Reading Specialist

Build a School. Shape Futures.

Join the team redefining what's possible for scholars in Fairfield, Alabama.

Independence Preparatory Academy is a new, academically challenging, highly structured, and joyful K-8 school in Fairfield, AL. We are on a mission to equip all students with the academic tenacity and strength of character necessary to choose their destiny and create a fulfilling life. We develop empowered learners through agency, purpose, and tenacity.

In August 2025, Independence Preparatory Academy opened its doors to 60 students in kindergarten through second grade. We will continue to grow until we reach a total capacity of 485 students in kindergarten through eighth grade. We are actively building a team that shares our belief that with rigorous academics, high-quality instruction, and character development, all students can excel in high school, college, and life.

EMBRACE YOUR CALLING

Are you passionate about literacy instruction and helping teachers strengthen their practice to accelerate scholar achievement? Do you believe all children can become strong readers through evidence-based instruction grounded in the Science of Reading? Are you energized by coaching adults, analyzing data, and building systems that improve instruction schoolwide? If so, Independence Preparatory Academy could be your perfect fit!

To achieve our vision, we seek a Reading Specialist with a Bachelor's degree and 3-5+ years of teaching experience (Alabama certification preferred), with a proven record of driving extraordinary student growth in reading.

JOIN THE MISSION

As a Reading Specialist, your primary responsibility will be supporting teachers in implementing strong Science of Reading practices through instructional coaching, professional development, modeling, and data-driven support. This role will work closely with the Director of Academics & Culture and teachers to strengthen Tier I literacy instruction and ensure all scholars receive high-quality, evidence-based reading instruction.

The Reading Specialist will play a critical role in building teacher capacity, improving scholar literacy outcomes, and ensuring alignment to iPrep's academic vision and instructional expectations. Our ideal candidate believes in our scholars and our community. They have a passion for scholar-centered learning, evident in the following orientations:

• Adaptability: Our educators are oriented toward building alongside each other. This means a commitment to:

• Learning and iterating

• An openness to giving and receiving feedback

• An entrepreneurial spirit: building from the ground up

• Collaboration with other adults and families

• Belief in our model and our graduate profile through a commitment to:

• Student agency and advocacy

• Supporting students in finding their purpose

• Mastery-based grading

• Profound learning experiences

• Student result orientation: through a commitment to:

• Hard quantitative academics

• Holistic indicators for success

• Knowledge of self: confidence in describing your identity, purpose, and passions

We are hiring for the 2026-2027 school year. The salary range for this position is between $53,138 and $69,957. Salary is competitive and aligned to experience and internal equity.

LEAD AT INDEPENDENCE PREPARATORY ACADEMY

• Be part of building a high-performing school from the ground up

• Receive coaching & leadership development

• Lead in a structured, joyful, and mission-aligned environment

• Influence schoolwide literacy systems and instructional excellence

• Join a team that values excellence, feedback, and purpose

DRIVE MEANINGFUL RESULTS

• Coach teachers on implementing strong Science of Reading-aligned instructional practices

• Lead professional development focused on literacy instruction, foundational reading skills, and evidence-based practices

• Model lessons and provide real-time coaching and feedback to teachers

• Analyze literacy data, including NWEA MAP, Reading Fluency, exit tickets, and mastery checks, to support instructional planning

• Support the implementation of the core literacy curriculum with fidelity

• Partner with school leaders to strengthen Tier I instruction and intervention systems

• Facilitate data meetings and support teachers in using student data to adjust instruction

• Help build systems and structures that promote strong literacy outcomes schoolwide

• Contribute to a joyful, structured, and academically rigorous school culture

ENJOY OUR INVESTMENT IN YOU

What we offer:

• A chance to be part of community development and work alongside the community to SOAR

• Being a part of a new, innovative, unprecedented school model

• World-class peers - we are looking for exemplary educators committed to pushing your practice, collaborating with peers, and being aligned with our mission and vision

• Discipline that makes sense - restorative practices rooted in our core values and celebrated through positive incentives and rewards

• Deep care about your personal and professional growth

• Comprehensive and affordable medical, dental, and vision plans

• 403(b) retirement plan; iPrep offers contributions of up to 5% of your salary toward your savings

• Competitive compensation

We are on a mission to equip all students with the academic tenacity and strength of character

to choose their destiny and create a fulfilling life.