and evidence-based reading instruction for multilingual learners, students with disabilities who have an Individualized Education Program (IEP), and students at risk for or identified as having dyslexia. This position is term-limited and will end June 30, 2027.  

Major Duties and Responsibilities:

A. Under the supervision of the Literacy Program Supervisor, work as part of a team with the Elementary Literacy and School Readiness Office including the Director of the Elementary Literacy and School Readiness Office, Literacy Program Supervisor, Principal Consultants and Senior Literacy Consultants to accomplish the mission of the office with adherence to the policies of CDE.

B. Understands the Legislation of HB 12-1238 (The READ Act) and the necessary implementation requirements for the Local Education Agencies (LEAs).

C. Support district level staff with interpretation and implementation of the Colorado Reading to Ensure Academic Development Act (READ Act).

D. Act as part of a team that provides Local Education Agencies training and professional development for kindergarten through third grade teachers to support scientifically and evidence-based reading instruction for multilingual learners, students with disabilities who have an IEP, and students at risk for or identified as having dyslexia.

E. Manage and oversee implementation of contracts with professional development vendors. 

F. In partnership with professional development vendors, maintain records and implementation plans for district based teacher training to support scientifically and evidence-based reading instruction for multilingual learners, students with disabilities who have an IEP, and students at risk for or identified as having dyslexia.

G. Consistently evaluates and determines the training needs of districts and kindergarten through third grade teachers in the area of reading.

H. Collaborate with internal personnel and professional development vendors to develop professional development and resources to support districts and schools with developing knowledge of and implementing scientifically based and evidence-based practices in teaching reading for multilingual learners, students with disabilities who have an IEP, and students at risk for or identified as having dyslexia. 

I. Maintain records and implementation plans for district-based teacher training on evidence-based practices in teaching reading.

J. Engage in periodic reviews of unified improvement plans, instructional programs, professional development, and assessments as required by the Colorado Reading to Ensure Academic Development Act (READ Act).

K. Work with districts and schools to analyze kindergarten through third grade reading data and provide strategies to increase literacy achievement.

L. Under the supervision of the Literacy Program Supervisor supports the development and on-going maintenance of public facing professional development resources that supports the field with providing scientifically and evidence-based reading instruction for multilingual learners, students with disabilities who have an IEP, and students at risk for or identified as having dyslexia. This includes but is not limited to development and maintenance of an on-line course platform such as Moodle. 

M. Attend all required CDE and Elementary Literacy and School Readiness Office Team meetings. 

N. Attend all required professional development.

O. Organize, setup, and provide trainings (virtually and/or in-person) in evidence-based practices in teaching reading to support scientifically and evidence-based reading instruction for multilingual learners, students with disabilities who have an IEP, and students at risk for or identified as having dyslexia and on topics related to the Colorado Reading to Ensure Academic Development Act (READ Act).

P. Other duties as assigned.MINIMUM EDUCATION  AND EXPERIENCE  REQUIREMENTS: 

• Master’s degree in literacy, reading, elementary education, or other related field with coursework to support expertise in scientifically based reading research and application in grades K-3.    
• Five (5) plus years of experience in public education including elementary classroom experience, and a minimum of at least one year of literacy instructional leadership experience. This could include instructional coaching with an emphasis on literacy at the elementary level or administrative positions at the school or district level.

QUALIFICATIONS AND CONDITIONS: 
Qualifications for Success in the Position: 

• Understand the Legislation of the Colorado Reading to Ensure Academic Development Act (READ Act) and the necessary implementation requirements for Local Education Agencies.
• Experience developing and providing professional development for adults in the science of reading or related topics
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, Google, Teams, Zoom.
• Exceptional organizational skills, including ability to multi-task, balance competing priorities, track and meet deadlines and handle multiple projects simultaneously.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
• Evidence of ability to be a self-initiator.
• Ability to work in a team environment and across teams.
• Ability and willingness to travel as required during the performance of assigned tasks (travel may include overnight stays for 1-3 nights at a time).
• Ability to organize and set up regional trainings, including but not limited to identifying sites, booking venues, arranging travel, etc.
• The ability to pass a background check.

