Reading Specialist

Job Summary

The reading specialist is responsible for leading a comprehensive literacy program aligned to the Virginia Literacy Act at the assigned school. The reading specialist will lead professional learning and support teachers through coaching of evidence-based practices for literacy instruction. Position will conduct classroom walkthroughs and provide feedback to teachers and administrators on the school’s literacy program with an emphasis on the implementation of high-quality instructional materials (HQIM) and high leverage evidence-based literacy instruction (EBLI). Position is responsible for managing literacy assessments, analyzing literacy data, facilitating responsive instructional planning, and managing student reading plans and the school’s literacy resources.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Spends 50% of time collaborating directly with teachers to include, but not limited to, coaching, co-teaching, supporting instructional planning, modeling, observing, providing feedback and/or other related tasks to improve the school’s literacy program.
• Designs, implements, and monitors professional learning focused on the effective use of HQIM and EBLI.
• Manages literacy assessments and facilitates the analysis and use of school literacy data to guide instruction and plan for student needs.
• Assists with screening, evaluation and recommending interventions for students, including managing student reading plans in collaboration with teachers and families.
• Maintains an organized and accessible resource room that includes sufficient quantities of instructional materials, books, and supplies (within budgetary constraints) that support evidence-based literacy instruction.
• Selects and uses technology, materials, and resources compatible with student needs, and ensures that materials are interesting, culturally inclusive, and challenging to readers.
• Identifies literature for use in all content areas in support of the division-approved curriculum and curriculum integration.
• May provide direct instruction in the areas of reading and writing for identified groups and individual students, with an emphasis on readers performing significantly below grade level expectations.
• Assists with the planning and delivery of parent workshops, informational sessions involving the literacy program, and assisting families with accessing online resources to support literacy development at home.
• Participates in parent conferences and provides instructional suggestions as needed.
• Serves as a consultant for Child Study as needed.
• Participates in literacy professional learning and activities to ensure the school literacy program aligns to the division literacy plan and WJCC practices with consistency and fidelity
• Maintains a comprehensive inventory of the school’s literacy resources, instructional materials and the division’s approved core curriculum materials
• Must establish and maintain effective working relationships with school colleagues, administrators, parents and students.
• Models the WJCC Strategic Plan Values: Individualism, Integrity, Innovation, Accountability and Collaboration.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Must possess a Master’s degree in Reading and be eligible for a Virginia Teaching License with an endorsement as a Reading Specialist.
• Must maintain proper licensure and complete required division and state professional learning
• Must have completed at least 3 years of successful classroom teaching in which the teaching of reading was the primary responsibility.
• Possess and demonstrate effective instructional delivery techniques and excellent communication skills.
• Must possess and apply knowledge of the developmental nature of literacy instruction and the needs of students requiring literacy intervention.
• Must possess an in-depth knowledge of instructional best practices and adult learning theory.

Supervision Exercised

None.

Supervision Received

Performs duties under the supervision of the school administrators; receives instruction, direction, and support from the Coordinator of Elementary Literacy.

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements

Highly complex duties. Must have high tolerance for change and the ability to work collaboratively with colleagues. Demanding schedule often includes meetings before and after school. Significant standing, walking, moving, carrying, bending, reaching, handling, data entry and other physical activity. Must have the ability to hear and understand speech at normal levels and speak in audible tones so that others may understand clearly.

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by this employee. The incumbent will be required to follow any other instructions and to perform any other related duties as assigned by the principal or appropriate administrator. WJCC Public Schools reserves the right to update, revise or change this job description and related duties at any time.