Reading Specialist

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the essential job functions satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the primary job functions herein described. Since every duty associated with this position may not be described herein, employees may be required to perform duties not specifically spelled out in the job description, but which may be reasonably considered to be incidental in the performing of their duties just as though they were written out in this job description.

GRPS MISSION: Our mission is to ensure that all students are educated, self-directed and productive members of society.

Reading Specialist

Department: Instruction

Bargaining Unit: Grand Rapids Education Association (GREA)

Salary: Determine by the collective bargaining agreement and a comprehensive benefits package

JOB SUMMARY

To support teachers’ learning in K-12 buildings, Reading Specialists will be utilized to assist in successfully implementing best practices in Reading instruction. Reading Specialists will provide leadership for teachers by planning, collaborating, organizing, modeling, and facilitating change to improve the instructional program. Reading Specialists will participate in Coaching Cycles, Learning Walks, Professional Learning Communities, Data Analysis Meetings, and lead some professional development for the building staff based on the schools’ identified areas of need.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Essential functions under the Americans with Disabilities Act may include any of the following duties, knowledge, and skills. This list is illustrative only and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and duties performed by employees in this position. Regular on time and in person attendance is an essential function of this job. Other essential functions may include, but are not limited to the following:

• Serve as a model and coach for all teachers and others (tutors, paraprofessionals, etc.) involved in implementing district curricular programs and tools, fostering a climate of learning and support among teachers.
• Model effective instructional strategies and assessment techniques in all classrooms.
• Use diagnostics and data analysis to identify individual and school-wide challenges in Reading. Assist is setting goals and recommend effective intervention strategies.
• Plan and consult with teachers to choose appropriate tasks and materials to support instruction.
• Work collaboratively with district curriculum staff to support effective implementation of district curricular tools and resources.
• Use a planning log for dialogue sessions with classroom teachers and special education staff to help maintain the focus on effective communications, evidence of professional growth, and instructional needs.
• Evaluate school-wide Reading progress.
• Make school and classroom decisions, with administrators and teachers, based on continuous progress monitoring of student and teacher data.
• Facilitate relevant professional learning for staff that supports highly effective reading instruction.
• Regularly inform parents of progress using established school and district communication tools.
• Regular on time and in person attendance.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree.
• Current appropriate Michigan teaching certification with a Reading Specialist (BR) or Reading (BT) endorsement.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Understands the Michigan Standards and Practices for reading and is able help to implement them.
• Understands the district's Reading curriculum and can help teachers gain a better understanding of the curriculum.
• Knowledge of the Michigan Essential Instructional Practices for Early reading and can help teachers to implement these.
• Works effectively with manipulatives and is willing to assist other teachers in the use of manipulatives to help students understand Reading.
• Implements effective teaching techniques in Reading.
• Works with teaching staff to assess student learning.
• Assists teachers in providing differentiated instruction to help all students succeed in Reading.
• Develop a collaborative Reading community for teachers for the purpose of sharing ideas, looking at student’s work and understanding Reading concepts.

ADA REQUIREMENTS

The physical demands, work environment factors, and mental functions described below 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.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to stand, walk, sit, use hands to finger, handle, or feel, reach with hands and arms, climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl, talk, and hear (in a quiet or noisy environment). The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 40 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision and ability to adjust/focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. Work is performed indoors.

MENTAL FUNCTIONS

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to compare, analyze, communicate both orally and in writing, copy, coordinate, instruct, compute, synthesize, evaluate, use interpersonal skills, compile, and negotiate.

Non-Discrimination

The Grand Rapids Public Schools will not discriminate against any person based on race, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity and expression, height, weight, color, religion, national origin, age, marital status, pregnancy, disability, veteran, or military status.

Americans with Disabilities Act accommodations: Assistance with the application process may be requested through the Human Resources Department at (616) 819-2022 or humanresources@grps.org.