Reading Specialist

Grand Rapids Public Schools • Grand Rapids, MI

6d • Onsite

About The Position

To support teachers’ learning in K-12 buildings, Reading Specialists will be utilized to assist in successfully implementing best practices in Reading instruction. Reading Specialists will provide leadership for teachers by planning, collaborating, organizing, modeling, and facilitating change to improve the instructional program. Reading Specialists will participate in Coaching Cycles, Learning Walks, Professional Learning Communities, Data Analysis Meetings, and lead some professional development for the building staff based on the schools’ identified areas of need.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree.
• Current appropriate Michigan teaching certification with a Reading Specialist (BR) or Reading (BT) endorsement.
• Understands the Michigan Standards and Practices for reading and is able help to implement them.
• Understands the district's Reading curriculum and can help teachers gain a better understanding of the curriculum.
• Knowledge of the Michigan Essential Instructional Practices for Early reading and can help teachers to implement these.
• Works effectively with manipulatives and is willing to assist other teachers in the use of manipulatives to help students understand Reading.
• Implements effective teaching techniques in Reading.
• Works with teaching staff to assess student learning.
• Assists teachers in providing differentiated instruction to help all students succeed in Reading.
• Develop a collaborative Reading community for teachers for the purpose of sharing ideas, looking at student’s work and understanding Reading concepts.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a model and coach for all teachers and others (tutors, paraprofessionals, etc.) involved in implementing district curricular programs and tools, fostering a climate of learning and support among teachers.
• Model effective instructional strategies and assessment techniques in all classrooms.
• Use diagnostics and data analysis to identify individual and school-wide challenges in Reading.
• Assist is setting goals and recommend effective intervention strategies.
• Plan and consult with teachers to choose appropriate tasks and materials to support instruction.
• Work collaboratively with district curriculum staff to support effective implementation of district curricular tools and resources.
• Use a planning log for dialogue sessions with classroom teachers and special education staff to help maintain the focus on effective communications, evidence of professional growth, and instructional needs.
• Evaluate school-wide Reading progress.
• Make school and classroom decisions, with administrators and teachers, based on continuous progress monitoring of student and teacher data.
• Facilitate relevant professional learning for staff that supports highly effective reading instruction.
• Regularly inform parents of progress using established school and district communication tools.
• Consistently demonstrate dependable attendance and punctuality.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 501-1,000 employees