The posting
Santa Fe South Charter Schools | Founding Reading Specialist / EL Teacher, Paloma Elementary
Oklahoma City, OK | Full-Time | 2027–2028 School Year
About Santa Fe South Charter Schools
Santa Fe South Charter Schools (SFS) is a free public charter school district serving the south side of Oklahoma City since 2001. Our mission is grounded in high expectations, strong relationships, and a deep belief that all students—regardless of background—deserve an excellent, joyful education that prepares them for long-term success.
About Our New Elementary School
Santa Fe South is preparing to open its seventh elementary school for the 2027–2028 school year, and we are beginning to build the founding team now. While the school's name is still to come, its purpose is clear: create a school where strong instruction, meaningful relationships, and high expectations give students an exceptional start.
Initially serving students in PreK–1st grade, our new school will place a strong emphasis on foundational literacy, language development, and early intervention. We believe every child deserves the opportunity to become a confident reader, effective communicator, and enthusiastic learner.
The founding Reading Specialist / EL Teacher will play an important role in establishing a school-wide culture of literacy, developing effective intervention practices, and ensuring that multilingual learners receive the instruction and support they need to thrive from the very beginning.
Position Summary
The Reading Specialist / EL Teacher supports student achievement by providing targeted literacy intervention and English language development instruction to students with diverse learning needs. This position combines expertise in early reading development, evidence-based instructional practices, and language acquisition to help students build the foundational skills necessary for long-term academic success.
Working collaboratively with classroom teachers, school leadership, and families, the Reading Specialist / EL Teacher uses student assessment data to identify learning needs, deliver differentiated instruction, monitor progress, and strengthen literacy and language development practices across the school.
As a founding team member at Santa Fe South's seventh elementary school, Paloma Elementary, this educator will help establish effective literacy intervention systems, support the development of English learner services, and contribute to a school culture where all students are challenged, supported, and celebrated. This role requires strong instructional knowledge, collaboration, initiative, flexibility, and a commitment to helping every child succeed.
Major Responsibilities and Duties
Foundational Literacy Instruction & Intervention
- Provide targeted, evidence-based reading intervention to students who need additional support developing foundational literacy skills.
- Deliver small-group and individualized instruction focused on phonological awareness, phonemic awareness, phonics, decoding, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension, as developmentally appropriate.
- Use structured literacy practices and the science of reading to develop and implement effective instructional strategies.
- Identify students who may be at risk for reading difficulties and collaborate with classroom teachers to provide timely, appropriate intervention.
- Develop individualized reading improvement plans based on student assessment data, instructional needs, and identified learning goals.
- Support the implementation of high-quality literacy instruction aligned with the SFS instructional framework and school-wide academic expectations.
English Language Development & Instruction
- Provide targeted English language development instruction that supports students' growth in listening, speaking, reading, and writing.
- Design and implement developmentally appropriate instruction that builds English language proficiency while supporting grade-level academic learning.
- Collaborate with classroom teachers to integrate language development strategies into daily instruction and ensure multilingual learners can meaningfully access classroom content.
- Use students' language proficiency levels and academic performance data to differentiate instruction and monitor language development.
- Support the identification, assessment, placement, and ongoing monitoring of English learners in accordance with district procedures and applicable state and federal requirements.
- Maintain accurate documentation of English learner services, instructional supports, and student progress.
- Foster a culturally responsive learning environment that recognizes students' home languages, backgrounds, and experiences as strengths.
Assessment, Data Analysis & Progress Monitoring
- Administer and interpret literacy screeners, diagnostic assessments, progress-monitoring tools, and language proficiency assessments as appropriate.
- Analyze student performance data to identify skill gaps, determine instructional priorities, and evaluate the effectiveness of interventions.
- Maintain accurate records of student intervention services, assessment results, and progress toward literacy and language development goals.
- Regularly adjust instructional plans and intervention strategies based on student progress and demonstrated needs.
- Collaborate with school leadership and instructional teams to establish measurable literacy and language development goals.
- Participate in school-wide assessment activities and support the administration of required assessments, including those specific to English learners.
- Contribute to school-wide intervention and student support processes to ensure students receive timely, coordinated academic assistance.
Instructional Collaboration & Teacher Support
- Collaborate with classroom teachers, paraprofessionals, and administrators to identify student needs and implement effective literacy and language development strategies.
- Provide instructional resources, strategies, and guidance to help teachers support developing readers and multilingual learners.
- Assist teachers in differentiating instruction and implementing appropriate classroom supports for students with varying literacy and language proficiency levels.
- Participate in collaborative planning, student data meetings, and instructional problem-solving to strengthen student outcomes.
- Support professional learning opportunities related to foundational literacy, reading intervention, language acquisition, and effective instructional practices.
- Build strong working relationships with instructional staff and contribute to a shared responsibility for student achievement.
