The School of Education at New Mexico Highlands University seeks a Literacy Coordinator. This position will support implementation statewide expectations for structured literacy, evidence-based reading instruction, and preparation of teacher candidates with a specific focus on the requirements in of House Bill 156 (2025).
This position is a term appointment with an end date of 6/30/27.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
The Literacy Coordinator will carry out the following responsibilities:
Implementation planning and faculty support
Develop or update a structured-literacy implementation plan, including priorities, timelines, and responsible personnel. Provide or coordinate faculty learning, technical assistance, and resources.
Coursework and program alignment
Review applicable coursework, syllabi, assessments, and clinical expectations; identify needed revisions; and support implementation of changes needed to align with HB 156 and statewide expectations.
Clinical and observation placements
Establish or strengthen processes for the required 100-hour structured-literacy observation placements with LETRS-trained mentor teachers, including site and mentor identification, coordination, documentation, and problem-solving.
Agency and LEA coordination
Coordinate with PED and LEA partners on literacy placements, guidance, professional learning, and statewide implementation activities.
Candidate data and reporting
Establish or refine processes to collect and use literacy-related candidate assessment data. Support required state, institutional, and accreditation reporting.
Continuous improvement
Use implementation and candidate data to identify needs and next steps. Prepare a year-end progress summary of activities, deliverables, challenges, outcomes, and continuing priorities.
Qualifications
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
- A minimum of five years of experience as a classroom teacher, reading specialist, or literacy coach;
- A master’s or doctoral degree in education, literacy, reading, or a related field
Preferred Qualifications:
Doctorate in related field; New Mexico Teacher License (Level II or equivalent); LETRS Certification; Demonstrated strong knowledge of structured literacy, the science of reading and evidence-based literacy practices
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES:
- A strong understanding of reading processes, assessment, and adult learning;
- The ability to collaborate effectively with higher education faculty, state agencies, and LEAs.
