PK-8 Reading Specialist

Description

Provide students with innovative learning activities and experiences in the core academic subject area.  Facilitate student development in order for them to fulfill their potential for intellectual, emotional, physical, and social growth. 

• Assists in the selection of books, equipment, and other instructional materials.
• Demonstrates behavior that is professional, ethical, and responsible.
• Keeps informed of and complies with school regulations and policies.
• Supports faculty and parents in the observation of developing readers and collaborates in planning instructional strategies.
• Assists in the selection of appropriate materials utilized by the faculty for accommodating measures and strategies. 
• Provides demonstrations of new methods and materials. 
• Assesses, develops, and implements a reading support plan for developing readers. 
• Plans and conducts periodic evaluations to assess the need for changes in the reading program.
• Plans and develops special reading projects as approved or provided. 
• Serves as a resource to the academic leadership team and faculty in areas of reading instruction and curriculum. 
• Assesses reading referrals and makes a determination of instructional needs of students PK-8 through collaboration with faculty. 
• Provides small group instruction to students
• Provide staff development in content area reading strategies
• Align, develop and implement lesson plans that fulfill the requirements of the school’s curriculum program and show written evidence of preparation.
• Prepare lessons that reflect accommodations for differences in student learning styles.
• Present subject matter according to guidelines established by the school. 
• Plan and use appropriate instructional and learning strategies, activities, materials, and equipment that reflect understanding of the learning styles and needs of students assigned.
• Conduct assessment (formal and informal) of student learning styles and use results to plan instructional activities.
• Participate in learning walks and visit other department/grade classrooms. 
• Communicate and promote implementation of SAA guidelines on grading practices, curriculum, assessments, and instructional strategies. 
• Participate and plan in department and grade level meetings and maintain professional competence through in-service education activities provided by professional growth activities.
• Supervises students in out-of-classroom activities during the school day.
• Communicates with parents through conferences and other means to discuss students’ progress.
• Uses technology in the teaching/learning process.

Qualifications

Education/Certification:

• Bachelor’s degree from accredited university (Master’s Preferred) 
• Certified Academic Language Therapist (CALT)
• Valid Texas teaching certificate with required endorsements or required training for subject and level assigned (Preferred)
• Demonstrated competency in the core academic subject area assigned
• Demonstrated work experience 

Special Knowledge and Skills:

• Knowledge of core academic subject assigned
• General knowledge of curriculum and instruction
• Ability to inspire students and maximize their prosocial behavior
• Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills
• Align teaching philosophy to the SAA vision and mission