Family Engagement & Student Support
- Establish positive, trusting relationships with students and families that encourage literacy development and academic growth.
- Communicate with families about student progress, instructional goals, and opportunities to support reading and language development at home.
- Provide families with practical strategies, resources, and activities that strengthen early literacy and language skills.
- Collaborate with school staff to support family literacy events, workshops, and other opportunities for meaningful family engagement.
- Recognize and respond to the linguistic and cultural needs of students and families, helping ensure they feel welcomed, respected, and connected to the school community.
Founding School Preparation & Development
- Collaborate with the founding Site Leader, instructional staff, and district teams to establish strong literacy and English language development practices before the school's opening.
- Help develop systems for identifying students who need reading intervention or English language support and ensuring timely access to appropriate services.
- Support the selection, organization, and implementation of literacy assessments, intervention materials, instructional resources, and progress-monitoring tools.
- Establish consistent processes for documenting interventions, monitoring student progress, and communicating instructional needs.
- Contribute to the development of a school-wide literacy culture that promotes a love of reading, strong foundational skills, and high expectations for every learner.
- Collaborate with the founding team to plan family engagement opportunities that build connections and encourage literacy development at home.
- Bring initiative, flexibility, and a problem-solving mindset to the work of opening a new school.
- Identify emerging instructional needs, communicate challenges, and help refine systems and practices as the school grows.
Professional Responsibilities & School-Wide Support
- Maintain accurate and confidential student records in accordance with district policies and applicable requirements.
- Demonstrate professionalism, dependability, punctuality, and sound judgment in all interactions with students, families, and colleagues.
- Participate in required professional development, team meetings, school activities, and district initiatives.
- Maintain a safe, positive, and supportive learning environment that reflects SFS expectations and values.
- Support school-wide academic initiatives and contribute to a collaborative, student-centered school culture.
- Perform other duties as assigned by school administration.
Qualifications
Required
- Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.
- Strong understanding of early literacy development, foundational reading skills, and effective instructional practices.
- Knowledge of differentiated instruction and strategies for supporting students with diverse academic and language development needs.
- Ability to analyze assessment data, develop instructional plans, and monitor student progress.
- Strong communication, collaboration, and organizational skills.
- Ability to establish positive relationships with students, families, and colleagues.
- Commitment to high expectations, continuous improvement, and the mission of Santa Fe South Charter Schools.
Preferred
- Valid Oklahoma teaching certificate, particularly in elementary education, reading, or English as a Second Language (ESL).
- Experience teaching elementary reading, providing literacy intervention, or supporting English learners.
- Additional training or certification in reading instruction, structured literacy, or English language development.
- Knowledge of the science of reading and evidence-based early literacy intervention practices.
- Experience using literacy screening, diagnostic assessment, and progress-monitoring tools.
- Experience collaborating with teachers to strengthen instructional practices and improve student outcomes.
- Bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish.
Who Thrives in This Role?
We are looking for a founding team member who demonstrates:
- Commitment to early literacy: Believes every child can become a successful reader and understands the importance of strong foundational instruction and timely intervention.
- Knowledge of effective instruction: Understands how children develop reading and language skills and uses evidence-based strategies to meet individual learning needs.
- Data-driven decision-making: Uses assessment information thoughtfully to identify needs, measure progress, and adjust instruction.
- Collaboration: Builds strong partnerships with teachers, school leaders, and families and recognizes that student success is a shared responsibility.
- Cultural responsiveness: Values the linguistic and cultural strengths students bring to school and creates an inclusive environment where multilingual learners thrive.
- Organization and follow-through: Manages instructional responsibilities, student documentation, and competing priorities with accuracy and consistency.
- Flexibility and initiative: Embraces the opportunities and challenges of opening a new school, anticipates needs, and helps develop practical solutions.
- Student-centered mindset: Maintains high expectations while approaching every child with patience, encouragement, and a genuine belief in their potential.
Why Join Santa Fe South?
- Help build something lasting: Join the founding team of a new elementary school and help establish a strong foundation for literacy and language development from day one.
- Make a meaningful impact: Help young learners develop the reading and communication skills that will shape their academic success for years to come.
- Shape instructional practices: Collaborate with school leadership and teachers to build effective intervention systems and a school-wide culture of literacy.
- Build meaningful relationships: Work closely with students, families, and colleagues in a community that values connection, belonging, and student growth.
- Grow through collaboration: Partner with experienced educators and district leaders while contributing your expertise to a new and growing school.
- Join a connected community: Become part of an established district with deep roots in south Oklahoma City and a shared commitment to student success.
Benefits and Compensation
- Competitive salary commensurate with education and experience.
- Comprehensive benefits program, including the option for 100% employer-paid health insurance for the employee.
- 401(k) retirement program with district contribution.
