The Pinnacle School, a private, special education day school for students in grades 2 through 12, seeks a Reading Specialist for a full-time school-based position.

The Pinnacle School enables students with complex learning profiles and secondary co-occurring needs to thrive through small class sizes, differentiated instruction, active problem-solving, and relationship building. The school is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) and is a Connecticut state-approved special education school. Our students are both privately and district placed, and come from Connecticut and New York.

Candidates will be joining a robust and collaborative team of highly trained clinicians and teachers with expertise in special education, school counseling, speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, and classroom and behavior management. Pinnacle faculty and staff work tirelessly to support each student to become an enthusiastic learner and an engaged member of the community. We hire accomplished, inspiring people with a combination of teaching experience, advanced degrees, contagious enthusiasm, and engaging communication skills.

The Reading Specialist will provide high-quality, data-driven reading instruction to students aligned with the school’s mission and philosophy. The Reading Specialist will use a multi-sensory and diagnostic instructional technique in individual and small group sessions to students who have literacy and/or language acquisition skills that are significantly below grade level. The Reading Specialist will provide pull-out instruction within a 1:1 or small class setting utilizing the Wilson Reading Program and other structured/ evidenced based methodologies to provide focused and personalized phonics/reading instruction to better meet the needs of struggling students. The Reading Specialist will use formative and summative assessments and document student progress and achievement through specified progress reports as specified through the Wilson Program/other evidenced based reading programs. The Reading Specialist will serve as a resource for staff members surrounding reading comprehension and language skills acquisition for students with language-based learning differences. The Reading Specialist will teach students reading strategies that will support success in the content area subjects including, not limited to, science and social studies. The Reading Specialist will cultivate open and positive lines of communication with students and parents regarding academic, social, and emotional progress and development, and maintain collaborative relationships with colleagues.

The successful candidate will meet the following requirements:

● Master’s degree

● Valid Connecticut state license with endorsement 102-Remedial Reading and Remedial Languages Arts grades 1-12, or eligible for license to practice in the state of Connecticut

● Training or certification in Orton Gillingham, Wilson or multi-sensory approach to reading

● Minimum 2 years experience teaching special education student populations with language-based learning differences

● Familiar with the IEP process and the collection of progress monitoring data

● Commitment to helping children of all abilities reach their full potential

● Excellent communication skills, and a collaborative, enthusiastic style to fit with our team environment.

Qualities of a Successful Candidate:

● Flexible and Patient - is able to react quickly and seamlessly to changes, is able to alter plans both instructionally and clinically based on observations and data

● Creative - is creative when planning engaging lessons and thinking outside the box to create the best-individualized intervention for a student.

● Quick Thinking - is able to remain calm, evaluate and make sound decisions in high-pressure situations

● Collaborative - Able to collaborate with team members across a variety of disciplines

● Reflective - is able to reflect on instruction, student progress, interactions, and implementation of plans, and seek/use resources to improve

● Growth Mindset - Curious and motivated to learn, find a deeper understanding, and overcome challenges

● Seeks help, guidance, and support - is able to recognize when collaboration or support is needed and is motivated to improve

● Able to build and maintain positive relationships with students, colleagues, parents, and districts

● Honest - is able to report on student progress in an honest and professional manner, and is able to provide feedback to leadership and team members respectfully and honestly.

● Excellent written and verbal communication skills and a collaborative,

● Solid organizational skills - able to succeed in a fast-paced environment while consistently meeting deadlines

● Commitment to helping students of all abilities reach their full potential and an enthusiastic style to fit with our small-team environment

For more information about our school, please visit our website.

Salary and benefits are competitive and consistent with other independent schools in the Fairfield/Westchester area.

To apply send your resume, certification, 2 references, and a brief, email cover note please note “Pinnacle School - Reading Specialist” in the subject line of your email.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $60,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday

Work Location: In person