Reading Specialist (Grades 3-5)

Position Summary Lunenburg Public Schools seeks an exceptional Reading Specialist to join our team at Turkey Hill Elementary School. Our new administrative team is looking for a knowledgeable, collaborative literacy partner who will help strengthen instruction, intervention, and systems of support across grades 3-5. We are deeply passionate about improving literacy outcomes and committed to implementing evidence-based practices aligned with the Science of Reading. Lunenburg Public Schools utilizes mCLASS DIBELS 8th Edition as its universal literacy screener and progress-monitoring system and HMH Into Reading Version 3 as its core literacy program. The district is committed to implementing only evidence-based literacy practices aligned with peer-reviewed research and Massachusetts literacy guidance. The Reading Specialist will play a critical role in improving literacy outcomes by providing direct intervention services, supporting data-based decision making, partnering with the administrative team and teachers, and strengthening systems of support for students. Why Lunenburg? New THES administrative team seeking a strong literacy partner. Districtwide passion for improving literacy outcomes. Strong commitment to evidence-based instruction and the Science of Reading. Collaborative school culture focused on continuous improvement. Opportunity to make a significant impact on students during a critical stage of reading development. Primary Goals Increase the percentage of students meeting or exceeding benchmark expectations in reading. Accelerate growth for students performing below benchmark through targeted intervention and high-dosage tutoring supports. Strengthen students' word recognition, fluency, vocabulary, background knowledge, language comprehension, and comprehension of increasingly complex texts. Support the implementation of evidence-based literacy practices across grades 3-5. Responsibilities Provide direct literacy intervention services to students in grades 3-5. Deliver evidence-based instruction in advanced phonics, multisyllabic word reading, morphology, fluency, vocabulary, oral language, language comprehension, and reading comprehension. Analyze universal screening, diagnostic, and progress-monitoring data to identify student needs, develop intervention plans, monitor growth, and adjust instruction. Partner with the administrative team, classroom teachers, special educators, and other staff to strengthen literacy instruction and intervention. Participate in MTSS and problem-solving meetings. Assist in coordinating and monitoring high-dosage tutoring services provided through approved third-party vendors. Monitor the effectiveness of interventions and tutoring services and communicate student progress to relevant stakeholders. Support teachers in implementing evidence-based literacy practices, including explicit vocabulary instruction, fluency routines, knowledge building, and text-based reading and writing. Maintain accurate records and contribute to a culture of continuous improvement. Qualifications Massachusetts DESE Reading Specialist License required. Massachusetts teaching license and prior teaching experience required. SEI Endorsement required or ability to obtain in accordance with Massachusetts regulations. Minimum of three years of successful teaching and/or literacy intervention experience preferred. Demonstrated expertise in the Science of Reading, structured literacy, and evidence-based intervention practices. Experience administering, interpreting, and utilizing literacy assessment data, including mCLASS DIBELS, to drive instructional decision making. Strong knowledge of MTSS, progress monitoring, and data-based problem solving. Training and/or experience in LETRS, CORE, Orton-Gillingham, Wilson, or a similar structured literacy approach preferred. Desired Candidate Profile The ideal candidate is an experienced, collaborative, and data-driven literacy professional who is eager to serve as a trusted partner to our new administrative team. The successful candidate will share our passion for improving literacy outcomes and our belief that all students can become successful readers through high-quality, evidence-based instruction and intervention.