Preferred:

• Knowledge of evidence-based practices for supporting culturally and linguistically diverse learners, and students with disabilities. 
• Knowledge of adult learning theory.  
• Knowledge of scientifically and evidence-based reading instruction for multilingual learners, students with disabilities who have an IEP, and students at risk for or identified as having dyslexia.

Conditions of Employment (Required):

• Must be willing and able to submit to the pre-screening process and pass a background check.
• Ability and willingness to independently determine, obtain means, and complete required travel (percentage 30-40%)
• During some weeks, the position may require up to three consecutive days of overnight travel.
• Work extended schedule per business needs
• Report to work location per business needs
• Valid Driver's License Required: Required to safely operate a motor vehicle to complete travel requirements.
  
• Valid Colorado Driver's License Required: Required to safely operate a State of Colorado Fleet Motor vehicle to complete travel requirements.
• Required to sign a Waiver of Retention Rights (for term-limited positions)
• Sign the acknowledgment form that this position is funded through state funds and is subject to availability.
• Driving Required: To ensure the safety and efficiency of CDE operations, certain positions are designated as "Driving Required." These positions are required to safely operate a motor vehicle or a State of Colorado Fleet motor vehicle to complete the travel requirements. These positions are subject to a Motor Vehicle Records (MVR) check and a valid driver’s license requirement if it meets the following criteria:
  • Travel Threshold: The position requires business-related travel at least 20% or more of standard working hours; AND
  • Operational Necessity: The travel requirements cannot be reasonably or efficiently met by alternative transportation (e.g., public transit, ride-sharing, or rail) due to:
    • Significant travel distances or out-of-state requirements.
    • A high frequency of stops at multiple locations throughout the workday.
    • The need to transport equipment or travel to areas where public transportation is unavailable or impractical.

Complete Applications must include:

• Completed Online Application: Required - Submitted through our ATS.
• Cover Letter: Required - Attached to the online application.
• Resume: Required - Attached to the online application.
• Transcript: Required if using education to meet MQs - Attached to the online application and meeting requirements as described under "College Transcripts".

College Transcripts: If you are using education to qualify, a legible copy of your official or unofficial college transcript(s) or a foreign credential evaluation report must be submitted with your application. Transcripts must show the name of the school and that a degree was conferred. Transcripts from colleges or universities outside of the United States must be assessed for U.S. equivalency by a NACES educational credential evaluation service. Failure to provide a transcript or foreign credential evaluation report may result in your application being rejected and you will not be able to continue in the selection process for this position.

**Failure to submit a complete application as defined above by the announcement close may result in your application being removed from consideration.**

** Resumes and Cover Letters WILL NOT be reviewed for minimum qualification screening. 

FOR CURRENT OR FORMER EMPLOYEES OF THE STATE OF COLORADO:
Per the requirements of the Step Pay Program implemented on July 1, 2024, any State employee must be paid a rate that is equal to or greater than the appropriate step pay rate within their classification’s pay range based on completed years in their current class series as of June 30. All current and former State employees must ensure that your entire work history within the State Classified System, including at Institutions of Higher Education, is indicated in your application so that your time-in-series can be calculated accurately. 
 
Email Address:
All correspondence regarding your status in the selection/examination process will be conducted via email.  Include a working email address on your application; one that is checked often as time-sensitive correspondence such as exam information or notification will take place via email.  Please set up your e-mail to accept messages from "state.co.us" and "[email protected]" addresses. It is your responsibility to ensure that your email will accept these notices and/or review your junk mail and spam-filtered email.

Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) and Equal Employment Opportunity
The State of Colorado believes that equity, diversity, and inclusion drive our success, and we encourage candidates from all identities, backgrounds, and abilities to apply. The State of Colorado is an equal opportunity employer committed to building inclusive, innovative work environments with employees who reflect our communities and enthusiastically serve them. Therefore, in all aspects of the employment process, we provide employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, a medical condition related to pregnancy, creed, ancestry, national origin, marital status, genetic information, or military status (with preference given to military veterans), or any other protected status in accordance with applicable law.
 
The Colorado Department of Education is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, our agency will assist individuals who have a disability with any reasonable accommodation requests related to employment, including completing the application process, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, participating in the employee selection process, and/or performing essential job functions where the requested accommodation does not impose an undue hardship. If you have a disability and require reasonable accommodation to ensure you have a positive experience applying or interviewing for this position, please direct your inquiries to [email protected].