Just Right Reader

Lead the design of a biliteracy foundational skills curriculum for K-2 students, integrating research-based literacy frameworks and ELD standards. | Requires native or near-native Spanish proficiency, extensive experience in literacy instruction in both English and Spanish, and curriculum development expertise. | Just Right Reader is a forward-thinking curriculum provider committed to advancing literacy for students from Birth through 12th Grade. Our comprehensive resources are designed to support all learners, including upper-grade students requiring additional intervention to develop foundational skills. Grounded in the Science of Reading, our high-quality materials and tools equip educators with the support they need to accelerate achievement and foster lifelong readers. Position Overview: Just Right Reader is seeking a highly experienced Curriculum Specialist - Biliteracy for a contract curriculum development engagement. In this role, you will lead the design and development of a Foundational Skills K-2 biliteracy curriculum designed for use in dual language instructional settings. This is a senior curriculum role responsible for shaping the instructional vision, scope, and coherence of a biliteracy foundational skills program aligned to: • English Language Arts Foundational Skills standards • English Language Development (ELD) standards • Research-based literacy and biliteracy frameworks The ideal candidate is a native Spanish speaker with deep expertise in foundational literacy instruction in both English and Spanish, strong knowledge of English Language Development (ELD), and demonstrated experience writing curriculum and teacher-facing materials for bilingual and dual language contexts. This role will work cross-functionally with product, editorial, design, and implementation teams and may also help identify and collaborate with additional writers or contributors. Key Responsibilities: Program Leadership & Curriculum Design • Lead the development of a K-2 Foundational Skills biliteracy curriculum aligned to research-based literacy and biliteracy best practices. • Design a coherent instructional model that supports biliteracy development across English and Spanish, including guidance for 90/10 dual language programs. • Ensure alignment with research-based literacy frameworks, including integrated attention to meaning making, language development, effective expression, content knowledge, and foundational skills. Biliteracy & ELD Integration • Integrate ELD standards meaningfully into both English and Spanish foundational skills lessons. • Develop or guide the development of a standalone ELD resource differentiated by students' English language proficiency levels. • Ensure instruction reflects best practices for multilingual learners, including explicit language objectives, oral language development, and cross-linguistic connections. Instructional Materials Development • Write and/or oversee the development of teacher-facing lesson plans, instructional routines, and guidance for: • Print concepts • Phonological awareness • Phonics and word recognition • Fluency • Develop ancillary instructional materials to support teachers, including pacing guidance, differentiation strategies, and implementation supports. • Ensure lessons are explicit, systematic, and developmentally appropriate for K-2 learners. Standards & Research Alignment • Read, interpret, and apply state standards, evaluation criteria, and adoption guidance to curriculum design. • Ensure materials align with current literacy research, structured literacy principles, and biliteracy best practices. • Support the creation of documentation and guidance that demonstrates standards alignment for submission. Collaboration & Review • Collaborate closely with editorial, design, and product teams to ensure instructional accuracy and usability. • Review curriculum drafts, prototypes, and teacher materials to ensure clarity, coherence, and quality. • Support project timelines and deliverables in coordination with internal stakeholders. Qualifications: • Native or near-native Spanish proficiency (spoken and written). • Bachelor's degree in Education, Literacy, Curriculum & Instruction, Linguistics, or a related field (Master's preferred). • Demonstrated expertise in foundational literacy instruction in both English and Spanish. • Strong knowledge of English Language Development (ELD) and instruction for multilingual learners. • Experience reading, interpreting, and writing to state standards (state standards experience strongly preferred). • 5+ years of experience in one or more of the following: • Classroom teaching (K-2 preferred) • Curriculum writing or instructional design • Educational publishing or program development • Exceptional writing, editing, and communication skills. Preferred Qualifications • Experience designing or supporting dual language or biliteracy programs (e.g., 90/10 or 50/50 models). • Familiarity with ELA/ELD frameworks and instructional materials adoption processes. • Knowledge of structured literacy programs and frameworks (e.g., UFLI, LETRS). • Experience developing teacher guides, scope and sequence documents, or ancillary instructional resources. • Comfort collaborating in a cross-functional, remote work environment. Why Join Us: At Just Right Reader, we're transforming how children learn to read. You'll be part of a passionate, growing team committed to educational equity, literacy innovation, and joyful learning. • Mission-driven company focused on improving literacy and education outcomes. • Collaborative and innovative work environment with opportunities for growth and development. • Competitive salary and benefits package.