ELA Manager

Organizational Overview:

KIPP Atlanta Schools is part of the KIPP (Knowledge is Power Program) national network of free, open enrollment, college preparatory schools dedicated to ensuring that every child grows up free to create the future they want for themselves and their communities. There are 280 KIPP schools in 21 states and the District of Columbia serving more than 175,000 scholars and alumni. KIPP Atlanta currently operates 11 schools including five primary schools, six middle schools and one high school, as well as KIPP Forward which supports scholars on their journey to a choice-filled life. We are a social justice organization and our vision and mission require the work of dedicated, bold and skilled leaders, educators, and support staff who are committed to serving as the catalyst for joyful, academically excellent schools and the foundation for building a more just and equitable world for our scholars. 

Job Summary:

The English Language Arts (ELA) Manager serves as a key leader on the KIPP Atlanta Schools Teaching & Learning Team, supporting the implementation of a cohesive, research-based literacy strategy across K-12. Reporting to the Director of Literacy, the ELA Manager will drive excellence in literacy instruction by coaching and developing Assistant Principals of Instruction (APs) and instructional leaders to effectively support teachers in implementing high-impact, Science of Reading-aligned instructional practices. The ELA Manager will play a critical role in continuous school improvement efforts, working closely with school-based leadership teams to ensure that literacy instruction aligns with CCRPI accountability standards, improves student proficiency in reading and writing, and leads to measurable academic gains. 

This individual must bring deep expertise in literacy coaching, curriculum implementation, data-driven instruction, and professional development facilitation, ensuring that all teachers receive the support, feedback, and resources needed to drive student success. This role requires strong knowledge of Fishtank Curriculum, Write Score, and high-quality literacy interventions, along with the ability to analyze student performance data to drive strategic instructional decisions. The ideal candidate is an experienced instructional leader who can impact and influence school-based teams, ensuring literacy instruction is rigorous, culturally responsive, and meets the needs of all learners.

Job Responsibilities:

• Develop and execute a cohesive, research-based K-12 literacy strategy that aligns with the Science of Reading and KIPP Atlanta Schools' academic vision.
• Support K-8 and 9-12 schools in implementing high-quality ELA curriculum and instructional practices, ensuring alignment with state standards, CCRPI accountability measures, and Georgia DOE guidelines.
• Ensure high-fidelity implementation of the Fishtank Curriculum, Write Score, and other literacy resources, providing training and ongoing support to school-based instructional leaders.
• Guide Assistant Principals in coaching teachers to strengthen literacy instruction, focusing on structured literacy, writing development, and text-based instruction.
• Conduct instructional walkthroughs, teacher observations, and literacy data reviews to assess instructional effectiveness and identify targeted areas for improvement.
• Develop aligned scope and sequence plans, literacy frameworks, and instructional strategies that improve reading comprehension, fluency, and writing skills.
• Partner with Principals, APs, and the Teaching & Learning Team to design and implement targeted intervention supports for students performing below grade level.
• Ensure literacy strategies and assessment practices meet CCRPI indicators, including literacy proficiency, subgroup performance, and growth metrics.
• Stay informed on best practices from Atlanta Public Schools, Fulton County Schools, and national literacy initiatives, ensuring regional alignment with research-based instructional models.
• Serve as a trusted advisor and thought partner for APs and instructional teams, fostering a culture of excellence, accountability, and student achievement.

• Coach and develop Assistant Principals to ensure they are equipped to support teachers in delivering high-quality literacy instruction.
• Provide direct coaching, observation, and feedback cycles to help APs effectively guide teacher practice, lesson delivery, and student engagement strategies in literacy.
• Facilitate job-embedded coaching, modeling high-impact Science of Reading-aligned practices such as explicit phonics instruction, fluency development, and text-based writing strategies.
• Lead high-impact professional learning sessions on literacy instruction, differentiation, and culturally responsive teaching for APs, instructional coaches, and educators.
• Develop resources, tools, and frameworks to help APs observe, coach, and develop teachers’ instructional competencies in ELA.
• Foster a culture of continuous learning and instructional improvement, ensuring APs use student data to drive decision-making and adjust instructional strategies as needed.
• Create and lead professional learning communities (PLCs) for literacy leaders, focused on deepening content knowledge and best practices for ELA instruction.

