What are the responsibilities and job description for the Upper Elementary Reading Specialist position at The Vanguard School?
PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS IS FOR SCHOOL YEAR 2025-2026!
Job Title: Upper Elementary Reading Specialist
Reports to: Elementary Principal
Salaried or Hourly: Salary
FLSA Status: Exempt
Normal Work Hours: 40 hours per week
Annual Days: 201
Salary: Starting at $52,000, merit pay for returning staff
The mission of The Vanguard School is to help guide students in development of their character and academic potential through academically rigorous, content-rich educational programs.
Job Product: Provide high-quality individualized intervention instruction to qualified students with the aim of increasing reading proficiency and in developing The Vanguard School mission for those students.
General Purpose: The Upper Elementary Reading Specialist provides quality individualized instruction to eligible students in upper elementary through a combination of standard reading and literature curriculum and through implementation of student intervention programs in consultation with special and general education staff. The workload consists of teaching reading/literature classes to achievement-based groups, conducting small group interventions, and supporting literary goals of children on a variety of learning plans such as MTSS, IEP, and ALP. Work with the Lower Elementary Reading Specialist to implement DIBELS support for upper elementary students. Write and maintain READ plans for upper elementary students. Train teachers in reading-related professional development.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
• Teach up to four reading/literature classes each day
• Conduct multiple reading double-dose classes each day
• Support students on learning plans
• Faithfully collect relevant data on individual students
• Analyze data for relevant reading trends
• Implement strategies to address and improve reading trends identified through data
• Collaborate with other instructors for the good of the students
• Plan curriculum and instruction
• Manage classroom climate and operation
• Implement DIBELS support for Upper Elementary students on READ plans.
• Communicate with families regarding student progress and provide strategies families can use at home
• Provide quick and consistent feedback via graded assignments
• Maintain up-to-date electronic gradebook using Infinite Campus
• Consistently implement accommodations and modifications for child on plans as specified on the plan
• Conduct reading related professional development as needed
Other Duties and Responsibilities: As needed or assigned.
Culture & Climate
- Serve as a literacy resource for building staff, administrators, and parents
- Develop and maintain positive working relationships with families, staff, and community members
- Model the school’s values and standards for professional behavior
Minimum Requirements:
- Bachelor’s Degree
- Master’s Degree or reading endorsement preferred
- Licensed to teach in Colorado or highly qualified through appropriate Praxis tests
- READ Act Certified within 90 days of hire
- Excellent written and oral communication skills
- Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills
- Ability to establish trusting and respectful relationships with students, staff, and families
- Ability to plan, organize, and work collaboratively with other teams
- Commitment to the goals and values of The Vanguard School
Experience:
Has demonstrated two years of satisfactory teaching or student services experience
Benefits:
- Dental / Health / Life / Vision / Long-Term Disability Insurance
- Paid time off
- Public Employees’ Retirement Association (PERA).
DISCLAIMERS
- You are required to disclose relevant issues related to criminal history, employment history, and licensure history in order to apply.
- All employees must submit to and pass a CBI / FBI fingerprint background check as a condition of employment.
- The Vanguard School is subject to all federal and state laws and constitutional provisions prohibiting discrimination on the basis of disability, race, creed, color, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, or ancestry in its programs and activities.
- Applicants who upload a copy of their transcripts or certifications to their application may choose to redact any dates included on the transcripts or certifications, including date of birth and dates of attendance/graduation/completion. An un-redacted copy will be requested if an employment offer is extended. In addition, submitted resumés may also exclude dates of attendance or graduation for high school and/or post-secondary education.
Salary : $52,000
