What are the responsibilities and job description for the SE Reading Disability Specialist 2026-2027 position at Amherst Pelham Regional School District?
The Amherst Public Schools are seeking highly qualified candidates for an elementary full-time Special Education Reading Disabilities Specialist to provide individualized reading services to students with significant language-related learning disabilities.
This position requires delivery of multisensory, explicit, and structured instruction to struggling readers. Services include meeting daily with individual students for thirty minutes, over five days per week in our three Amherst elementary schools (Crocker Farm, Amethyst Brook, Chestnut Street Academy) for the 2026-2027 school year.
Qualified applicants must posses:
- Knowledge of reading disabilities and dyslexia, including literacy assessment, intervention, and evidenced-based structured literacy approaches
- Training and experience in assessing and teaching students with reading disabilities, dyslexia, and language-based learning disabilities.
- Strong skills in progress monitoring and individualized instruction.
- Training and expertise in implementing systematic, multisensory structured language approaches (e.g Orton-Gillingham, Wilson Reading System, Lindamood Bell, etc.)
- Training and experience in teaching students with reading disabilities, including dyslexia
- Collegial and collaborative approach that encourages discussion and partnership
- Willingness to pursue additional training to augment existing training and skills
Typical responsibilities include but are not limited to:
- prepare and provide specially designed instruction in reading
- prepare, adapt, and deliver differentiated lessons (instruction, assignments, and assessment);
- check and assess student work and provide meaningful feedback;
- maintain data for progress monitoring
- participate in IEP meetings;
- provide written input for IEPs and Amendments;
- write progress reports;
- provide training, share expertise and collaborate with colleagues related to reading disabilities;
- willingness to facilitate professional learning communities (PLC);
- follow district, state and federal guidelines;
- work collaboratively with a small team of other special education reading disability specialists across all grades;
- work closely with other service providers, special education teachers, and caregivers to support students on an IEP (Individualized Education Program);
- strong executive functioning skills including time manage and organization;
- possess reliable transportation to drive between schools during the school day; mileage reimbursement provided at the state rate
Applicants must have at least three years teaching reading to students with disabilities and their Massachusetts Special Education Teacher license covering grades K-6.
Other highly desirable qualifications include bilingual proficiency and multicultural competency.