Reading Specialist Teacher Candidate Pool

Howard County Public School System • Lawrence, MA

4d • Onsite

About The Position

Under the direction of the school principal and/or assistant principal, the Reading Specialist Teacher plans and provides appropriate learning experiences for all students. Reading Specialist Teachers provide an atmosphere and environment conducive to the intellectual, physical, social and emotional development of individuals to ensure success for every student. Reading Specialist Teachers are responsible for developing, selecting, and differentiating instructional plans and materials based on the HCPSS curriculum to meet the needs of all students.

Requirements

• Meet the licensure requirements for early childhood education, elementary education, special education, or a secondary education area.
• Have three years of effective teaching or clinical experience.
• Complete three semester hours of special education coursework.
• Hold a master's degree and complete a Maryland-approved program leading to licensure as a reading specialist OR Hold a master's degree and complete a program leading to licensure as a reading specialist in another state OR Hold a master's degree or equivalent of 33 post-baccalaureate credits in reading and related areas to include: 15 semester hours of reading coursework with at least one course in each of the following areas: Foundation or survey course, Diagnosis and correction of reading difficulties, Clinical or laboratory practicum, Assessment or evaluation, or both, Methods of teaching reading to English language learners. Additional coursework selected from at least four of the following areas: Emergent literacy, Literacy leadership, Content area literacy, Writing, Effective use of technology in the literacy classroom, Early childhood, elementary, or adolescent literacy, Literacy research, Linguistics.
• Applicants who meet the requirements for a teaching license in secondary education (i.e., 4-9 and 7-12 grade bands) must also demonstrate proficiency in the knowledge and practices of scientific reading instruction by submitting a passing score (159) on the Praxis 5205 Teaching Reading Elementary licensure assessment.
• Meets the Maryland State Department of Education licensure requirements for a Reading Specialist Endorsement on their current Maryland Licensure.

Nice To Haves

• Three previous years of teaching experience.
• Holds a current Maryland State Department of Education license with a Reading Specialist Endorsement.

Responsibilities

• Plan and implement instructional programs that adhere to system-wide goals and priorities and meet the needs, interests and abilities of students.
• Prepare and document appropriate lesson plans for classes assigned, based upon HCPSS curricula, to achieve instructional objectives.
• Create an instructional environment that is conducive to the intellectual, physical, social and emotional development of students.
• Guide the learning process toward the achievement of curriculum goals.
• Establish learning objectives consistent with student needs, requirements of the HCPSS curriculum framework, and knowledge of human growth and development.
• Create a classroom environment that supports student engagement in the learning process, enabling each student to achieve academic success.
• Provide an instructional program to meet the needs of all students including students with disabilities.
• Refer students for appropriate specialized support as needed.
• Plan for and utilize instructional methods, resources and evaluation techniques that motivate and enable each student to achieve the applicable learning objectives.
• Provide input when necessary to student Individualized Education Programs (IEPs).
• Take all necessary safety precautions to protect students, equipment, materials and facilities.
• Assist the administration in implementing all policies and rules governing student life and conduct.
• Develop reasonable rules of classroom behavior and procedure and maintain order in the classroom in a fair and just manner.
• Communicate standards, achievements and areas for improvement to students and families.
• Provide timely and meaningful feedback to families and students.
• Make provisions for being available to students and families for education-related purposes outside the instructional day when required or requested to do so under reasonable terms.
• Plan and oversee purposeful assignments for paraeducators, student assistants, and/or classroom volunteers.
• Provide non-evaluative input on paraeducator and/or student assistants’ job performance as requested.
• Establish relationships with administrators, curricular office staff, colleagues, students, families and the school community that reflect recognition of and respect for every individual.
• Appraise his/her own effectiveness and demonstrate successful application of skills and information acquired to increase effectiveness.
• Participate in and share responsibility for the safe and orderly operation of schools.
• Attend staff meetings, district professional learning events and serve on staff committees when required or requested to do so under reasonable terms.

Benefits

• Membership in the Maryland State Retirement Agency (MSRA) pension plan
• Comprehensive benefits package for eligible employees
• Information about additional benefits such as paid time off can be found in the negotiated agreement for employees in this bargaining unit.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level