Position Type: Reading SpecialistDate Posted: 1/24/2024Location: Suffolk Public Schools- All LocationsClosing Date: Open Until Filled READING SPECIALIST GENERAL DEFINITION AND CONDITIONS OF WORK: Under the leadership of the building principal the responsibilities of this position fall into two categories. As a teacher, the reading specialist is responsible for providing direct instruction to students, individually or in small groups, to enable students to develop literacy skills. As a literacy leader, the position is responsible for implementing a comprehensive literacy program at the assigned school through coaching, supporting, and guiding teachers in best practices for literacy instruction. This is sedentary work requiring the exertion of up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to move objects; work requires crouching, reaching, standing, walking, lifting, fingering, grasping, and repetitive motions; vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word; hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels; visual acuity is required for preparing and analyzing written or computer data, operation of motor vehicles or equipment, determining the accuracy and thoroughness of work; the worker is not subject to adverse environmental conditions. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS/TYPICAL TASKS: Direct Instruction of Students: No more than 50% of the reading specialist's time shall be devoted
- Provide direct instruction in the areas of reading and writing for identified groups and individual students, with an emphasis on evidence based practices aligned to the science of reading and current student achievement data.
Literacy Leader: At least 50% of the reading specialist's time shall be devoted to literacy coaching
- Provide co-teaching, collaboration facilitation of instructional strategies, modeling, observing, and providing feedback on evidence based practices aligned to the science of reading and current student achievement data. Assist with identifying text sets for use in cross curricular instruction.
This position description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, knowledge or skills associated with
- Coordinates and implements intervention services for students not meeting literacy benchmarks.
- Develops, oversees implementation of, and monitors student progress on student reading plans in collaboration with teachers and families.
- Develops, leads, and collaborates with members of the school leadership team to conduct a school wide literacy needs assessment and provides professional development.
- Provides curriculum support and professional learning and training for all teachers, staff members and other stakeholders that supports school division initiatives and the goals outlined in the School's Performance Plans.
- Assists in the development of the literacy improvement goals that identifies specific, measurable literacy skills, strategies in School's Performance Plans.
- Models and engage in a coaching cycle when needed using evidence based instructional methods grounded in the science of reading in a variety of settings (whole group/small group) and provide follow-up support.
- Assists in the analysis of school-wide literacy data and use of assessment data to plan instruction and plan for future literacy needs.
- Assists with identifying instructional materials to meet needs of students.
- Participates in collaborative instructional planning aligned to the Suffolk Public Teaching and Learning Framework to meet the needs of diverse learners.
- Assesses students using a variety of measures to determine appropriate placement and specific instructional needs.
- Maintains an organized system for storage and circulation of reading and writing materials.
- Provides assistance on evidence based interventions for students
- Continues to develop professionally by attending seminars, workshops, professional meetings, and by conducting research.
Additional Duties Performs other related tasks as assigned. Note: The above description is illustrative of tasks and responsibilities. It is not meant to be all inclusive of every task or responsibility. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
- knowledge of SPS curriculum and techniques for integrating curriculum, SPS policies and effective instructional practices;
- knowledge of the needs of students requiring reading and writing intervention; thorough understanding of the teaching and learning process
- ability to provide instruction that reflects multiple perspectives and multicultural education
- ability to purposefully infuse technology into curriculum
- ability to guide and train teachers in effective techniques and strategies
- ability to work effectively with administrators, colleagues, central office, school based staff, students, parents and community
- ability to use diagnostic data to tailor instruction to meet the needs of the student(s)
- ability to use assessment data to assist teachers with developing evidence based instruction for whole group and small group
- excellent organizational, communication, and human relations skills.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
- Must hold or be eligible for a Virginia Teaching License with the Reading Specialist endorsement.
- Preferable successful prior classroom teaching experience in which the teaching of reading was the primary responsibility
Terms of Employment
- Salary Range: $55,141 - $90,122
- Contract: 10 Months
- Benefits: Employer Portion Paid Retirement, Life Insurance, Contribution to Medical Insurance, Personal and Sick Leave
EQUIPMENT: Uses standard office equipment such as personal computers, printer, copier and telephone. SPECIAL REQUIREMENT (Travel): Travels to school district buildings and professional meetings as required. FLSA STATUS: Exempt AA/EOE STATEMENT: This employer does not knowingly discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, or national orgin.