What are the responsibilities and job description for the ARI Local Reading Specialist position at Sheffield City?
ARI LOCAL READING SPECIALIST - VACANCY NOTICE & JOB DESCRIPTION
CATEGORY: Certified
CONTRACT PERIOD: 9.5 month/187 days for the 2025-2026 School Year
QUALIFICATIONS: A bachelor's degree and advanced coursework or professional development in the science of reading, such as multisensory language instruction, or comparable alternative training approved by the Alabama State Board of Education; a minimum of two years of experience as a successful elementary or literacy teacher; a knowledge of scientifically based reading research; required Alabama professional educator certificate; and a strong knowledge base in the science of learning to read and the science of early childhood education.
SALARY SCHEDULE: Salary will be paid based on the approved state minimum salary schedule - classroom teachers as approved by the Board (Click HERE to view Salary Schedules.)
DEADLINE: Position open until filled
OTHER INFORMATION: See Job Description Below
POSITION TITLE: ARI Local Reading Specialist
REPORTS TO: Principal & Curriculum and Instruction Specialist
ROLE OF THE LOCAL READING SPECIALIST: Per the Alabama Literacy Act, “An Alabama Reading Initiative local reading specialist shall be assigned to provide intensive, targeted professional development for elementary school teachers at one school.” ARI local reading specialists may not perform administrative functions such as serving as an evaluator, substitute teacher, assessment coordinator, or school administrators, full-time interventionist, or instructional coach above third grade. The state superintendent of education will certify that each local reading specialist has the qualifications to serve in this capacity based on verification by the local superintendent.
REPORTS TO: Principal and Curriculum and Instruction Specialist
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: An ARI local reading specialist shall have all the following minimum qualifications:
1. The required Alabama Professional Educator Certificate.
2. A bachelor’s degree and advanced coursework or professional development in the science of reading, such as multisensory language instruction, or comparable alternative training approved by the Alabama State Board of Education.
3. A minimum of two years of experience as a successful elementary or literacy teacher.
4. A knowledge of scientifically based reading research, special expertise in quality reading instruction and intervention, dyslexia specific interventions, and data analysis.
5. A strong knowledge base in the science of learning to read and the science of early childhood education.
6. Excellent communication skills with outstanding presentation, interpersonal, and time management skills.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: To ensure that all students are reading on or above grade level by the end of third grade, the job of the ARI-funded local reading specialist(s) outlined in the Alabama Literacy Act will include the following as evidenced by student reading achievement and growth:
1. Collaborating with the principal to create a strategic plan for coaching to support and measure the impact of reading instruction according to the science of reading, school baseline data, and data from approved early reading assessment systems.
2. Facilitating school wide professional development and monitoring and measuring the impact of transfer to practice.
3. Modeling effective science of reading instruction for teachers that is explicit, systematic, inclusive of detailed explanations and more extensive opportunities for guided practice, error correction, and feedback.
4. Coaching and mentoring teachers daily via planned coaching cycles based on data and gradually releasing responsibility to teachers.
5. Facilitating data analysis discussions and supporting teachers by using data to differentiate instruction according to the needs of students by adhering to the framework of tiered instruction.
6. Fostering multiple areas of teacher professional learning, including exceptional student education and content area knowledge, and adjusting based on data.
7. Prioritizing time for those teachers, activities, and roles that will give the greatest impact on student reading achievement, such as coaching and mentoring in classrooms, as evidenced by coaching logs, student impact data, and site visit data.
8. Monitoring the reading progress of all students a minimum of three times per year and making recommendations for the adjustment of instruction according to student specific needs identified from multiple data points and aligned with the science of reading as specified in the strategic plan for coaching.
EVALUATION AND SUPPORT: Alabama Reading Initiative (ARI) local reading specialists will be evaluated according to quantitative and qualitative data measures. Summative and formative student assessment data, surveys, and site visit reports will be used in determining local reading specialists’ effectiveness and that of the overall program and process effectiveness. This includes results-based coaching cycles and weekly schedules of planning. Support for local reading specialists will be provided by ARI regional literacy specialists according to specifications outlined in the Alabama Literacy Act 2019-523.
EMPLOYMENT TERMS: 9.5 months/187 days. It is also expected that local reading specialists support summer learning efforts, preferably in their coaching role, and it is recommended that any addition to a nine-month contract be supplemental and not an extended contract.
SALARY: Salary in accordance with Board approved Teacher salary schedule determined by experience and degree.
This job description describes the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to this position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all job goals, qualifications, and responsibilities and the employee may be required to perform other related duties as assigned. The Sheffield City Schools Board of Education reserves the right to amend the job description as needed.
Board Approved June 24, 2024
Nondiscrimination Statement: The Sheffield City School System does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, or age in its programs and activities, and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. The following persons have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies, Darryl Washington, Assistant Superintendent or Julie Box, Special Education and 504 Coordinator, 300 West Sixth Street, Sheffield, AL 35660, 256-383-0400
DECLARACIÓN DE NO DISCRIMINACIÓN: El sistema escolar de la ciudad de Sheffield no discrimina por motivos de raza, color, origen nacional, sexo, discapacidad, o edad en sus programas y actividades, y ofrece igualdad de acceso a los Boy Scouts y otros grupos de jóvenes designados. Las siguientes personas han sido designados para recibir consultas sobre las políticas de no discriminación: Educación Especial y Coordinador de 504, 300 W. Sixth Street Sheffield, AL 35660 256-383-0400; Coordinador de Programas Federales, 300 W. Sixth Street Sheffield, AL 35660 256-383-0400.
