Reading Specialist

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES

To provide direct services to students in need of assistance in learning to read and/or write.

ESSENTIAL TASKS

• Teaches reading and writing that supports classroom instruction to designated students, either in small groups or one-on-one.
• Assists teachers with assessments at beginning, middle, and end of year.
• Provides leadership in the fields of reading and writing.
• Conducts staff development for teachers in related areas.
• Maintains accurate records to demonstrate student growth.
• Works collaboratively with colleagues.
• Meets regularly with classroom teachers to evaluate student progress.
• Demonstrates knowledge of best practices in reading and writing.
• Participates in state and local professional development and training sessions. 
• Observes classroom reading instruction, provides technical assistance, and models for teachers. 
• Analyzes achievement and assessment data; identifies patterns within individual classrooms; recommends and plans professional development to implement needed changes for improvement.  
• Attends required school and district meetings as appropriate.
• Completes all necessary reports.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Must have experience in reading and language arts programs. Excellent organizational, communication, public relations, presentation, and technology skills are essential.  Must have knowledge of teaching techniques, instructional materials, and current trends in the area of reading.  Must have expertise in the knowledge, skills, and processes necessary for teaching oral language and in developing students’ phonemic awareness/phonological association skills.  Must have an understanding of varying degrees of learning disabilities, the needs of the students, and strategies to challenge them at appropriate levels.  Demonstrates the ability to work effectively with administrators, colleagues, central office, and school based staff and students.

Must have demonstrated expertise in educational measurement and evaluation.   Must have the ability to provide instruction and advice to teachers in the skills necessary to teach reading.  Familiarity with reading and writing assessments.  Knowledge of current research and best practices in the field of reading.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Postgraduate Professional License with endorsement as a Reading Specialist, and a minimum of three years of recent successful experience as a teacher in a school that serves high-needs students.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Significant standing, walking, moving, climbing, carrying, bending, kneeling, crawling,

reaching, handling, pushing, and pulling. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential tasks.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Primarily controlled temperature and clean classroom environment. 

RCPS is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability or age in its programs and activities.  The following person(s) has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies: Hayley Poland – Title IX Coordinator (540) 853-1393.

Salary : $50,649 - $86,942