Reading Specialist, Summer Enrichment Program: Horizons at SCH Academy

Springside Chestnut Hill Academy • Philadelphia, PA

1d

About The Position

Horizons at Springside Chestnut Hill Academy is seeking a dedicated and effective Reading Specialist with a dynamic talent for fostering a lifelong love of learning in children. We are looking for a talented, passionate, caring professional who will work as a team player, fulfill the Horizons mission, and create a joyous, inclusive, inspiring, and educational culture. The Reading Specialist will be an integral part of the Horizons team, leading the development and support of the literacy program for students in grades K-5, including the administration of assessments and their use in instructional planning, delivery of small group/individualized instruction, sharing of best practices, and enhancing learning opportunities for students and staff. We hope that Horizons summer staff members will return to the program for more than one summer as we continue to work together, support our students, and build the program and the community.

Requirements

• Available for a 6-week summer program from June 22 to July 31, 2026, for the hours of 7:45 AM – 3:45 PM (Monday – Friday).
• Complete all state and federal clearances.
• In addition to a strong commitment to Horizon's mission, this position requires a balance of knowledge of best practices and practical experience with and proficiency in the skills of literacy instruction and culturally responsive pedagogy.
• The ideal candidate for the Reading Specialist position must be flexible, well-organized, capable of taking initiative, and enthusiastic about teaching, learning, and working collaboratively with others.
• Proven ability to relate well to children and families from a variety of racial, cultural, religious, and neuro backgrounds.
• Enjoys the opportunity to plan and deliver engaging, challenging lessons using effective, evidence-based strategies for all learners.
• Knowledge and skill in classroom management, social-emotional learning, and specific strategies for developing children's noncognitive skills such as focus, determination, empathy, and self-discipline.
• Experience administering reading skills assessments and using data to determine effective instruction.
• Able to provide clear expectations and directions, and both supportively provide and receive feedback.
• Elementary/middle school teaching experience, including planning, creating, and managing reading instruction; additional literacy teaching experience/training preferred.
• Demonstrated commitment to understanding how systems impact our families and communities we work with.
• Commitment to continual growth in understanding personal biases and role within societal systems.

Nice To Haves

• Elementary/middle school teaching experience, including planning, creating, and managing reading instruction; additional literacy teaching experience/training preferred.

Responsibilities

• Work with the Leadership Team to set programmatic goals, identify resources, create schedules, set professional development, and plan for the summer/school-year programs.
• Attend orientation and professional development sessions prior to the start of the program.
• Support classroom teachers as they design and teach high-quality, culturally responsive, project-based curriculum and engage students in learning language arts throughout our six-week summer enrichment program, throughout the summer, and during pre-summer professional days.
• Complete all required online STAR Assessment Training.
• Coordinate and oversee pre- and post- student assessments.
• Work with relevant staff members to plan instruction using data, including supporting teachers in identifying individual students' learning profiles, building on each youth's academic strengths, and coordinating resources/activities to best address their areas of need.
• Guide staff in developing and/or strengthening evidence-based reading curriculum and instructional practices to support student learning through discussions (formal and informal), coaching, and sharing professional development resources.
• Provide individual and/or small group instruction to students to help develop literacy skills.
• Train/advise volunteers and interns as needed to work with students as reading tutors or to support small group instruction.
• Meet with program leaders to review progress towards program goals and/or problem-solve as issues occur.
• Assist in evaluating program effectiveness.
• Participate in student arrival, meals, and departure; attend faculty meetings once a week before the start of the program day.
• Establish and maintain lasting relationships with students, families, and staff.
• Help maintain ongoing communication with caregivers and school-year teachers, where appropriate.
• Develop and ensure a safe, respectful, challenging, and joyful learning environment.
• Commit to continuous learning and having fun for 6 weeks.
• Fulfill additional responsibilities as determined by Horizons at SCH.

What This Job Offers

• Education Level: No Education Listed