What are the responsibilities and job description for the Middle School Reading and Writing Specialist position at Amherst Middle School?
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Amherst Middle School is seeking a dedicated and knowledgeable Reading and Writing Specialist to join our student support team. We are committed to fostering a positive, inclusive, and student-centered learning environment where every adolescent can develop strong literacy skills and thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. The ideal candidate will play a critical role in advancing literacy instruction, implementing evidence-based interventions, and collaborating with educators and families to support student success.
Key Responsibilities:
- Utilize the Science of Reading to inform instruction, ensuring all students receive structured, research-based literacy support.
- Conduct diagnostic literacy assessments to identify student strengths and areas for growth.
- Design and implement targeted intervention plans using evidence-based instructional practices, such as Wilson Reading System, - - - Orton-Gillingham, and other structured literacy approaches.
- Provide direct, explicit instruction in phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and reading comprehension.
- Support Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles, ensuring all students can access and engage with literacy instruction through multiple means of learning.
- Collaborate with classroom teachers and specialists to integrate best practices in literacy instruction across content areas.
- Utilize progress monitoring tools and data-driven decision-making to track student growth and adjust interventions accordingly.
- Provide professional development and coaching to educators on literacy strategies and intervention techniques.
Qualifications & Requirements:
- Certified by the New Hampshire Department of Education as a Reading and Writing Specialist.
- Extensive knowledge of structured literacy instruction, intervention programs, and adolescent literacy development.
- Experience working with students and staff in grades 5-8 to strengthen literacy instruction.
- Strong collaborative, communication, and problem-solving skills to work effectively with students, families, and staff.
- Passion for fostering a love of reading and ensuring that all students develop the literacy skills necessary for success.
At Amherst Middle School, we are dedicated to engaging, supporting, and challenging all learners to become confident, independent readers. If you are a literacy advocate committed to helping students succeed, we encourage you to apply and join our team!