Elementary Reading Specialist-(Wampatuck)-(SY25-26)

POSITION OVERVIEW:
The Reading Specialist provides leadership and direction at the school and district levels, working with teachers, administrators and students to design, implement, coordinate, and evaluate a comprehensive reading program. The school wide reading program includes developmental, remedial, content area, and enrichment reading that integrates the language arts across the curriculum.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Assist building administrators in the development, implementation, evaluation and upgrade of instruction and curriculum with an emphasis on Reading and English Language Arts at the school in accordance with the school/district’s policies and procedures.
• Lead committees/study groups and provide staff with professional development opportunities that help raise the level of instructional performance and student achievement. Support growth of elementary teachers (gr. K-5) by strengthening classroom instruction and helping teachers develop more effective reading and English Language Arts teaching practices to help students reach high standards as well as share research addressing how students learn reading.
• Provide instructional leadership in Reading and English Language Arts. Provide ongoing, job embedded professional development within each school building, with the objective of forming a vibrant professional learning community.
• Work with teaching staff and directly to students to address the needs of at risk students and assist in the goal of all students meeting the state performance standards by employing “best practices.” Provide pupil instruction either to individuals or groups as the need is identified by him/her, the classroom teacher and/or the building principal. This reading instruction may be developmental, corrective, enrichment, or remedial in nature.
• Assist in overseeing the school’s testing program to assure appropriate accountability and assist the school district in interpretation of test results. Assist administration and instructional staff on interpreting data and designing approaches to improve student achievement.
• Demonstrate the use of a variety of evaluation tools including Reading and English Language Arts assessment instruments as well as informal inventories, standardized tests, questionnaires and observations.
• Assist in the selection and demonstration of approved instructional supplies, equipment and books as well as develop and maintain literacy resource centers.
• Assist in the development and implementation of school improvement plans and initiatives.
• Coordinate and provide family literacy opportunities.
• Participate in district training as required including Reading and English Language Arts as well as keeping current on trends in educational research in reading.
• Perform other instructional/curriculum responsibilities or program requirements as assigned by The principal and/or the office of Curriculum, Instruction and Staff Development.
• Ensure that Reading and English Language Arts curriculum is aligned with standards and meets district wide goals.
• Support “best practice” in the classroom by conducting classroom observations, modeling, coaching and conferring with teachers about their instructional practice. Conduct workshops and demonstration lessons for classroom teachers to illustrate effective diagnostic, prescriptive, instructional and evaluative techniques. Teach the reading lesson for observation by the classroom teacher periodically and at the special request of the principal or classroom teacher.
• Teach lessons upon the request of the principal or teacher to help in the development and application of reading skills in content area.
• Facilitate focus group sessions focusing on reading instruction to foster collegiality among staff.
• Continue and build upon programs for both remediation and advanced students.
• Collaborate with individual teachers through co-planning and co-teaching.
• Commitment to attend district wide meetings, such as a Reading Council 
• Specialists in the district, the Assistant Superintendent and the K-12 Department Chairperson for Reading and English Language Arts.
• Submit annual Reading/ELA MCAS report for building/district that analyzes MCAS weaknesses and strengths and proposes next steps.
• Develop varied assessment practices and tools for the district in concert with the District K-12 Assessment Plan.
• Support the development of common language and common Reading and English Language Arts curriculum expectations across all schools.
• Support the development of a common model and vision for intervention with students.
• Commit to modeling instructional units through common initiatives such as lesson study.
• Participates in initiatives in other elementary schools in the district.
• Performs other related duties as assigned by the Superintendent of Schools or his/her designee.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Master’s Degree.
• Licensure valid for service in Elementary Education and Reading in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts; MA Educator’s License: Elementary 1-6, Reading All Levels
• A minimum of five years successful teaching experience at the elementary level.
• An understanding of performance standards and effective teaching practices which support the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks in English Language Arts as well as MCAS.
• Working knowledge of various local and state assessment instruments.
• Excellent organizational, interpersonal and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated computer proficiency and ability to integrate technology into instruction.
• Ability to interpret, implement, model and support research-based instructional practices, particularly in reading and English Language Arts that enhance student performance.
• Employment based on successful completion of a CORI background check.
• Reports to Principal for building responsibilities; Department Chairperson, English and Reading for district-wide responsibilities.
• Current authorization to work in the United States by the first day of employment. 

TERMS: This is a 10 month, 1.0 FTE position with a teacher’s contract.

The Scituate Public Schools have a commitment to maintaining an educational environment and workplace that establishes programs and support mechanisms to recruit and retain staff and ensure appropriate staffing levels that meet the needs of all students through a highly qualified and diverse workforce. Candidates who have a strong commitment to active antiracism are encouraged to apply.

We are an equal opportunity employer. Bigotry and intolerance, including discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, homeless status or disability are not tolerated and where any form of intimidation, threat, coercion and/or harassment that insults the dignity of others and interferes with their freedom to learn or work is unacceptable.

Group: Paraprofessionals Association, Group B
Title: Instructional Paraprofessional