Literacy Specialist (Spring Family Leave Coverage)

Job Description About the Park School The Park School is a Pre-K to Grade 8 independent school in Brookline, MA dedicated to excellence in education. The cornerstone of Park's program is academic excellence, combining both high standards of scholarship and the encouragement of each child to develop to their greatest potential. Our school community fosters a nurturing environment in which children develop curiosity, express creativity, appreciate the value of hard work and discipline, and experience the joy of learning. Park's faculty encourages each student to strive for intellectual, physical, and moral growth and to become contributing members of the community. Position The Literacy Specialist is a member of the school's Lower Division and reports to the Lower Division Head. This full-time, 10-month position comes with the responsibility of working with faculty and staff to support of the school's mission and curricular goals. This position will cover the Spring season, beginning January 2027 through June 2027. Responsibilities Provide small group literacy intervention to Lower Division students, utilizing data to determine goals and monitor for student progress Analyze assessment data with Lower Division teachers to improve classroom instruction to support all learners Meet with grade-level teams to assist in the development and implementation of literacy curriculum and serve as a resource for best practices for instruction Communicate regularly and effectively with parents, both orally and in writing Attend parent-teacher conferences for both individual students and any conferences deemed appropriate in grade-level classrooms Manage and administer assessment procedures, training, and data collection in collaboration with the Literacy Team and Lower Division Head Demonstrate a passion for lifelong learning and actively pursue professional development rooted in individual and school-wide literacy goals Partner with the Director of Academic Support to differentiate reading instruction for students Guide students in their social-emotional development, maintaining expectations and support for positive and productive student behavior Collaborate with the Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging to keep multiculturalism and diversity as a priority of curricular work and curriculum development Participate fully in ongoing professional development Participate in and contribute to an adult learning community by engaging in meetings, discussions, committees, task forces, and professional development. Utilize feedback and reflection to improve practice and performance Ensure that respect for diversity, equity, and inclusion, social-emotional learning, and academic excellence are emphasized as core values of the School Meet expectations as defined by the Park School Employee Essential Expectations Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education or Literacy required. Master's degree preferred Minimum of 5 years teaching experience in elementary grades Depth of understanding in language-based learning differences, research-based practices, and current trends in elementary literacy education Experience using a variety of assessment tools to inform instruction Experience with the UFLI "Fundations" Program Training in structured multisensory instructional methods, such as Orton-Gillingham Outstanding interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills Demonstrated experience working in a culturally diverse community Demonstrated commitment to providing support to students and families from diverse cultures and backgrounds. Demonstrated interest in ongoing professional development and innovative practices that support student growth. High integrity, professionalism, and confidentiality Maintain focus and adaptability in an energetic and, at times, loud environment Effectively interpret, navigate, mediate, and resolve conflict with students and families in a timely manner. The ability to hold meetings in person and via supported video conference tools (i.e. Zoom or Google Meet) Proficiency or the ability to learn Google tools and other applications as adopted by the school, such as Veracross, SchoolPass, Atlas, etc. Physical Requirements The ability to sit and stand uninterrupted for 30-minute periods of time. The ability to traverse on and across variable surfaces (e.g. level flooring, stairs, turf, gravel, asphalt, etc.). Ability to lead, supervise, and accompany students to all areas of the school campus (including all indoor and outdoor areas), including during day‑to‑day responsibilities and in case of emergency. The ability to position oneself (e.g., stand, sit, crouch, and kneel) to support students. The ability to work outdoors, year-round, in variable weather conditions. The ability to lift and hold 15 lbs overhead. The ability to occasionally transport (e.g., move or drag) 25 lbs The ability to maintain focus and composure in an energetic and, at times, loud environment Compensation The compensation range for this role is based on a faculty scale of 65,420 to 139,580 annually. Actual salaries will vary depending on multiple factors, including but not limited to degrees received, years of lead teaching experience, and other considerations permitted by law. The comprehensive compensation details, inclusive of any additional benefits, will be communicated upon finalization of the employment offer. Equal Opportunity & Diversity Park is an equal-opportunity employer, and we do not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, creed, religion, national origin, ethnicity, ancestry, citizenship status, age, sex, gender, gender identity, or gender expression (including transgender status), sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, childbirth, and pregnancy‑related conditions, military service and veteran status, physical or mental disability, genetic information, natural or protective hairstyles or any other status protected by applicable law in the administration of its employment, education, admission, financial aid, election, and other policies and programs. We welcome candidates who will add to the diversity of our community and who have demonstrated a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in their teaching and learning. Legal Work Authorization Job applicants must have legal authorization to work in the United States. The Park School will not sponsor an employment visa or take over sponsorship of an employment visa at this time for this role. #J-18808-Ljbffr