Reading Specialist

Founding Reading Specialist/ ELL Teacher

Position Overview:

This position is for an educator with a deep understanding of how students learn to read and acquire language. This individual will serve both as a Reading Specialist and English Language Teacher (ELL), working collaboratively with teachers, administrators, and parents to support all students in developing strong literacy skills. By utilizing data and personalized instructional strategies, this educator will ensure that all students, including English language learners, make significant progress in reading and language acquisition.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities:

• Collaborate Across Teams: Work closely with administrators, classroom teachers, and paraprofessionals to develop and implement effective reading and language instruction plans that meet the needs of all students, with particular focus on struggling readers and English language learners (ELLs).
• Design and Implement Intervention Plans: Use individual student assessment data to design and adjust reading improvement and language acquisition plans for students who need additional support. Ensure that these plans are tailored to address both literacy development and language proficiency.
• Monitor Student Progress: Track and document the progress of students receiving reading and language support, adjusting intervention strategies as necessary to ensure that students meet their academic goals in reading, writing, listening, and speaking.
• Provide Direct Instruction: Deliver small-group and one-on-one instruction to support students in developing their reading skills and English language proficiency, using research-based strategies that foster both academic achievement and language development.
• Support Classroom Teachers: Collaborate with classroom teachers to identify students in need of additional reading or language support, and assist in the implementation of effective instructional strategies and accommodations for these students.
• Conduct Data-Driven Assessments: Regularly analyze student data to inform instructional decisions, assess student needs, and identify areas for improvement. Assist administrators and staff in using data to set grade-level and building-wide reading and language goals.
• Professional Development and Training: Provide ongoing professional development and resources to teachers, helping them enhance their instruction for struggling readers and ELL students. Assist in identifying relevant professional development opportunities that support school-wide literacy and language goals.
• Engage and Educate Parents: Build strong relationships with parents and guardians by offering resources, workshops, and activities that support reading development and language acquisition at home. Provide parents with strategies to help improve their child’s literacy and language skills.
• Culturally Responsive Instruction: Foster an inclusive, culturally responsive classroom environment that values diversity and supports the unique needs of English language learners, ensuring they feel respected and empowered.
• Support School-Wide Initiatives: Participate in school-wide initiatives and activities, contributing to the overall academic success and positive climate of the school. Observe and support both curricular and extracurricular activities that contribute to student growth.
• Assist with Assessment and Testing: Collaborate with administrators to coordinate standardized testing and ensure that students, including ELLs, are appropriately supported throughout the testing process.
• Professionalism and Role Modeling: Exhibit dependability, punctuality, and professionalism, serving as a positive role model for students and contributing to a collaborative and supportive school culture.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required
• OK State Teaching Certification highly preferred
• Experience in elementary ELA and/or with ELL is a plus, but not required

Benefits and Compensation

• Salary is competitive and commensurate with experience.
• Comprehensive benefits program including the option for 100% paid health insurance for the employee.
• 401K program with district contribution.