What are the responsibilities and job description for the Reading Specialist position at PELHAM ELEMENTARY SCHOOL?
Join our team at Pelham Elementary School as a Reading Specialist!
Home to more than 1,600 students, the Pelham School District is composed of Pelham Elementary School serving preschool through grade 5, Pelham Memorial School serving students in grades 6 through 8, and Pelham High School serving students in grades 9 through 12. In Pelham we provide a supportive learning environment as well as a wide variety of extracurricular clubs, activities, and sports. Our students, teams, and schools are all #pelhamproud! Supported by administrative and professional teams, successful candidates will help us reach our goals: to help all students know they belong, improve students’ academic performance, and make Pelham one of the best places to work through an excellent workplace culture.
About the Position:
The PES Reading Specialist provides leadership, instruction, and support in literacy to improve student achievement in reading and writing. This role focuses on delivering evidence-based instruction aligned with the Science of Reading, supporting a Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS), and collaborating with educators to strengthen Tier 1, Tier 2, and Tier 3 literacy practices. Reading Specialists are responsible for the education of students in their charge by employing a variety of instructional techniques that, when implemented, meet the needs and capabilities of the individuals or student groups involved. They create a classroom environment that is conducive to learning and appropriate to the maturity and interests of the students.
- Deliver targeted, evidence-based literacy instruction to students (K–5), including phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension
- Provide Tier 2 and Tier 3 interventions aligned with district curriculum and assessment data
- Support implementation of structured literacy practices and programs
- Progress monitor student growth and adjust instruction accordingly
- Administer and interpret literacy assessments
- Analyze student data to inform instruction and intervention planning
- Collaborate with teachers and MTSS teams to identify students in need of support
- Maintain accurate records of student progress and intervention outcomes
- Partner with classroom teachers to strengthen Tier 1 literacy instruction
- Model instructional strategies aligned to the Science of Reading
- Participate in Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) and MTSS teams
- Support implementation of initiatives such as LETRS
- Maintains maximum supervision of assigned students at all times and encourages students to set and maintain standards of classroom behavior.
- Strives to implement, instruct and action the School Districts educational goals and objectives.
- Implements accommodations and modifications as listed on Individual Education Plans (IEPs) and 504 plans.
- Maintains accurate, complete and correct records as required by law, district policy and administration regulation.
- Participates in various meetings (e.g. parent conferences, in-service training, faculty meetings, curriculum construction and revision).
- Follows district policies, procedures, goals and approved curriculum for content areas.
- All other duties as assigned.
Qualifications:
- Valid New Hampshire certification as a Reading and Writing Specialist
- Master’s degree in Reading, Literacy, or a related field
- Demonstrated knowledge of structured literacy and the Science of Reading
- Experience working with elementary students in literacy instruction
What We Offer:
This is a full-time, school year position working 186 days per year. It is covered under our Pelham Education Association (PEA) collective bargaining agreement. Salary, benefits and additional association benefits are in accordance with our collective bargaining agreement which can be found on our website under Department __> Human Resources.
Selection Process:
Our interview process is designed for you to learn about our District and why Pelham is a great place to work! Our selection process typically includes an initial phone interview, followed by an in-person interview with school administration and the Superintendent of Schools. The final step in the hiring process is nomination by the School Board.