Reading Specialist

Reading Specialist-Elementary

Under the direction of the principal, the responsibilities of the 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.

Knowledge of NCPS curriculum and techniques for integrating curriculum, NCPS policies and effective instructional practices; knowledge of the needs of students requiring remedial reading instruction; thorough understanding of the teaching and learning process; ability to provide instruction that reflects multiple perspectives and multicultural education; ability to 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); excellent organizational, communication, and human relations skills.

Salary: $48,356-$77,614 (Commensurate with Experience)

Essential Functions:

• Provide direct instruction in the areas of reading and writing for identified groups and individual students, with an emphasis on emergent, beginning, and transitional readers.
• Identify literature for use in all content areas in support of the curriculum.
• Provide curriculum support and training for all teachers and continuous staff development that supports school division initiatives.
• Model and coach instructional methods in a variety of settings (whole group and small group) and provide follow-up support.
• Collaborate with and coach teachers on the use of assessment data to plan instruction; analyze school literacy data and plan for future literacy needs.
• Provide ongoing training and follow-up in the use of assessment tools.
• Select instructional materials to meet student needs.
• Participate in collaborative instructional planning.
• Assess students using a variety of measures to determine appropriate placement and specific instructional needs.
• Serve as a liaison between the school and the Department of Curriculum and Instruction by attending meetings and disseminating information.
• Maintain an organized system and accessible location for the storage and circulation of reading and writing materials.
• Maintain a comprehensive inventory of instructional materials and resources.
• Assist with the planning and delivery of parent workshops and informational sessions involving the language arts program.
• Participate in parent conferences and provide instructional suggestions.
• Remain grounded in content standards and objectives in order to facilitate integrated and concept based instruction.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

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:

Use 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.

Work Schedule:

Standard teacher work schedule as set forth in the Teachers' Contract.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of current instructional teaching methods and educational pedagogy, as well as differentiates instruction based upon student learning styles.
• Knowledge of curriculum and concepts.
• Knowledge of applicable federal and state laws regarding education and students.
• Ability to use computer network system and software applications as needed.
• Ability to organize and coordinate work.
• Ability to communicate effectively with students and parents.
• Ability to engage in self-evaluation with regard to performance and professional growth.
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with others contacted in the course of work.

Physical and Mental Demands, Work Hazards:

Work in standard office and school building environments.

Certification/License:

Virginia State Certification as a Reading Specialist endorsement as required for position. Motor Vehicle Operator's License or ability to provide own transportation.

Education:

Bachelors from an accredited college or university in education discipline applicable to teaching assignment.

Experience:

Must possess a Master's degree and be eligible for a Virginia Teaching License with an endorsement as a Reading Specialist. Three (3) years of successful classroom teaching experience in which the teaching of reading was the primary responsibility, required. A comparable amount of training and experience may be substituted for the minimum qualifications.

FLSA Status: Exempt 11-month position