What are the responsibilities and job description for the Reading Specialist position at South Shore Stars?
Stars School and Learning Center
Weymouth, Massachusetts
Stars School and Learning Center, a Massachusetts DESE-approved Chapter 766 private therapeutic day school, is seeking a highly qualified and passionate Reading Specialist to join our growing team. Stars School serves students in grades 1–8 with diagnosed dyslexia and language-based learning disabilities (LBLD).
Our program is built around explicit, structured literacy instruction, strong clinical support, and individualized programming designed to help students who have struggled in traditional educational settings achieve meaningful academic and social-emotional success.
The ideal candidate must possess a strong background in Orton-Gillingham methodology and structured literacy instruction, with experience supporting students with dyslexia and language-based learning disabilities in a highly supportive, small-group setting.
Position Overview
The Reading Specialist will provide direct literacy instruction and intervention to students through individualized and small-group instruction while collaborating closely with classroom teachers, clinical staff, and administrators. This position plays a central role in supporting Stars School’s mission of delivering evidence-based, multisensory instruction embedded throughout the school day.
The successful candidate will demonstrate flexibility, collaboration, strong instructional practices, and a deep commitment to helping students develop confidence and independence as learners.
Qualifications
The successful candidate will possess:
Curriculum and Instruction
Commensurate with experience and training
Weymouth, Massachusetts
Stars School and Learning Center, a Massachusetts DESE-approved Chapter 766 private therapeutic day school, is seeking a highly qualified and passionate Reading Specialist to join our growing team. Stars School serves students in grades 1–8 with diagnosed dyslexia and language-based learning disabilities (LBLD).
Our program is built around explicit, structured literacy instruction, strong clinical support, and individualized programming designed to help students who have struggled in traditional educational settings achieve meaningful academic and social-emotional success.
The ideal candidate must possess a strong background in Orton-Gillingham methodology and structured literacy instruction, with experience supporting students with dyslexia and language-based learning disabilities in a highly supportive, small-group setting.
Position Overview
The Reading Specialist will provide direct literacy instruction and intervention to students through individualized and small-group instruction while collaborating closely with classroom teachers, clinical staff, and administrators. This position plays a central role in supporting Stars School’s mission of delivering evidence-based, multisensory instruction embedded throughout the school day.
The successful candidate will demonstrate flexibility, collaboration, strong instructional practices, and a deep commitment to helping students develop confidence and independence as learners.
Qualifications
The successful candidate will possess:
- Strong background and training in Orton-Gillingham methodology and structured literacy instruction (required)
- Experience working with students with dyslexia and language-based learning disabilities
- Experience delivering 1:1 and small-group literacy intervention using a multisensory, highly structured approach
- Understanding of executive functioning challenges and strategies to support students in real-time instruction
- Experience writing and implementing IEPs and progress reports
- Strong communication, collaboration, and organizational skills
- Ability to analyze assessment data to drive instruction and monitor student growth
- Demonstrated compassion, patience, and professionalism when working with students and families
- Ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team environment
- Commitment to creating a structured, welcoming, and supportive classroom culture
Curriculum and Instruction
- Design and implement individualized and small-group literacy instruction using Orton-Gillingham and structured literacy methodologies
- Deliver explicit, systematic reading intervention targeting decoding, encoding, fluency, comprehension, and written language skills
- Conduct literacy assessments and ongoing progress monitoring
- Utilize student performance data to adjust instruction and support student growth
- Support the integration of executive functioning strategies within literacy instruction
- Collaborate with classroom teachers to support literacy instruction across content areas
- Integrate assistive technology and multisensory instructional techniques into lessons
- Maintain structured routines and instructional consistency that support student success
- Supervise instructional assistants as assigned
- Collaborate with clinical staff, related service providers, and teachers to support students’ academic and social-emotional needs
- Attend and participate in IEP meetings, team meetings, and professional development activities
- Write educational plans, quarterly progress reports, and related documentation in a timely and professional manner
- Maintain consistent and positive communication with families
- Participate actively in supervision and collaborative problem-solving
- Foster a positive, respectful, and inclusive classroom environment
- Support school-wide activities, field trips, and community-building events
- Build strong, supportive relationships with students
- Demonstrate professionalism, teamwork, and flexibility within a growing educational program
- Perform other duties as assigned by administration
- Bachelor’s Degree required
- Master’s Degree in Education, Reading, Special Education, or related field preferred
- Massachusetts DESE licensure in Reading Specialist and/or Moderate Disabilities preferred
- Orton-Gillingham certification or formal OG training required
- Experience in a therapeutic or special education school setting preferred
Commensurate with experience and training