What are the responsibilities and job description for the Literacy Specialist-School Year 2025-2026 position at Montessori International Children's House?
Montessori International Children’s House (MICH) is an AMI accredited school serving children from 18 months through age 12 that has created an idyllic setting for young learners in its 40-year history. Situated on a verdant, wooded campus, and with a highly dedicated faculty and staff, the school community has a clear sense of purpose: to provide the best, age-appropriate education for young learners, following the philosophy of Maria Montessori.
Position Summary
Under the direction of the Head of School and Education Director, the Literacy Specialist will play a vital role in supporting students who need additional help developing foundational reading skills. This role involves providing individual and small-group instruction in both pull-out and push-in settings, using evidence-based methods aligned with Montessori philosophy. As this is a new position, the Literacy Specialist will also help shape and implement school-wide literacy supports in collaboration with classroom teachers. The ideal candidate is deeply knowledgeable about early literacy development and has a genuine love for working with primary and elementary-aged children.
Major Duties and Responsibilities
Intervention and Student Support
- Conduct literacy assessments to identify students with reading difficulties
- Analyze data to determine targeted areas of need and track student progress
- Plan and implement individual and small group interventions using evidence-based strategies rooted in the Science of Reading
- Support development across all key domains: phonological awareness, phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, comprehension, and vocabulary
- Collaborate with classroom teachers to ensure interventions align with Montessori pedagogy and classroom rhythms
- Communicate regularly with families about student progress and offer strategies to support literacy development at home
Coaching and Collaboration
- Partner with classroom teachers and external service providers to coordinate support for struggling readers
- Provide ongoing coaching and modeling for faculty on effective reading instruction and interventions
Design and facilitate professional development aligned with current literacy research and instructional best practices - Create a collaborative, achievement-oriented learning culture that fosters both student and adult growth
- Stay current on literacy research, curriculum trends, and methods; share relevant insights with the school team
Other Duties as Assigned
Required Skills and Experience
- Strong alignment with the mission and values of Montessori International Children’s House, including a commitment to whole-child education
- Minimum of two years of experience as a Reading Specialist or equivalent role, with a proven record of supporting student growth in literacy (preferred)
- Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree in Reading, Literacy, Library Science, or related field preferred
- Orton-Gillingham training or certification strongly preferred
- Familiarity with Montessori pedagogy or willingness to engage in professional development to align practice with the Montessori method
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build trusting relationships with children, families, and colleagues
- Collaborative spirit and openness to feedback
- Proficiency with basic technology tools including Microsoft Word, Excel, and Google Workspace
EEO Statement
Montessori International Children’s House is an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.
Salary : $55,000 - $90,000