The Senior Literacy Coach is responsible for supporting and coaching foundation phase teachers in delivering high-quality, developmentally appropriate instruction that builds strong foundations in literacy. The coach works collaboratively to improve classroom practice and learner outcomes. The role further entails training and supporting teacher librarians, library volunteers, working with school management teams, principals, school governing bodies and department officials to adopt new ways of working with children.
This position requires regular travel to project sites.
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Supports teacher librarian(s) in the initial set up of the library
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Attends and participates in teacher and librarian training related to the Literacy programme.
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Collaborate with the school to support improvements in the library space
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Observes and coaches primary grade teachers and teacher librarians in implementing library periods and reading activities, modelling best practices in reading instruction and literacy engagement.
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Regularly observes and coaches Grade 1 to 3 teachers in delivering the instructional components of the Literacy Programme, modelling effective classroom instruction and providing structured, actionable feedback.
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Regularly observe, demonstrate and coach designated teacher- librarian(s) in good library management practice (book levelling, check-out system, etc)
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Models strong coaching practices and provides mentorship to strengthen coaching competencies among educators.
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Attends and actively participates in teacher and librarian training sessions related to the Literacy Programme.
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Provides ongoing feedback to School Management Team (SMT) on programme progress and coaches them on strategies to support teachers and promote sustainable improvements in literacy outcomes.
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Serves as the technical resource in the schools on applying literacy skills and the habit of reading techniques in the classroom or library.
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Coordinate closely with the Instructional Design and Teacher Support Unit to ensure they are successfully implementing the programme design and able to provide feedback on how well it works.
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Regularly observes, demonstrates and coaches Grade 1 to 3 teachers in delivering the instructional component of the Literacy Programme.
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Supports Grade 1 to 3 teachers in effective use of ongoing student tracking assessments to inform instruction.
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Participates in regular programme review meetings and contributes to continuous improvement initiatives aligned with organizational objectives.
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Perform other duties as assigned by direct supervisor.
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Conducts ongoing planning, documentation, and reporting of school visits.
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Conducts and analyses data related to formative student assessments to inform support for Grade 1 to 3 teachers.
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Regularly collect school-level data, programme implementation monitoring data, library systems data and other required key programme indicators.
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Document best practices and lessons learned and share with the supervisor and the Literacy Programme Officer Technical.
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Support Literacy Programme Officer Operational in school site selection activities
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Participates in literacy events, parent meetings, and community engagement activities to strengthen programme impact and stakeholder involvement.
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Works collaboratively with school leadership, programme teams, government officials and other stakeholders to ensure smooth implementation of the Literacy Programme.
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Engages in regular review meetings and undertakes additional activities as required to fulfil organisational objectives and ensure successful programme delivery.
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Set up systems to ensure sustainability and establish district training teams.
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Support logistics of annual delivery of library books, instruction materials and other programme materials to schools
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Participate in literacy events, parent meetings and other community activities.
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Participate in regular review meetings and any other activities which may be required to be undertaken to fulfil the objectives of the organization.
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Support any partner, government official or donor visits and other school-level activities that may be required to fulfil the objectives of the organisation.
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Conduct ongoing planning, documentation, and reporting of school visits.
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Supports donor visits through demonstration projects and presentation, as needed.
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University degree in Education, Social Development, or another related field
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Minimum 3 years’ work experience in education and school environment, specifically Foundation Phase.
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Apply communicative language understanding (including Afrikaans and isiXhosa) to accurately capture intent, nuance, and meaning in verbal exchanges.
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Strong knowledge of foundation phase literacy instruction, methodologies and curriculum
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Experience in literacy, reading and learning improvement programmes
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Ability to build and manage relationships with diverse stakeholders.
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Ability to monitor progress of programme implementation
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Experience working with young children, schools and teachers
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Proficient in Microsoft Office, digital reporting tools and remote communication platforms.
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Ability to spend 90% of time travelling and visiting school sites to provide coaching and monitor progress of programme implementation.
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A passion for Room to Read mission and a strong desire to impact on a dynamic non-profit organisation.
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High level of personal and professional integrity and trustworthiness.
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A strong work ethic, ability to work independently as well as part of a team.
Room to Read offers a competitive salary with excellent benefits. The non-monetary compensation includes a unique opportunity to be part of an innovative, meaningful, fun, and rapidly growing organization that is changing transforming the lives of millions of children in developing countries by focusing on literacy and gender equality in education.
Room to Read is a child-safe organization; all personnel are expected to adhere to Room to Read’s Child Protection Policy and Child Protection Code of Conduct. Due to high applicant volume, we regret that we are not able to send personalized responses to all applicants. Applications are accepted until the position is filled. Room to Read reserves the right at any time to withdraw or alter this advertised position.
Child Protection Principles
Room to Read is committed to the education and welfare of children and protecting them from abuse and exploitation
Room to Read has zero tolerance for child abuse and exploitation.
All children have the right to be free from abuse and exploitation, including neglect, maltreatment, and physical, mental or sexual violence, injury or abuse.
All children should be treated with respect and dignity.
The well-being of the child is Room to Read’s first priority when dealing with all identified or suspected cases of child abuse.
Room to Read shall integrate child protection into all its organizational strategies, structures and work practices.
Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA) Principles
Room to Read Representatives must create and maintain an environment that prevents sexual exploitation and sexual abuse.
Room to Read has zero tolerance for adult sexual exploitation and abuse.
Sexual exploitation and abuse are serious violations of fundamental human rights and will not be accepted or tolerated.
All adults should be treated with respect and dignity.
Room to Read implements a survivor-centered approach, putting the survivor’s rights and dignity at the forefront.
Survivors referred to available professional assistance (e.g. mental health counselling), upon consent.
About Room to Read:
Founded in 2000 on the belief that World Change Starts with Educated Children®, Room to Read envisions a world free from illiteracy and gender inequality, where all children have room to read, learn and grow – creating lasting change. Through our Literacy Portfolio, we train and coach teachers of the early grades in literacy instruction; create and publish quality books and curricular materials in local languages; and establish children’s libraries filled with diverse children’s books that can be enjoyed at school and home. Our Gender Equality Portfolio supports adolescents, particularly girls, in developing life skills that promote gender equality, helping them to pursue lifelong learning and make informed decisions.
We support young people of all genders to overcome gender biases and build the knowledge and skills to create a gender-equal world. Room to Read collaborates with local communities, partner organizations, publishers, and governments to test and implement innovative models that can be integrated into the education system to deliver positive outcomes for children at scale. To date, Room to Read has benefited more than 50 million children in 28 countries.
Learn more at www.roomtoread.org.
