Reading Specialist

Passaic Board of Education • Passaic, NJ

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Reading Specialist identifies students who need reading intervention and provides targeted instruction to improve literacy skills. The specialist diagnoses reading strengths and weaknesses, selects evidence-based instructional approaches, uses assessment tools to screen and monitor literacy achievement, and delivers small-group and individual instruction. The role includes coordinating intervention with classroom teachers, district curriculum, school administrators, and the Multi-Tiered System of Supports team; communicating student progress to parents; and maintaining records of services and student achievement.

The specialist plans and delivers instruction consistent with district curriculum and instructional guidelines, supports a positive and safe learning environment, assesses and reports student progress, and collaborates with colleagues to use data to improve instruction. The position also includes classroom and student supervision, communication with students and families, participation in meetings and professional development, and compliance with applicable laws, policies, and confidentiality requirements. The position is ten months, tenurable, with contract terms, salary, and benefits established by the collective bargaining agreement.

Requirements

• Valid New Jersey instructional certificate with appropriate endorsement(s), as required by New Jersey statutes and regulations.
• Master’s degree or higher in literacy, reading, or a related field from an accredited college or university.
• Three years of successful full-time teaching experience.
• Knowledge of child growth and development, instructional content, effective instructional strategies, classroom management, learning assessment and diagnosis, and research related to learning.
• Commitment to providing every student with a supportive and structured learning environment based on high expectations for learning and success.
• Required criminal history background check.
• Proof of U.S. citizenship or legal resident alien status.

Nice To Haves

• Preferred certification in K-8 elementary and/or reading specialist.

Responsibilities

• Identify students with the greatest need for reading intervention and address specific needs not met by regular classroom instruction.
• Provide targeted reading instruction, including remedial, small-group, and individual evidence-based literacy instruction.
• Diagnose students’ reading strengths and weaknesses and match them with appropriate instructional techniques and materials.
• Consult with classroom teachers about reading instruction and use progress-monitoring tools.
• Design interventions and prepare lesson plans detailing instructional methods and materials.
• Use appropriate assessment tools to screen, diagnose, and measure student literacy achievement; interpret results and use data to plan and improve instruction.
• Coordinate reading instruction with classroom teachers, district personnel, school administrators, and the district curriculum.
• Provide direct assistance as part of the Multi-Tiered System of Supports team and collaborate with teachers to implement effective literacy practices.
• Inform parents of student progress and communicate effectively with students, families, colleagues, and community members.
• Maintain a weekly timesheet of services provided and maintain accurate student records, forms, and required reports.
• Plan, prepare, and deliver instruction consistent with district programs of study, curriculum, and instructional guidelines.
• Create and support a positive, nurturing, structured, and safe learning environment with high expectations for students.
• Establish classroom procedures and expectations for student behavior; supervise students in assigned classroom and non-classroom areas.
• Evaluate and grade student work in a timely manner and provide feedback.
• Assist with the preparation, monitoring, and implementation of Individualized Education Plans for assigned students.
• Participate in staff, administrator, and committee meetings and maintain professional relationships with school staff, students, parents, and community members.
• Engage in professional growth and development, including keeping current with literacy research, learning theory, and instructional strategies.
• Operate electronic, digital, and other equipment needed to perform job responsibilities.
• Protect confidential records and information and follow applicable legal and professional requirements.
• Report evidence of substance abuse, child abuse or neglect, severe medical or social conditions, potential suicide, or suspected impairment to appropriate personnel and agencies.
• Follow New Jersey school law, state regulations, Board policies, contractual obligations, and requirements concerning vendor relations.
• Perform other duties assigned by the Principal, Superintendent, or designee, consistent with applicable law and regulations.

Benefits

• Benefits as established by the collective bargaining agreement.

What This Job Offers

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