Literacy Specialist (Sabbatical Coverage, January 2024-2025) 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.
The Literacy Specialist is a member of the schools 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 schools mission and curricular goals. This is a one year position. ResponsibilitiesProvide small group literacy intervention to Lower Division students, utilizing data to determine goals and monitor for student progressAnalyze 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 instructionCommunicate regularly and effectively with parents, both orally and in writingAttend parent-teacher conferences for both individual students and any conferences deemed appropriate in grade-level classroomsManage and administer assessment procedures, training, and data collection in collaboration with the Literacy Team and Lower Division HeadDemonstrate a passion for lifelong learning and actively pursue professional development rooted in individual and schoolwide literacy goalsPartner 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 behaviorCollaborate with the Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging to keep multiculturalism and diversity as a priority of curricular work and curriculum developmentParticipate fully in ongoing professional developmentParticipate 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 performanceEnsure that respect for diversity, equity, and inclusion, social emotional learning, and academic excellence are emphasized as core values of the SchoolMeet expectations as defined by the Park School Employee Essential Expectations QualificationsBachelors or Masters degree required in Elementary Education or LiteracyMinimum of 5 years teaching experience in elementary gradesDepth of understanding in language based learning differences, research-based practices, and current trends in elementary literacy educationExperience using a variety of assessment tools to inform instructionExperience with the Wilson Fundations ProgramTraining in structured multisensory instructional methods, such as Orton-Gillingham Outstanding interpersonal, organizational, and communication skillsDemonstrated experience working in a culturally diverse communityDemonstrated 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 confidentialityMaintain focus and adaptability in an energetic and, at times, loud environmentEffectively 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)Proficient 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.).The 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 down) in order 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 Application Information Please visit Parks career page to complete an application and upload your resume, cover letter, leadership/philosophy statement, and the names of three to five references including two present or past supervisors.Competitive salaries and benefits are offered, including a strong professional development program.An equal opportunity employer and we do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, ancestry, sex, disabilities, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression or family composition or any other status protected by applicable law in the administration of its employment, education, admission, financial aid, 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. 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.