Paraeducator Literacy Specialist- Williamstown Elementary School

Williamstown Elementary School is seeking a highly skilled and passionate Paraeducator Literacy Specialist to support our K-5 students in developing essential reading and literacy skills. Candidates for this position must meet the following criteria: *Satisfactory completion of the Comprehensive Reading Course for Educators; *Possession of Orton-Gillingham Instructor Certification, including successful completion of the practicum; *Extensive knowledge of evidence-based literacy instruction and best practices in teaching phonics, phonemic awareness, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension. This position is critical in providing targeted, individualized support for students who are struggling with reading, empowering them to build confidence and achieve academic success The Paraeducator Literacy Specialist will collaborate with teachers, analyze data, and deliver effective interventions to address diverse learning needs and close achievement gaps. The ideal candidate will: Deliver structured, multi-sensory, and evidence-based instruction to individual students and small groups, grounded in the Orton-Gillingham approach. Use best practices in teaching foundational literacy skills to support early and struggling readers. Analyze literacy assessment data to identify learning needs, develop individualized intervention plans, and track student progress. Create a positive and nurturing learning environment that encourages students to build confidence and develop a lifelong love of reading. Communicate regularly with families about student progress and provide resources and strategies to support literacy development at home. Have experience using assessment tools such as phonics screeners and diagnostic reading assessments to inform instruction. Have familiarity with research-based intervention programs (e.g., Wilson Reading System, Fundations, or Heggerty) Have a commitment to equity and a belief that every child can become a successful reader with the right support. Williamstown Elementary School is dedicated to helping every child unlock the power of literacy. As our Paraeducator Literacy Specialist, you will play a vital role in equipping students with the foundational skills they need to thrive academically and beyond. You’ll work as part of a supportive and innovative team that values collaboration, professional growth, and a shared commitment to student success. This is an exciting opportunity for a literacy expert who is passionate about making a meaningful difference in the lives of students, empowering them to become confident and proficient readers. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, and ABILITIES To perform this job successfully, an individual must possess: Certificate of completion for the Comprehensive Reading Course for Educators; Orton-Gillingham Instructor Certification, including successful completion of the practicum; Extensive knowledge of evidence-based literacy instruction and best practices in teaching phonics, phonemic awareness, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension. ● dedication to providing a safe and respectful learning environment for students. ● excellent teaching, organizational and planning skills. ● commitment to the success of ALL students, and ability to understand and teach to the various learning styles of students. ● the ability to effectively engage students. ● working knowledge, and understanding, of the student population being served and how demographic variables impact student achievement; effectively use this knowledge to design and deliver instruction. ● professionalism in all settings. ● the ability to consider "What's best for students" in serving and advocating for students, and in decision making. ● strong organizational skills that reflect the ability to prioritize multiple tasks seamlessly with excellent accuracy & attention to detail. ● composure, flexibility, and adaptability when faced with change, new ideas and tasks, different work sites or assignments, and a multitude of pressures and stressful situations. ● interpersonal skills to communicate with others tactfully, in a way that is direct, honest, and transparent, while also being sensitive to their needs and personality. ● a professional appearance for the position in both dress and manner. ● attention to detail and the ability to effectively adjust rate or speed in anticipation of time constraints. This includes meeting deadlines and committing to long hours of work, when necessary to reach goals and follow through on commitments. ● the ability to take personal responsibility for one's own actions. PHYSICAL DEMANDS Physical ability to perform the essential functions of the job as outlined above, in addition to the following: under most circumstances, while performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand, walk, and sit. The employee is occasionally required to reach with hands and arms; climb steps; stoop, kneel, or crouch. The employee must occasionally lift, carry, move objects. Employees are regularly required to handle stressful situations and resolve conflicts. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and ability to adjust focus. WORKING CONDITIONS While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to outside weather conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER Central Vermont Supervisory Union is committed to maintaining a work and learning environment free from discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, pregnancy, gender identify, sexual orientation, marital/civil union status, ancestry, place of birth, age, citizenship status, veteran status, political affiliation, genetic information or disability, as defined and required by state and federal laws. Additionally, we prohibit retaliation against individuals who oppose such discrimination and harassment or who participate in an equal opportunity investigation. Our organization is committed to building a diverse team that represents the students we serve. We welcome applications from people of color, people from the LGBTQIA community, and individuals with disabilities. DISCLAIMER The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. This is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required. All employees may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed.time, as needed.