Position Type:
Professional- Student Services/Reading Specialist
Date Posted:
5/24/2023
Location:
West Chester
At the present time, a vacancy exists in the Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment Department

LOCATION:
The incumbent in this position would report to our West Chester campus.

Our main campus location is located in West Chester: "An active university town, nestled in the heart of the Brandywine Valley just 30 minutes from Wilmington and 45 minutes from Center City Philadelphia, downtown West Chester Pennsylvania reflects the small-town charm and cosmopolitan tastes that prompted The Philadelphia Inquirer to call West Chester ". one of the world's most perfect small towns."

SUMMARY OF POSITION:
The Reading Specialist, using multiple sources of assessment data, works collaboratively with other professionals to address the strengths and needs of learners at all performance levels in reading, writing, speaking and listening.

The role of the Reading Specialist is to provide high quality instruction, support and leadership in order to produce high quality outcomes in the area of reading and literacy for students. The reading specialist assists with establishing school wide and individual reading goals. Additionally, the reading specialist will provide interventions to students and work with teachers to implement additional supports in the classroom. The Reading Specialist will lead the charge with creating a culture of reading that ensures strong reading instruction, excitement about books, and a genuine, institutional love for reading.

In collaboration with the administrative instructional team, the Reading Specialist will be expected to develop and implement an individual instructional program for students based on data gathered for and through the analysis of student performance. The Reading Specialist will monitor students' progress and communicate this information to the classroom teacher(s) and parents.

The following categories of duties and responsibilities is illustrative of (but not limited to) the expectations of the incumbent in this position.
JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:
Schoolwide

1. In collaboration with the administrative team, coordinate the development and facilitate the implementation of a school-wide literacy program.
2. Select, implement and adapt effective instructional strategies, curriculum resources and technologies in collaboration with other educators to meet the needs of diverse learners.
3. Provide leadership and support in teaching and integrating reading/language arts skills in all content areas.
4. Collaborate with teachers in all departments to promote the learning and implementation of best practices in literacy instruction.
5. Serve as a resource person for administrators, classroom/special education teachers, parents and students to improve the instruction of reading/language arts.
6. Conduct individual and school wide screening and assessments in order to evaluate levels and recommend targeted interventions to improve literacy skills.
7. Lead and facilitate literacy team efforts. Participate in the construction and selection of literacy assessments.
8. Review student achievement and assist with placing students in appropriate reading and writing intervention and support services.

Instructional

1. Meet regularly with classroom teachers to plan literacy instruction that correlates with the individual student's needs and aligns with core instruction.
2. Present and utilize screening and diagnostic processes to identify students needing remedial or corrective help.
3. Provide targeted literacy interventions to individual or small groups of students using research-based strategies and resources.
4. Motivate students and address specific reading/writing needs within multiple contexts.
5. Provide reading enrichment to students reading above grade level, as needed.
6. Model and demonstrate lessons that improve students' literacy performance.
7. Interpret assessment information into implications for instruction and prepare written documentation for the student's cumulative records. Complete individual ability assessments, as needed.

Data Collection and Communication

1. Select, develop and administer assessments that involve multiple indicators of student progress and maintain records of information
2. Create and examine data to measure the success of literacy programs and instruction, and provide information for program monitoring as requested.
3. Provide weekly/quarterly updates to the data team to review student progress. Communicate to the principal any reading/language arts program concerns.
4. Interpret students' needs and progress in remediation and communicate that information to the classroom teacher and the parents.
5. Provide assistance as requested by:
   
   1. Participating in parent teacher conferences regarding student progress throughout the school year.
   2. Answering parent concerns in formal and informal settings to encourage support for their child's reading/language arts development.
   3. Providing suggestions for reading/language arts activities.
   4. Serving as a resource to promote parental support of the reading/language arts program goals

Staff Development

1. Provide support and strategies to teachers intended to improve instruction that will support literacy growth across the curriculum.
2. Facilitate study groups as needs arise.
3. Promote professional development in reading/language arts.

Other Responsibilities

1. Serve as a 21CCCS liaison at professional development opportunities to strengthen literacy initiatives.
2. Participate in department, staff and curriculum meetings, as appropriate.
3. Work with the Administrative Project Coordinator to apply for and administer title funding and related grants.
4. Lead parent and family engagement workshops.
   
   1. Planning, Delivering, Documenting, Collect Sign-in Sheets for meetings
5. Perform any and all other duties as prescribed by the supervisor

ESSENTIAL JOB SKILLS:
A. Language Skills

1. Ability to read, analyze.and interpret professional literature, documents, technical procedures, and governmental regulations.

2. Ability to write reports, formal correspondence, and other documents that conform to prescribed style and format.

3. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of students, supervisors, administrators, staff, and the general public.

4. Ability to effectively lead and participate in continuing professional development based on assessment of needs.

5. Ability to respectfully and effectively respond to common inquiries, concerns, or complaints from any member of the educational community.

B. Mathematical Skills

1. Ability to apply basic mathematical concepts in the performance of routine
2. assignments.
3. Ability to interpret data as required by the position.

C. Reasoning Ability

1. Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
2. Ability to interpret technical instructions and regulations involving both abstract and concrete variables.
3. Ability to apply sound judgment to resolve conflicts and solve problems.

D. Other Skills and Abilities

1. Ability to apply knowledge of current research and theory in a specific field.
2. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, administration, agencies, and the community.
3. Ability to transport between central office and various locations throughout the county and state as required by the position. Some travel may require overnight stays.
4. Ability to communicate clearly and concisely.
5. Ability to multi-task.
6. Ability to meet deadlines with severe time constraints, interacting with staff and the public, and irregular or extended work hours.

QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Educational Experience
   
   1. M. Ed. in education
   2. Background in teaching reading to students required
   3. Previous classroom teaching experience preferred
   4. Experience working in a Title I program preferred
   5. Experience with cyber instruction preferred
2. Professional or Other Required Certifications

1. PA Certified Reading Specialist required
2. Wilson Reading Systems Certification preferred
Schedule:
10 Month/ 195 Day
Monday-Friday 7:30am-3:30pm
Telework - No

Salary:
$49,450-$63,681 per year

Benefit Eligible: Yes

Equal Opportunity Employer
The 21st Century Cyber Charter School is an Equal Opportunity Employer. 21st Century Cyber Charter School ensures equal employment opportunities regardless of race, creed, gender, color, national origin, religion, age, sexual orientation or disability. Any individual needing assistance in making application for any opening should contact the Department of Human Resources at 484-875-5400.