Literacy coordinator

Compensation:

$65,927

This position is funded through a Fiscal Year 2027 allocation from the New Mexico Higher Education Department in support of HB 156 implementation; continuation beyond FY27 (06/30/2027) is contingent upon the availability of additional funding.

Compensation Type:

Exempt

Employment Type:

Temporary (Fixed Term)

Grade:

E06

Position Summary

The Literacy Coordinator will lead San Juan College's Teacher Education Department in implementing the structured literacy requirements established under House Bill 156 (2025). This professional staff position is responsible for ensuring all educator preparation pathways — including the Alternative Licensure Program (ALP), Teacher Residency Pathway, and any additional licensure routes offered through the department — are aligned with the science of reading standards required of all New Mexico Educator Preparation Programs (EPPs). The Literacy Coordinator works closely with the department's Curriculum and Professional Development Specialist and reports directly to the Senior Director of Teacher Education.

MAJOR DUTIES

• Apply specialized expertise in structured literacy, the science of reading, and evidence-based literacy instruction to guide department implementation of HB 156 requirements.
• Ensure alignment of coursework, syllabi, and clinical experiences across all Teacher Education Department pathways with the structured literacy competencies established under HB 156.
• Support implementation and oversight of the required 100-hour structured literacy observation placements with LETRS-trained mentor teachers across all pathways.
• Provide professional development and coaching to Teacher Education Department instructors on structured literacy pedagogy and science of reading frameworks; collaborate closely with the Curriculum and Professional Development Specialist on delivery and follow-through.
• Coordinate with NMPED, the New Mexico Early Childhood Education and Care Department (ECECD), and local education agencies (LEAs) on literacy placements and statewide literacy initiatives.
• Track and monitor teacher candidate performance on literacy-related assessments across all pathways; prepare and submit required state and accreditation compliance reports.
• Lead continuous improvement efforts related to structured literacy within the department, including annual program review aligned with HB 156 reporting requirements.
• Participate in statewide EPP literacy coordinator networks and collaborate with peer institutions and NMHED on implementation consistency.
• Ensure ongoing alignment of department policies and practices with NMAC 6.60, 6.61, and applicable NMPED administrative code related to literacy instruction and educator preparation.

KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED BY THE POSITION

• Deep knowledge of structured literacy, phonics, phonemic awareness, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension as grounded in the science of reading.
• Knowledge of LETRS (Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling) and other evidence-based literacy professional development frameworks.
• Knowledge of New Mexico Public Education Department rules and guidelines, including HB 156 implementation expectations and NMAC 6.60/6.61.
• Knowledge of educator preparation program compliance requirements and state EPP reporting frameworks.
• Knowledge of reading assessment tools and literacy data analysis practices.
• Knowledge of adult learning theory and its application to professional development contexts.
• Skill in curriculum review and syllabus alignment across multiple program pathways.
• Skill in collaboration with K-12 partners, state agencies, and higher education personnel.
• Skill in oral and written communication, including compliance reporting and grant deliverable documentation.
• Skill in decision making, problem solving, and working independently in a complex regulatory environment.
• Skill in working effectively with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community.

SUPERVISORY CONTROLS

The Senior Director of Teacher Education assigns work in terms of general program goals and HB 156 compliance requirements. The supervisor reviews work through conferences, written reports, and observation of department activities.

GUIDELINES

Guidelines include House Bill 156 (2025, New Mexico 57th Legislature), NMAC 6.60 and 6.61 (Educator Preparation Program requirements), New Mexico Higher Education Department and Public Education Department rules and guidelines, San Juan College policies and procedures, and the SJC Employee Handbook. These guidelines require judgment, selection, and interpretation in application.

COMPLEXITY/SCOPE OF WORK

The work consists of highly specialized duties at the intersection of structured literacy, educator preparation program compliance, and state regulatory requirements, requiring the ability to work independently and synthesize information from multiple sources and frameworks.

The purpose of this position is to ensure all San Juan College educator preparation pathways meet the structured literacy standards established under HB 156, directly affecting the quality of teacher candidates prepared to serve New Mexico's K-12 students. Success in this position results in improved structured literacy outcomes for candidates, partner schools, and ultimately the students they serve.

CONTACTS

Contacts include SJC Teacher Education Department instructors and staff, the Curriculum and Professional Development Specialist, the Senior Director of Teacher Education, NMPED Educator Pathways Bureau, NMHED Academic Affairs Division, local education agency administrators and literacy coaches, LETRS-trained mentor teachers, and peer literacy coordinators at other New Mexico EPPs. Contacts are typically to exchange information, coordinate compliance activities, provide program services, or influence instructional practice and program improvement.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/ WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work is typically performed sitting at a desk or table while intermittently sitting, standing, and walking. The work is typically performed in an office or school setting. Travel to K-12 LEA partners, clinical placement sites, and occasional statewide meetings is required.

SUPERVISORY AND MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITY

None

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• A master's or doctoral degree in education, literacy, reading, or a closely related field is required.
• A minimum of five (5) years of experience as a classroom teacher, reading specialist, or literacy coach is required.
• Demonstrated expertise in structured literacy, the science of reading, and evidence-based reading instruction.
• Strong understanding of reading processes, literacy assessment, and professional learning.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with K-12 schools, state agencies, and higher education personnel.
• LETRS training or equivalent structured literacy professional development is preferred.
• Experience working within or alongside educator preparation programs is preferred.
• Familiarity with New Mexico Public Education Department rules, HB 156, and NMPED licensure requirements is preferred.

The following REQUIRED documents must be submitted with application in order to be considered. Upload all required documents under the Application Questions 2 section for "Additional Documents Required".

• Cover Letter (Required)
• Curriculum Vitae (CV) or Resume (Required)
• List of 3 Supervisor References. (Required)
• Unofficial Transcripts showing conferred degree (Required)
• Letters of Recommendation (Optional)

This position will remain open until filled with the first review of applications occurring on Monday, September 28, 2026.

EEO STATEMENT: San Juan College is dedicated to providing equal employment and educational opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, age, genetic, veteran's status, or on the basis of any other category protected under federal, state and local laws.