Assistant Professor in Reading Specialist for K-6 Programs

Talladega College invites applications for the position of Assistant Professor in
Reading Specialist for K-6 Programs. The successful candidate will play a key role in
teaching and mentoring undergraduate students who are pursuing careers as K-6
reading specialists. This position offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to the
development of future educators who will be prepared to support literacy development
in elementary schools, with a focus on students’ reading, writing, and language skills.
The ideal candidate will have a background in literacy instruction, a passion for fostering
student achievement, and experience in both classroom teaching and teacher
preparation.

Specific Qualifications:
● Education: A Master’s or Doctoral degree in Reading Education, Literacy,
Elementary Education, or a closely related field (ABD candidates will be
considered, but completion of the Ph.D. is required before appointment).
● Experience:
o A demonstrated record of successful teaching in K-6 classrooms with a
focus on reading and literacy instruction.
o Experience as a reading specialist or literacy coach, working directly with
K-6 students and teachers.
o A strong record of research or scholarly activity in literacy education,
reading intervention, or related areas is preferred.
o Prior experience with curriculum development or teacher education is a
plus.

● Other Requirements:
o Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to work
effectively with students, faculty, and school partners.
o A commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in both teaching practices
and the broader academic environment.

o Expertise in evidence-based literacy instruction and the ability to apply this
knowledge in teacher preparation.

Preferred Qualifications:
● K-12 Teaching Experience: Practical experience as a reading specialist, literacy
coach, or elementary teacher, particularly in diverse classrooms.
● Research Focus: An active research agenda related to reading instruction,
literacy interventions, or educational equity in literacy.
● Experience with Literacy Assessment: Knowledge and experience in
assessing reading and literacy development in K-6 students, including familiarity
with standardized assessments, RTI (Response to Intervention) models, and
formative assessments.
● Curriculum Development: Experience developing or revising literacy curriculum
to align with state standards and current best practices in reading instruction.

Job Responsibilities:
The Assistant Professor in Reading Specialist for K-6 Programs will have the
following key responsibilities:
1. Teaching and Mentoring:
o Teach undergraduate courses in reading and literacy education, including
courses on reading instruction, literacy development, phonics, fluency,
comprehension, and writing.
o Provide instruction on research-based strategies for teaching reading in
diverse elementary classrooms, with a focus on supporting students with a
range of abilities.
o Supervise and mentor students in their field experiences, including student
teaching and internships, to develop their skills as reading specialists.
o Advise and guide students pursuing K-6 teaching careers, particularly
those specializing in literacy education.

2. Research and Scholarly Activity:

o Maintain an active research agenda in reading and literacy education, with
a focus on improving instructional strategies, interventions, and
assessment practices in K-6 settings.
o Publish research findings in peer-reviewed journals and present at
professional conferences.
o Engage in collaborative research with colleagues, local schools, and
literacy organizations.

3. Curriculum and Program Development:
o Contribute to the development, assessment, and improvement of the
reading and literacy education program to ensure alignment with national
and state standards for literacy education.
o Revise and update course materials based on the latest research and best
practices in literacy instruction.
o Participate in the design and implementation of assessments to evaluate
student progress in the reading specialist track.

4. Service and Community Engagement:
o Participate in departmental, college-wide, and university committees and
initiatives.
o Engage with local K-12 schools to foster partnerships, provide
professional development, and offer opportunities for students to gain
practical experience as reading specialists.
o Support outreach initiatives aimed at improving literacy outcomes in the
community, particularly for underrepresented and underserved student
populations.

5. Student Recruitment and Retention:
o Assist in recruiting and retaining students in the K-6 Reading Specialist
program by participating in recruitment events, outreach activities, and
college fairs.
o Develop strategies to improve student success and retention, providing
guidance and support for students throughout their academic journey.

6. Professional Development:
o Stay up-to-date with current research and trends in reading education and
literacy instruction.

o Participate in professional development opportunities through
conferences, workshops, and other continuing education activities.
o Engage with relevant professional organizations such as the International
Literacy Association (ILA) and the National Association for the Education
of Young Children (NAEYC).

Application Process:
Interested candidates should submit the following documents:
1. A cover letter outlining qualifications, teaching philosophy, research interests,
and vision for the K-6 Reading Specialist program.
2. A current curriculum vitae (CV).
3. A statement of teaching philosophy and research agenda.
4. Contact information for at least three professional references.
5. (Optional) Evidence of teaching effectiveness, such as course evaluations,
sample syllabi, or instructional video clips.
Application Deadline: [Insert Application Deadline]
Talladega College is an Equal Opportunity Employer and strongly encourages
applications from individuals from diverse backgrounds, including but not limited to
women, racial and ethnic minorities, and individuals with disabilities.

About Talladega College:
Talladega College is a historically Black institution located in Talladega, Alabama, with a
deep commitment to providing an inclusive and high-quality education to students from
diverse backgrounds. The college strives to prepare students for success in both their
careers and in service to their communities. The Department of Education is dedicated
to training future educators who are capable of meeting the needs of all students, with
particular emphasis on addressing issues