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Literacy Instructional Assistant

A Literacy Instructional Assistant (LIA) is a trained individual who supports certified teachers in delivering early literacy instruction. At The Reading Alliance, our LIA's are equipped with research-based strategies rooted in the Science of Reading to help students master foundational literacy skills.

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What is a Literacy Instructional Assistant?

A Literacy Instructional Assistant (LIA) is a trained individual who supports certified teachers in delivering early literacy instruction. At The Reading Alliance, our LIA's are equipped with research-based strategies grounded in the Science of Reading to help students master foundational literacy skills, including:

  • Alphabet Knowledge

  • Phonological & Phonemic Awareness

  • Vocabulary/Oral Language

  • Fluency

  • Comprehension

 

Our LIA's provide small group and one-on-one support, reinforce classroom instruction, administer literacy activities, and contribute to literacy data collection for progress monitoring.

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Why Your School Needs a Literacy Instructional Assistant

Addressing the Literacy Crisis

Nationwide, early literacy rates are alarmingly low. According to NAEP (2022), 68% of fourth-grade students read below proficient level.

 

Hiring a Literacy Instructional Assistant can:

  • Increase student engagement with targeted literacy interventions

  • Lower student-to-adult ratios, ensuring more individualized instruction

  • Support teachers with intervention, progress tracking, and classroom management

  • Extend learning time for struggling readers

Data-backed Impact

Schools that employ trained literacy paraprofessionals show significant improvement in literacy achievement:

  • A study by the National Institute for Early Education Research found that kindergartners who received small-group instruction from trained assistants improved early literacy scores by up to 24% over one school year.

  • Research from the Annie E. Casey Foundation highlights that students not reading proficiently by 3rd grade are four times more likely to drop out of high school—early intervention matters.

 

A 2023 pilot program in Arizona schools using Reading Alliance Literacy Instructional Assistants showed a 15-point increase in K-2 benchmark scores in just two quarters.

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The Power of Representation: Why We Need More Men in Early Education

Representation matters. Less than 3% of Pre-K and elementary educators are male, yet research shows benefits to having male role models in early learning environments, especially for boys and students of color.

The Research Says:

  • According to a report from the U.S. Department of Education, male educators in early grades promote social-emotional growth, challenge gender stereotypes, and improve classroom dynamics.

  • A study published in Early Childhood Education Journal found that students exposed to male teachers demonstrate improved engagement and increased motivation, particularly boys from underserved communities.

  • Children—especially boys—benefit from seeing men in nurturing, academic roles, helping reframe literacy as a shared and inclusive endeavor.

Why Partner with The Reading Alliance?

When your school partners with us, you gain access to:
✅ Trained, culturally responsive literacy assistants
✅ A vetted pipeline of young, motivated male educators
✅ Ongoing coaching and literacy professional development
✅ Data tracking and classroom implementation support

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