Reading Specialist

Colonial Beach Public Schools


"Every Student. Every Minute. Every Day."


Reading Specialist

Pay Grade: Teacher Scale

Period of Employment: 11 Months FLSA Status: Exempt


Supervised by and/or Reports to: Executive Director of Instruction and Professional Learning

Location: Division-Wide

General Responsibilities: To improve students' success in reading by implementing district-approved curriculum, documenting teaching and student progress/activities/outcomes; developing lesson plans and student reading plans; modeling the necessary skills to perform assignments; providing a safe and positive learning environment; and providing feedback to students, parents, and administration regarding student progress, expectations, and goals.


Essential Duties:


(This list is intended solely as an illustration of the various types of work performed. The omission of specific duties does not exclude their addition if they are similar to or a logical extension of the position.)

Essential Responsibilities:

• Assists other teachers for the purpose of implementing the district reading curriculum, strategies, and routines
• Collaborates with school personnel and parents for the purpose of improving the quality of student outcomes, developing solutions, and planning curriculum
• Collects, analyzes, and prepares data for interpretation and reporting to administration, parents, and the district
• Demonstrates methods required to perform assignments for the purpose of providing an effective district reading program and addressing the needs of students
• Develops and supports the implementation of an evidence-based literacy program and provides related educational support for teachers and students that are aligned to evidence-based reading research
• Performs duties within a team or departmental setting, but might work independently in a unique teaching specialty
• Evaluates students' abilities in reading skills for the purpose of assisting in the diagnosis of learning disorders, developing remediation plans, and/or evaluating student progress
• Facilitates study groups and division professional learning (e.g., literacy team meetings, workshops, etc.) for the purpose of providing staff development and support to district staff
• Instructs students (e.g., individually, group sessions, etc.) for the purpose of improving their success in reading and assessing reading concepts and proficiencies through a defined course of study
• Maintains confidentiality of all information for the protection of students, staff, parents, and the district
• Manages student behavior for the purpose of providing a safe and optimal learning environment
• Mentors classroom teachers and support staff for the purpose of supporting staff in the instructional process
• Monitors student progress for the purpose of providing student feedback on a regular basis to students, teachers, and parents, and determining interventions for those students who are diagnosed as "at-risk" readers
• Participates in various meetings for the purpose of receiving and/or providing information
• Prepares teaching materials and related reports (e.g., formative and summative assessments, diagnostic assessment reports, anecdotal records, etc.) for the purpose of implementing lesson plans and documenting student progress
• Provides assistance in selecting and administering valid, reliable reading assessments and screening instruments for the purpose of providing an effective school program to increase the reading skills of students
• Refer to 8VAC20-543-600 of the Code of Virginia for a full description of competencies
• Performs other related duties as assigned by the Supervisor

Requisite Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of school curriculum and framework, policies, and effective instructional practices
• Thorough understanding of the teaching and learning process
• Ability to provide instruction that reflects multiple perspectives and multicultural education
• Ability to infuse technology into the curriculum
• Respect confidential information and the individual's right to privacy
• Communicate openly and effectively with students, colleagues, administration, parents, central office, and community patrons
• Excellent oral and written communication and human relations skills
• Model professional, moral, and ethical standards as well as personal integrity in all interactions within the school and within the community
• Skills to include self-motivation, high-energy level, attention to detail, high-work standards, problem-solving, organization skills, critical-thinking skills, stress tolerance, flexibility, and adaptability

Education or Equivalency Requirements:

Minimum/Preferred

Education Level

Description:


Preferred


Master's Degree


Certification/Licenses

Description:


State


Must possess a Virginia Department of Education Teaching License with an Endorsement in Reading Specialist

Work Experience:

Equivalent to or at least:

Type:

Area or Field


3-5 years


Specific


Experience as a teacher; reading and/or language arts preferred

Physical Requirements:


Must have the use of sensory skills to effectively communicate and interact with other employees and the public through the use of the telephone and personal contact, as normally defined by the ability to see, read, talk, hear, handle, or feel objects and controls. Physical capability to effectively use and operate various items of office-related equipment, such as, but not limited to: a personal computer, calculator, copier, and fax machine. Some climbing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, grasping, and repetitive motions. Some heavy work requiring the exertion of 50 pounds of force occasionally to move objects may be required.

Colonial Beach Public Schools assures equal employment opportunities and equal education opportunities for employees and students as required by federal and state orders and laws. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential tasks.