READING SPECIALIST

Philadelphia, PA

Full-time (12-month employee)

Comprehensive benefits package at no additional cost to the employee

SCHOOL DESCRIPTION

We are an inner-city Arts and Technology K-5 Elementary School seeking strong leadership from a dedicated person who is data-driven and is passionate about closing the achievement gaps found in many urban school settings while also creating a loving environment where students, families, and staff feel comfortable and at home. We are a family-oriented environment with family and community involvement being an integral part of our mission to enrich the lives of our students. Some important aspects of the work as the principal include maintaining visibility throughout the building; establishing a professional rapport with students and staff, cultivating a collaborative environment, and establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with parents, parent organizations, outside agencies, and the community.

JOB SUMMARY

The reading specialist is responsible for providing direct instruction to students, individually or in small groups, to enable students to develop literacy skills. 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.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

• 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.
• Conduct classroom visitations and provides feedback to teachers and administrators on the school's literacy program.
• 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.

JOB REQUIREMENTS:

• Must have a Bachelor's Degree in Education
• PA Teacher Certification
• Two years teaching experience
• Two years coaching experience
• Must have all background clearances (Federal, PA State, & Child Abuse)
• Reading Specialist Certification
• In the event that the need arises, you will need to be able to: lift, pull or push up to 15 lbs, walk a standard flight of stairs, or stand or sit for up to 45 minutes.