What are the responsibilities and job description for the Reading Specialist (part-time) position at Excel Academy Charter Schools?
Organization Overview
Excel Academy is a network of 5 schools in Massachusetts and Rhode Island that prepares students in grades 5-12 to succeed in high school and college and engage productively in their communities. The majority of our 1,700 students identify as Latinx or Hispanic and will be the first in their families to graduate from college. Families choose Excel because our students consistently outperform their peers in growth and achievement and are 5x more likely to graduate from college.
At Excel, we believe that every student—regardless of race, zip code, or economic status—deserves access to a free, high quality holistic education. During their middle school journey with us, students grow at a pace faster than most peers in their state. This is possible through a combination of high expectations, rigorous instruction, and individualized support. At our nationally ranked high school, students achieve at the highest level and are poised for success in their chosen college or career path.
About our Team
Everyday, our team members choose to be positive, drive their own growth, uplift one another, and hold the highest possible beliefs for what students can achieve.
About the Role
The Reading Specialist is responsible for ensuring that students are provided adequate support to find success in the school setting. The Reading Specialist at Excel Academy would provide services to students across our 4 schools and work closely with teachers, administrators, and other key stakeholders to ensure the best outcomes for students.
This is a part-time role ranging from 0.5 - 0.75 FTE.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Provide direct reading intervention and instruction for students who are below grade level benchmarks;
- Collaborate with teachers, students and their families, the school nurse, learning specialists, social workers, and other members of a student's support team;
- Develop and propose a plan for students with specific tasks that will help them meet their goals;
- Support small literacy group models within classrooms;
- Provide literacy assessments and ongoing data analysis;
- Help teachers interpret literacy assessment data of students;
- Conduct initial and triennial reading evaluations for students who are referred to a reading evaluation; and
- Assess student' progress against goals and prepare reports quarterly.
Qualifications
- A bachelor's degree and a master's degree in reading instruction preferred;
- Related Service Providers (Speech Language Pathologists, Reading Specialists, School Psychologists, and Occupational Therapists/ABA Therapists as applicable) need to hold and maintain a subject-area MA teaching license in their subject area
- If applicable, RSPs must also have and maintain the relevant independent license (from the relevant MA professional board, for example)
- You can learn more about Licensure Requirements through DESE here: https://gateway.edu.state.ma.us/elar/licensurehelp/LicenseRequirementsCriteriaPageControl.ser
- A commitment to and belief in all students and the mission of Excel Academy Charter Schools, including Excel’s values and educational model;
- A commitment to addressing racial and economic inequity in education;
- The ability to focus and thrive in a fast paced, entrepreneurial environment;
- The ability to work effectively in a team environment and the willingness and desire to support others in doing their best work; and
- An openness to change, a willingness to problem-solve, and an interest in receiving feedback for continuous improvement.
Preference will be given to applicants who also:
- Have experience in a public or charter school setting;
- Speak Spanish, Portuguese or Arabic fluently;
- Can speak to the importance of rigorous classroom instruction and culture;
- Can speak to the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion.
