2026-2027 | Literacy Specialist

Boston Prep•Hyde Park, MA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Prep Boston is a college-preparatory charter public school serving grades 6-12. The school community includes approximately 700 students, 500 alumni, and over 150 faculty members. The majority of students and families reside in Dorchester, Roxbury, Mattapan, and Hyde Park. Boston Prep welcomes all students through a public lottery, holding high expectations for all, including students with special needs and English language learners. The mission is to prepare students for success in a four-year college and to embody lifelong ethical growth. This is achieved through an environment focused on academic growth, an extended school day and year, strong relationships, and an understanding of anti-racism. The approach is guided by six essential beliefs: an exceptional adult team, high expectations for all students, fostering ethical growth, a passionate student culture balanced with structure and joy, a range of academic, social, and emotional support, and ensuring college persistence. The school's values guide how the 'One Team' works together, emphasizing being mission-driven, acknowledging room for improvement, and understanding that staff actions drive student results.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree required.
Minimum 3-5 years of experience teaching literacy or providing literacy interventions to middle or high school students.
Demonstrated expertise in evidence-based literacy instruction, including phonics, fluency, vocabulary, comprehension, and writing strategies.
Strong data literacy skills, with experience using assessment data to inform instructional decisions and monitor student progress.
Experience working in an urban public school setting.
Ability to analyze literacy data, identify patterns, and make instructional adjustments to maximize student growth.
Skill in building trusting, supportive relationships with students, particularly those who have experienced literacy challenges or frustration.
Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple initiatives (DEAR Block, library operations) simultaneously.
Demonstrated ability to work effectively with teachers, administrators, and support staff to create coherent literacy systems.
Commitment to selecting texts and designing instruction that reflect and honor students’ diverse backgrounds and experiences.
Willingness to seek feedback, reflect on practice, and continuously refine literacy programming based on student outcomes.

Nice To Haves

Master's degree in Education, Literacy, Reading, or related field preferred.
Valid Massachusetts teaching license (English Language Arts, Reading Specialist, or similar credential preferred).
Previous teaching experience is preferred, in a charter school setting is a plus.
Experience with diverse student populations and inclusive education practices is a plus.
Charter school experience a plus.
Certification in reading instruction (e.g., Wilson Reading System, Orton-Gillingham, LETRS).
Experience coordinating literacy programs or initiatives at the school level.
Library science coursework or experience with library management systems.
Familiarity with MTSS frameworks and experience collaborating in multi-disciplinary teams.
Bilingual (Spanish/English) a plus.

Responsibilities

Provide targeted, evidence-based literacy interventions to middle school students who are reading below grade level or require additional support in reading comprehension, fluency, vocabulary, and writing.
Use diagnostic data (i-Ready, MCAS, interim assessments) to identify student needs, design intervention plans, and monitor progress.
Maintain accurate records of student progress and intervention data, reporting regularly on student growth to the school leadership team and MTSS Team.
Collaborate with classroom teachers to align intervention work with core literacy instruction and provide students with coherent, reinforcing support.
Lead the planning, implementation, and continuous improvement of the school’s Drop Everything and Read (DEAR) Block, ensuring all students engage in meaningful independent reading.
Develop and deliver professional development for faculty on best practices for DEAR Block implementation, including strategies for student engagement, book selection, and reading accountability.
Monitor DEAR Block effectiveness through classroom observations, student surveys, and reading data; make recommendations for programmatic adjustments.
Coordinate with the library to ensure students have access to high-interest, culturally responsive texts at appropriate reading levels.
Manage the day-to-day operations of the school library, including collection development, cataloging, circulation, and maintaining an organized, welcoming space for students.
Curate a diverse, high-quality collection that reflects student interests and identities while supporting literacy development across genres and reading levels.
Promote a culture of reading through book talks, displays, student recommendations, and other library programming.
Manage the library budget and coordinate book orders in collaboration with the CAO.
Attend regular MTSS Team meetings to review student data, discuss intervention effectiveness, and make recommendations for students requiring tiered supports.
Contribute literacy expertise to the development and refinement of school-wide systems for identifying, supporting, and monitoring at-risk students.
Collaborate with special education staff, counselors, and administrators to ensure coordinated support for students with complex needs.