Reading Specialist

Days per Year: 226

Min: $75,837

Mid: $91,370

JOB DESCRIPTION 

JOB TITLE: Reading Specialist 

REPORTS TO: Director of Elementary Curriculum 

WAGE/HOUR STATUS: Exempt 

PAY GRADE: AI2 

PRIMARY PURPOSE: 

The primary purpose of the Reading Specialist is to oversee the successful implementation of the Science of Teaching Reading within the district. This may include managing multiple participants, providing them with support and guidance throughout their participation in the Reading Academy program. The Reading Specialist facilitates training sessions, evaluates artifacts, and maintains communication with relevant stakeholders, including Authorized Providers and District Administrators. Additionally, the Reading Specialist plays a crucial role in fostering positive relationships among educators and administrators, tracking teacher progress, and promoting ongoing professional development that supports the Science of Teaching Reading. The position requires a deep understanding of literacy instruction, strong leadership and organizational skills, as well as effective communication abilities. The Reading Specialist may need to travel to various campuses and demonstrate flexibility in scheduling to fulfill job responsibilities. 

All employees of SISD are expected to act with integrity, support organizational goals, communicate in a clear and respectful manner, championing the needs of our students and drive continuous improvement. 

QUALIFICATIONS: 

Required: 

• Bachelor's degree required. 
• Valid Texas teaching certificate. 
  • TEA Reading Academy Cohort Leader certification or actively working on it. (Hire is based on successful certification) 
• Minimum three years of teaching experience in K-3. 

Preferred: 

• Master’s degree from accredited college/university

SPECIAL KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS: 

• Proficiency in instructional evaluation and feedback. 
• Ability to lead professional development initiatives. 
• Strong understanding of early reading development. 
• Demonstrated leadership and organizational skills. 
• Experience with coaching techniques. 
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills. 
• Ability to exhibit flexibility. 

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES: 

• May manage up to 60 participants as they fulfill Reading Academy requirements. 
• Facilitate professional development sessions and provide coaching to K-3 teachers. 
• Evaluate artifacts and offer constructive feedback. 
• Conduct virtual office hours for K-3 teachers. 
• Maintain communication with Authorized Providers and attend mandatory TEA 
• training sessions. 
• Cultivate positive relationships with educators and administrators. 
• Demonstrate expertise in Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) and literacy 
• Track and communicate teacher progress in the Science of Teaching Reading. 
• Encourage ongoing professional development among teachers. 
• Exemplify the district's mission and professionalism in interactions. 
• Collaborate with campus leaders, instructional coaches, and district specialists. 
• Maintain regular attendance and perform additional duties as needed. 
• Occasionally work outside of normal contractual hours to accommodate teachers' schedules for flex time or compensation pay. 

WORKING CONDITIONS: 

The usual and customary methods of performing the job’s functions require the following physical demands: physical mobility, standing, prolonged sitting, some lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling. This position will also require both traveling within the district and state wide. Mental demands: Ability to solve problems and deal with a variety of situations; ability to interpret a variety of data; ability to interpret TEC and policy; ability to apply knowledge of current research and theory, ability to be effective in both oral and written communication; ability to maintain emotional control under stress. This position will require a flexible schedule, after hour events will be required. 

The foregoing statements describe the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this job and are not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties that may be assigned or skills that may be required. 

SPECIAL FUNDING

This position is funded by Federal/and or State grants, you understand that your employment is

expressly conditioned on the availability of full funding for the position. If full funding becomes

unavailable, your employment is subject to termination, nonrenewal, or reassignment, as applicable. Additionally, if full funding becomes unavailable, the employee may apply and be interviewed for vacant positions provided they meet the requirements for the position.

 FEDERAL TIME AND EFFORT REPORTING:

The Employee in this position is assigned 100% to the federal and state program responsibilities and

duties stated in this job description.