Job Details

POSITION TITLE: Reading Specialist-ELEMENTARY

REPORTS TO: BUILDING PRINCIPAL/ COORDINATOR OF ELEMENTARY ENGLISH

OVER-TIME STATUS: EXEMPT PAY GRADE: 710

JOB SUMMARY:

Every reading specialist, in consultation with classroom teachers, will coordinate and oversee intervention for students not meeting literacy benchmarks, and will develop and monitor student progress on student reading plans, working closely with families and teachers.

The reading specialist is responsible for analyzing school literacy data and collaborating with administrators and division coaches in planning for future literacy needs. The reading specialist is also responsible for instructing students individually or in groups to enable students to develop literacy skills.

Work is performed under the general supervision of the building principal, with oversight of job expectations by the Virginia Literacy Act and the Coordinator of Elementary English Education.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

1. Communicate the division's literacy vision, priorities, goals and strategy.
2. Creates positive relationships with teachers, division coaches, and administrators.
3. Gathers, organizes, and interprets assessment data on identified students.
4. Utilizes research-based intervention materials to meet the learning needs of identified students.
5. Demonstrates a working knowledge and understanding of the English Standards of Learning and school division curricular requirements.
6. Uses and monitors the identified evidence-based literacy interventions and approved core instructional materials.
7. Models the use of school-wide evidence based literacy intervention to include general education teachers, special education teachers and PALS Instructional Assistants.
8. Coordinates the literacy work of other reading staff in the building as applicable.
9. Analyzes existing student achievement data and administers student assessments and monitoring instruments as needed to aid in progress monitoring of at-risk students.
10. Monitors and oversees updating the progress monitoring plan. Ensure understanding of any new progress monitoring tools.
11. Communicates with teachers, administrators, and families regarding student progress.
12. Monitors and maintains accurate student reading plans, parent communications records and student progress data reports as required by the VLA.
13. Attends professional development opportunities and provides professional development that promotes improved instructional practices of evidence based literacy instruction.
14. Stays abreast of current developments, research and new technology and evidence-based literacy interventions and research-based literacy strategies designed to increase student achievement.
15. Understands the HQIM research; Build investment and understanding across teachers in the need for HQIM adoption.
16. Collaborates with the division literacy coach in supporting teacher planning and implementation of adopted HQIM.
17. Serve as a liaison between the school and the Office of Elementary Teaching and Learning by attending meetings and PLPs, disseminating information in a timely manner.
18. Works in a collegial and collaborative manner with school personnel and the community to promote and support the mission and goals of the Office of Reading and English Education and school division.
19. Promotes an atmosphere of mutual respect and courtesy and models professional, moral, and ethical standards as well as personal integrity in all interactions with co-workers, customers and clients.
20. Performs other duties as assigned.

JOB SPECIFICATIONS/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of teaching and learning; comprehensive knowledge of evidence-based literacy instruction (EBLI) demonstrated ability to meet the needs of students using research-based and evidence based literacy to provide remediation to identified students; knowledgeable of reading science; demonstrated ability to use data to develop student reading plans to increase student achievement; ability to develop and present ideas effectively, orally and in written form; proficient in Google, Microsoft Office Suite to include Word, PowerPoint and Excel and the use of other technology tools; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other administrative staff, subordinates, supervisors, the School Board, and the general public.

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 reaching, standing, walking; hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels; visual acuity is required for preparing and analyzing written or computer data determining the accuracy and thoroughness of work, and observing general surroundings and activities; the worker is not subject to adverse environmental conditions.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

The applicant shall provide a transcript that specifies graduation from an accredited college or university with a degree in education, Master's degree and/Reading Specialist endorsement. Credentials shall include, at the minimum, strong academic preparation in the field of English and/or a certification in grades K-6. Minimum of five years of successful teaching experience with at least three years of teaching reading or English/language arts at the appropriate grade level span is a prerequisite for this position. The applicant must hold or be eligible for licensure in Virginia.