Academic Dean; Literacy Coordinator

Description

Atlanta Classical Academy seeks a full-time Academic Dean (Literacy Coordinator). The Academic Dean (Literacy Coordinator) is an instructional leader responsible for advancing the school’s vision for literacy excellence across K–6. This individual will ensure high-quality reading and writing instruction aligned with the Science of Reading, support teacher growth through observation and coaching, and guide the continued implementation of structured literacy practices that foster deep comprehension, vocabulary, and fluency.

This position reports to the Lower School Principal on Atlanta Classical Academy’s Atlanta campus.

• Instructional Leadership
  • Lead the school’s K–6 literacy vision, ensuring all reading and writing instruction aligns with research-based practices rooted in the Science of Reading.
  • Partner with the lower school leadership team to refine and implement the literacy curriculum, including phonics, fluency, vocabulary, composition, and reading comprehension instruction.
  • Model effective literacy instruction and provide hands-on support to teachers through coaching cycles, co-teaching, and lesson modeling.
  • Collaborate with faculty chairs to strengthen vertical alignment in reading, language, and writing instruction.
• Teacher Development & Coaching
  • Observe classrooms regularly to provide actionable, supportive feedback focused on instructional clarity, student engagement, and literacy outcomes.
  • Lead professional development sessions and workshops that deepen teacher expertise in structured literacy and classical pedagogy.
  • Support new and developing teachers in lesson design, differentiation, and data-driven instruction.
  • Maintain a culture of professional growth, intellectual curiosity, and continuous improvement among faculty.
• Assessment & Data
  • Oversee literacy-related assessments (screeners, diagnostics, and progress monitoring) to identify student needs and guide intervention.
  • Analyze school-wide literacy data and collaborate with teachers to develop targeted instructional responses.
  • Support the MTSS process for reading, ensuring Tier 2 and Tier 3 supports align with structured literacy principles.
• Curriculum & Resource Development
  • Evaluate and curate literacy materials to ensure alignment with the school’s classical curriculum and the Science of Reading.
  • Support the integration of rich literature and language study into all subject areas, reinforcing the school’s emphasis on knowledge and character formation through text.

• Bachelor’s degree in Education or related field (Master’s degree preferred).
• Minimum of five years of classroom experience, with demonstrated excellence in literacy instruction.
• Deep understanding of the Science of Reading, including phonological awareness, decoding, fluency, morphology, and comprehension.
• Experience coaching or mentoring teachers, preferably in a classical or liberal arts setting.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to lead adults effectively.
• Commitment to the mission and virtues of Atlanta Classical Academy.
• Preferred:
  • Background in structured literacy programs (e.g., UFLI, Wilson, Fundations, or LETRS).
  • Orton-Gillingham certified.
  • Experience with data-driven instructional planning and MTSS for literacy.
  • Familiarity with classical education and its approach to language and literature.

Strong candidates will support the school’s Mission: to develop students in mind and character through a classical, content-rich curriculum that emphasizes the principles of virtuous living, traditional learning, and civic responsibility. They will have enthusiasm for the Vision: to be a nationally regarded K–12 classical school and serve as a local and national incubator for growth and promotion of classical education.

And they will embody the school’s organizational values. We value

• the tenets of classical, liberal arts education;
• community and partnership in the common pursuit of forming intelligent, virtuous citizens;
• excellence in teaching and learning;
• the virtues we aim to teach our students: courage, courtesy, honesty, humility, perseverance, self-government, and service.

Full…