Job Description
Position Type: Reading Specialist/Reading Specialist
Date Posted: 2/24/2024
Location: Suffolk Public Schools- All Locations
Closing Date: Open Unitl Filled
Reading Specialist Position Purpose
Under the direction of the school principal and supported by the K-12 Coordinator of English Instruction, the position is responsible for providing instructional support for students not on reading grade level in middle school. Applicants must have demonstrated the ability to design and manage whole group, small group, independent, and computer-supported instructional settings. As a literacy leader, the person is responsible for implementing a comprehensive literacy program through coaching, supporting, and guiding teachers in evidenced based literacy instruction and science based reading research. Middle school reading specialist/literacy teachers must exhibit leadership skills and the capacity to work collaboratively with teachers to support the literacy development of all learners. Essential Functions
- Direct Instruction of Students: No more than 50% of the reading specialist/literacy teacher time shall be devoted to 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/literacy leader's time shall be devoted to literacy coaching, 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.
- Plan for and utilize instructional methods, resources, and evaluation techniques which include evidence based literacy instruction and science-based reading research.
- Coordinates and implements intervention services to students who demonstrate substantial deficiencies based on assessment and screener data.
- Develops, oversees implementation of , and monitors students progress on student reading plans in collaboration with teachers and families.
- Designs and manages whole group, small group, independent, and computer supported instruction in a school-based literacy course.
- Develops lesson plans and instructional materials and translates lesson plans into learning experiences so as to best utilize the available time for instruction.
- Supports the integration of reading and writing in the content area.
- Provides direct instruction in vocabulary, fluency, decoding skills (phonics and phonemic awareness) and reading comprehension strategies coupled with supported practice in reading, writing and discussion to provide meaning of various types of text.
- Assists with identifying and evaluation of evidenced based instructional materials to meet needs of students and administers middle school curriculum consistent with school district goals and objectives.
- Selects and requisitions appropriate books, instructional aids, supplies, equipment, and maintains an organized system for storage and circulation of reading and writing materials.
- Develops, leads, and collaborates with members of the literacy team and school leadership team to analyze school wide literacy data and conduct a school wide literacy needs assessment and provides professional development.
- Assists in the development of a literacy improvement action plan that identifies specific, measurable literacy skills, strategies, and goals in School's Performance Plans.
- Administers standardized tests in accordance with district testing programs
- Conducts ongoing assessment of student learning using a variety of measures to determine appropriate placement and specific instruction needs using evidenced based interventions.
- 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.
- Participates in collaborative instructional planning with other middle school professionals aligned to the Suffolk Public Teaching and Learning Framework to meet the needs of diverse learners.
- Continues to develop professionally by attending seminars, workshops, professional meetings, and by conducting research.
- Instructs students in the principles of responsible citizenship and other subject matters specified in applicable laws, as well as administrative regulations and procedures of Suffolk Public Schools.
- Organizes and maintains a system for accurate and complete record-keeping, grading, and reporting for all student activities, achievement and attendance as required by district procedures and applicable laws.
- Encourages parental involvement in students' education and ensures effective communication with students and parents.
- Ensures that student conduct conforms with the school's standards and school district policies, and establishes and maintains standards of pupil behavior needed to achieve a functional learning atmosphere in the classroom.
- Supervises students in activities that take place out of the classroom during the school day, including activities involving school transportation.
- Attend meetings as required.
- Performs other related tasks as assigned by the principal and other central office administrators as designated by the Superintendent.
Additional Duties
Performs other related tasks as assigned by the Principal and other central office administrators as designated by the Superintendent.
Note: The above description is illustrative of tasks and responsibilities. It is not meant to be all inclusive of every task or responsibility.
Equipment
Uses standard office equipment such as personal computers, printer, copy and fax machines, and telephone.
Travel Requirements
Travels to school district buildings and professional meetings as required.
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 and guide and train teachers in effective techniques and strategies.
- Ability to use diagnostic data to tailor instruction to meet the needs of the student(s), use assessment data to assist teachers with developing evidence based instruction for whole and small group.
- Ability to work effectively with administrators, colleagues, central office, school based staff,students, parents and community.
- Must have excellent organizational, communication, and human relations skills.
Physical and Mental Demands, Work Hazards
Works in standard office and school building environments.
Qualifications Profile - Must hold or be eligible for a Virginia Teaching License with an endorsement in English.
- An endorsement as a Reading Specialist is preferred.
Education and Experience - Must hold or be eligible for a Virginia Teaching License with an endorsement as a Reading Specialist.
- An endorsement in K-8 or 4-8 English is preferred.
- Preferable successful prior classroom teaching experience in which the teaching of literacy and reading was a major or primary component of classroom instruction along with experience implementing an evidence-based, literacy focused curriculum.
- Have the personal characteristics necessary for working effectively with middle school students, parents, administrators, and teachers.
Terms of Employment: - Salary Range: $55,141 - $90,122 ($2,944 Additional for Master's Degree)
- Contract: 10 Months
- Benefits: Employer Portion Paid Retirement, Life Insurance, Contribution to Medical Insurance, Personal and Sick Leave
FLSA Status: Exempt Suffolk Public Schools
Job Tags
Contract work, Work at office,