Description
Reading Specialist - Middle School
Position Purpose
Under the direction of the principal and division Literacy Coordinator, the responsibilities of the position fall into two categories. As a teacher, the reading specialist is responsible for providing direct instruction to students, individually or in small groups, to enable students to develop literacy skills. As a literacy leader, the position is responsible for implementing a comprehensive literacy program at the assigned school through coaching, supporting, and guiding teachers in best practices for literacy instruction.
Salary: $65,760 - $95,457 (Commensurate with Experience)
Please visit the NCPS website to determine salary specifics according to the current salary scale:
Essential Functions
(These are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work performed. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.)
- Know and effectively communicate the Division philosophy and mission.
- Be knowledgeable in the essential components of effective reading programs as well as the comprehensive reading program and instructional materials that will be used in the school.
- Responsible for analyzing the data and assisting in making school, classroom, and instructional decisions based on the data. Assist teachers in use of data from unit assessments, benchmark tests, and screening; monitoring and end of year assessments to plan remediation with reading and classroom teachers.
- Teach reading and writing which supports classroom instruction to identify students in small groups or individually.
- Administer assessment tests quarterly to monitor students' reading progress and achievement.
- Provide leadership in the field of reading.
- Conduct staff development for teachers in the area of reading instruction.
- Maintain accurate records to demonstrate student growth.
- Work collaboratively with colleagues to ensure all students achieve.
- Establish relationships with colleagues, students, parents, and community that reflect recognition of respect for all individuals.
- Display leadership in working with school and division staff.
- Meet regularly with classroom teachers to evaluate student progress.
- Demonstrate knowledge of best practices in reading and writing.
- Plan and coordinate Universal Screening assessment 3x/yr. and progress monitor students according to the results.
- Assist in the selection of books, instructional materials and equipment.
- Attend staff meetings and serve on staff committees as required.
- Make provision for being available to students and parents for education-related purposes outside the instructional day when required or requested to do so under reasonable terms.
- Take all necessary and safety precautions to protect students, equipment, materials and facilities.
- Perform such additional tasks and assumes other responsibilities as may be assigned or delegated by school administrator.
- Provide an instructional program to meet the needs of all students. Employ a variety of instructional techniques and instructional media to meet the needs and capabilities of the student or students involved.
Additional Duties
Performs other related tasks as assigned by the Principal and other central office administrators as designated by the Superintendent.
Note: The above description is illustrative of tasks and responsibilities. It is not meant to be all inclusive of every task or responsibility.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
• Knowledge of reading curriculum, literacy development, and instructional best practices.
• Knowledge of evidence-based instructional practices, educational pedagogy, and differentiated instruction to meet diverse student learning needs.
• Knowledge of applicable federal and state laws, regulations, and policies regarding education and students.
• Ability to effectively utilize technology systems, data platforms, and software applications as required.
• Ability to engage in self-evaluation with regard to performance and professional growth.
Travel Requirements
Travels to school division buildings and professional meetings as required.
Work Schedule
Standard teacher work schedule as set forth in the Teachers' Contract.
Physical and Mental Demands, Work Hazards
• Must have the ability to sit and stand for extended periods of time.
• Exhibit manual dexterity to dial a telephone and to enter data into a computer.
• See and read a computer screen and printed material with or without vision aids.
• Hear and understand speech at normal classroom levels, outdoors and on the telephone.
• Speak in audible tones so that others may understand clearly in normal classrooms, outdoors, and on the telephone.
• Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions.
• Physical agility to lift up to 25 pounds the ability to bend, stoop, sit on the floor, climb stairs, walk and reach overhead.
• Some teaching specialties (i.e., music, art, physical education, etc.) may require hearing, vision, and physical coordination and/or exertion and effort in excess of those listed above.
• Reasonable accommodation may be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential tasks.
Certification/License:
- State Certification as a Reading Specialist endorsement as required for position.
- Motor Vehicle Operator's License or ability to provide own transportation.
Education
- Must possess a Master's degree and be eligible for a Virginia Teaching License with an endorsement as a Reading Specialist.
Experience
- Three (3) years of successful classroom teaching experience in which the teaching of reading was the primary responsibility, required.
FLSA Status: Exempt 11-month position