POSITION SUMMARY:
Under general supervision of a Principal, the Reading Specialist provides leadership for the reading/language arts program. The Reading Specialist communicates and implements initiatives identified by the Reading English/Language Arts supervisory staff through direct assistance to classroom teachers. The incumbent should informally assess the delivery of instruction and collaborate with the principal to identify areas of strength, improve areas of weakness and identify instructional goals and priorities.
DUTIES and RESPONSIBILITIES: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.
Providing leadership including implementing curriculum directives and initiatives, coordinating reading incentive activities and distribution of materials, and communicating the reading/language arts program to parents;
Providing guidance for grouping students for instruction and direction for reading/language arts instruction as a component of the interdisciplinary instructional emphasis;
Presenting, demonstrating or articulating curriculum revisions, instructional strategies, content specific information, or current trends in reading/language arts;
Conducting staff development initiatives which include working with teachers to deliver strong instruction programs, mentoring new teachers and suggesting appropriate instructional materials;
Utilizing instructional expertise to motivate and engage students in the learning process;
Assisting teachers with creating literate and print rich environments reflective of instructional learning centers and flexible grouping configurations utilizing a variety of instructional materials;
Assisting teachers with challenging students to improve their reading/language arts performance;
Training teachers to utilize current assessment techniques to drive instructional decision making and use the information to monitor pacing and progress of students;
Assisting teachers with identifying reading levels, strengths and weaknesses of new students or for students recommended for special services; and
Assisting teachers with analyzing data and recommending instructional modifications.
QUALIFICATIONS:The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.
Knowledge of current scientifically based reading research;
Ability to guide staff in delivering instruction to beginning readers incorporating core, supplemental, and intervention program materials and screening, diagnostic, and outcome assessments;
Skill in coordinating and delivering professional development to a variety of audiences;
Ability to schedule and prioritize work independently;
Ability to collaborate with others to implement project activities; and
Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing, through the presentation of concise yet comprehensive analysis and reports.
EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:
Master's degree in Reading from an accredited college or university; three (3) years of professional administrative or teaching experience in implementing reading instruction.
CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:
Holds or eligible for MSDE certification for reading specialists.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:
No direct supervisory responsibilities.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
The physical demands are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand, talk, hear, walk, sit, and use fingers, tools or controls. The employee is occasionally required to reach with hands and arms and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision such as to read handwritten or typed material, the ability to adjust focus, and depth perception. While performing the duties of this job, the employee may occasionally push or lift up to 25 lbs.
WORKING ENVIRONMENT:
The work environment characteristics are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of the job.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
None.