Alternative Education Reading Specialist

Lynchburg City Schools • Lynchburg, VA

2d

About The Position

The Alternative Education Reading Specialist will be responsible for implementing a comprehensive literacy program at the assigned programs through coaching, supporting, and guiding teachers in best practices for literacy instruction. The Alternative Education Reading Specialist will conduct staff development, model lessons, conduct classroom visitations and provide feedback to teachers and administrators on the school’s literacy program. The Alternative Education Reading Specialist will be responsible for analyzing school literacy data and planning for future literacy needs. Position is responsible for instructing students individually or in groups to enable students to develop specific literacy skills that have been identified as an area of need in preparation for graduation and/or entry into the GED program.

Requirements

• Must possess a Master’s degree and be eligible for a Virginia Teaching License with an endorsement as a Reading Specialist.
• Must possess effective instructional delivery techniques and excellent communication skills.
• Knowledge of the needs of students requiring remedial reading instruction.
• Knowledge of instructional best practices and adult learning theory.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with school colleagues, school administrators, parents and students.
• Exceptional knowledge in the use of assessment and assessment data to inform instruction and develop individualized literacy plans for students.
• Expert knowledge in research based instructional strategies and ability to implement them effectively.
• Ability to conduct telephone-based or in-person interviews, data collection, and data entry.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, including active listening, empathy, and relationship building.
• Ability to interact in a non-judgmental manner with culturally diverse populations and persons experiencing a wide range of social conditions.
• Critical thinking and problem-solving skills, and the ability to use sound judgment in responding to client issues and concerns.
• Ability to adapt to changing environments and receive constructive feedback.
• Ability to use discretion, maintain confidentiality, and ethical conduct.
• Ability to work effectively with all levels of staff, establishing and maintaining collaborative professional relationships.
• Strong time management skills (organization, prioritization, multitasking).
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Proficiency with use of computers (desktop, laptop, tablet).
• Proficiency with use of mobile devices (smartphones, mobile apps).
• Solid knowledge and understanding of Microsoft Office and Google Drive, and possess a desire and ability to learn new technical programs/practices as needed.
• Solid knowledge and understanding of equitable practices that create a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment for LCS staff, students, and community members.

Nice To Haves

• Prefer a candidate with at least three years of successful teaching experience in grade levels 6-8 or 9-12.
• Knowledge of and experience with the Lynchburg City Schools organization, policies, and practices (preferred).

Responsibilities

• Coordinates the school’s reading program across disciplines specifically for GED preparation.
• Assists program administrators and teachers with the implementation of a comprehensive literacy program that also offers individualized planning for students with specific literacy deficit areas.
• Facilitates a team approach to the implementation of a framework for student achievement in literacy, as well as monitoring student progress.
• Collects and facilitates the analysis of literacy data to drive lesson planning and instructional delivery.
• Demonstrates best practices and facilitates professional development around instructional delivery and ensures that students are provided the differentiated instruction that is specific to their literacy needs and focused on GED preparedness.
• Coordinates the literacy work of other reading staff in the building as applicable.
• Provides individual and/or small group instruction to meet the needs of students.
• Collaborates with teachers to provide specific instructional support for students based on their identified areas of need.
• Assists with screening, evaluating, and recommending interventions for students reading in the lower quartile.
• Completes reports, collects data, and provides information for program monitoring as requested.
• Conferences as requested with parents/guardians regarding their student’s reading and writing performance.
• Participates in writing and monitoring the implementation of the curriculum.
• Participates in the construction and selection of literacy assessments.
• Selects, requisitions, and maintains books, instructional materials, and instructional aids.
• Models non-discriminatory practices in all activities.
• Attends staff development sessions, curriculum development meetings, and other professional activities.
• Keeps abreast of developments, research, and new technology in the field.
• Performs any other related duties as assigned by the Director of Student Services.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time