• Ensure cohesion in literacy curriculum across K-12, supporting teachers and leaders in the effective implementation of the Fishtank Curriculum and supplemental literacy resources.
• Train and coach APs and instructional leaders on how to analyze Write Score data, using insights to inform instructional planning, student interventions, and progress monitoring.
• Develop and support the alignment of formative and summative assessments, ensuring students receive rigorous instruction that prepares them for state assessments and long-term literacy success.
• Collaborate with RTI and Special Education Teams to ensure that literacy instruction is accessible, equitable, and differentiated for diverse learners.
• Assist schools in developing effective intervention strategies for struggling readers, ensuring alignment with Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) and Response to Intervention (RTI) frameworks.
• Analyze student achievement data to identify trends, gaps, and curriculum refinement and instructional improvement opportunities.
• Ensure compliance with district, state, and federal literacy mandates, aligning curriculum and assessment practices with Georgia DOE and CCRPI requirements.

Candidate Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education or Special Education or a related field; Master’s degree in Elementary Education, Reading, Special Education, or related field 
• Valid Georgia Teaching or Service Certificate at level 4 or higher
• 3 years of instructional leadership experience including curriculum design, professional development, and implementation support at the school or district level
• Minimum of 3 years of elementary teaching experience, including evidence-based word recognition and comprehension instruction
• Experience coaching and developing school leaders (Assistant Principals, Content Coaches, or Instructional Coaches) in compliance and instructional best practices
• Advanced preparation in Reading/Literacy through completion of Reading Endorsement, Dyslexia Endorsement, or independent training program approved by the International Dyslexia Association
• Advanced preparation in instructional coaching as evidenced through completion of the Coaching Endorsement, Teacher Leader Endorsement, or independent training program (e.g. Instructional Coaching Group) 
• Demonstrated thorough understanding of: 
  • Reading processes, acquisition, assessment, and instruction 
  • Systematic, explicit instructional processes
  • Instructional coaching approaches and strategies for teaching adult learners, 
  • Scientific reading research and its application to effective classroom instruction, structure, and practices, as well as intervention
  • Georgia Standards for Excellence in English Language Arts, Social Studies, and Science as well as new Georgia K-12 ELA Standards 
  • Multi-Tiered Systems of Support 
  • Data analysis and application

Compensation & Benefits:

Compensation for this role is between $65,000 - $75,000. The starting pay will depend on various factors that may include but are not limited to professional experience, education, training, and certifications. The salary range is determined in accordance with the pay scale for the 2024-2025 school year and may be subject to modification.

KIPP Atlanta Schools offers a competitive benefits package that includes:

• 19 days of Paid Time Off, in addition to identified holidays and regular school breaks including Fall Break, Thanksgiving Break, Mid-Winter Break and Spring Break.
• Comprehensive health insurance (medical and dental), life insurance and optional short and long-term disability
• Paid Parental Leave 
• Participation in Georgia retirement plan and an optional 403(b) retirement plan

Location & Work Conditions:

Requires candidates to be based in Atlanta and regularly be in schools, and able to attend in-person meetings and events.  Additional in-person time may be necessary based on organizational needs. This position also requires routine physical activity associated with normal office environments. This position may require the ability to lift and carry objects weighing up to 25 pounds. 

Application Process:

Interested candidates should submit an application online.

Statement of Nondiscrimination:

KIPP Atlanta Schools provides equal employment opportunities for all applicants and employees. As an equal opportunity employer, we hire without consideration of race, religion, creed, color, national origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, or disability.