School Development Coach (Literacy)

Location: Bay Area, California (required)Compensation: $70-100/hour (depends on experience)Schedule: Part-time, up to 80 hours per monthStart Date: June 1, 2026 (with some paid onboarding meetings prior to support stakeholder relationship-building)About Fair SchoolsFair Schools partners with school and district leaders to strengthen systems so that all students, especially those historically underserved, receive excellent, equitable learning opportunities. We support school leadership teams in turning strong vision into strong practice through coaching, systems-building, and high-impact professional learning.Position OverviewThe School Development Coach is a former school leader who partners with principals, instructional leadership teams (ILTs), and teachers to support high-quality implementation of an evidence-based literacy curriculum grounded in the Science of Reading.This role blends instructional leadership, systems coaching, and change management. The coach helps schools translate curriculum vision into daily classroom practice through structured walkthroughs, leadership coaching, data analysis, and professional development.This is a part-time, field-based role requiring deep experience in school leadership and instructional improvement.Key ResponsibilitiesPrincipal & Leadership CoachingCoach principals on leading strong literacy implementation, including vision-setting, staff alignment, and instructional monitoringSupport principals in developing systems for observation, feedback, and accountabilityGuide school leaders in managing change, building staff buy-in, and sustaining momentumSupport the development and effectiveness of Instructional Leadership Teams (ILTs)Instructional Walkthroughs & Teacher SupportConduct regular literacy-focused walkthroughs with school leadersCalibrate on what high-quality curriculum implementation looks like in practiceSupport leaders in providing actionable, observation-based feedback to teachersIdentify trends in instruction and help leaders plan targeted supportsProfessional DevelopmentDesign and facilitate professional learning for principals, ILTs, and teachersBuild leader and teacher understanding of:Science of Reading–aligned instructionHigh-quality curriculum implementationInstructional routines and unit/lesson internalizationModel strong adult learning practices grounded in coaching and feedbackData Analysis & StrategySupport school leaders in analyzing literacy achievement and implementation dataHelp teams identify root causes and develop responsive action plansUse walkthrough and student data to inform leadership coaching and PD focus areasSystems & Change ManagementApply research-based change management principles to support sustainable school improvementHelp leaders build systems that outlast individual initiativesSupport alignment between district priorities, school systems, and classroom practiceQualificationsRequiredPrevious experience as a school principalDemonstrated success leading school-wide instructional improvementDeep knowledge of change management and school improvementStrong coaching background, including familiarity with:Get Better FasterThe Art of Coaching (or similar coaching frameworks)Experience leading or supporting evidence-based literacy instruction and implementation of a high-quality, knowledge-building literacy curriculum (e.g. EL Education, Fishtank, Wit & Wisdom, etc.)Strong data analysis skills; ability to turn data into clear action stepsKnowledge of California education laws, policies, and literacy initiativesAbility to build trust with school leaders and facilitate adult learningBased in California and able to travel to school sites as neededPreferredFormal training in the Science of ReadingExperience working across multiple schools or within a district support roleCore CompetenciesInstructional leadershipSystems change managementCoaching and adult developmentStrategic thinking and problem-solvingClear, actionable communicationRelationship-building with diverse stakeholdersWork ConditionsPart-time role, up to 80 hours per monthAbility to attend in-person school visitsSmei-flexible schedule with daytime availability required for school-based workStart date of June 1, 2026, with some onboarding meetings scheduled in advance to support relationship-building with key stakeholdersInterview ProcessInitial Screening InterviewA conversation to learn about your leadership experience, coaching approach, and understanding of literacy implementation.Performance Task: Data Analysis & Strategy ExerciseCandidates invited to the next round will complete a practical exercise analyzing school data and developing a strategic support plan. This simulates key aspects of the role.How to ApplyBy April 3rd, please submit:Your resumeA short cover letter (maximum 250 words) describing your interest and relevant experienceSend materials to: info@fairschools.orgApplication deadline: April 3Note: We will begin reviewing applications immediately and interview on a rolling basis until the position is filled.