Reading Specialist - THMS (2026-2027 School Year)

Harrisonburg City Public Schools • Harrisonburg, VA

2d

About The Position

PRIMARY FUNCTION: Provides direct reading instruction to students and serves as a reading/literacy resource.

Requirements

• Possess or eligible for a Virginia Postgraduate Professional license with an endorsement as a Reading Specialist.
• Has at least three years of successful full-time classroom teaching experience in which the teaching of reading was an important responsibility.
• Demonstrated knowledge of reading and language arts instructional strategies and demonstrates enthusiasm for teaching and the learning process.
• Demonstrated knowledge of literacy development, current theory, and practices in reading and language arts instruction and various assessment strategies.
• Emotionally mature, objective and sensitive to people and their concerns.
• Able to handle responsibility, work independently, and maintain collaborative working relationships with students, families, administration, staff, co-workers and community agencies.
• Experience working directly with individuals and families from diverse racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds.
• Familiarity with equity and inclusion frameworks.
• Models non-discriminatory practices in all activities.
• Respects the worth, dignity and individual differences of others.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and the ability to present to diverse audiences to foster professional relationships and express and/or exchange ideas.
• Proficiency in the use of a variety of office/instructional equipment and technology with experience using Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, and email.
• Demonstrated leadership qualities and personal characteristics necessary for working effectively with students, teachers, administrators, and the community.

Nice To Haves

• Experience working with diverse learning needs and with children that may benefit from alternative learning models is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Establishes and implements daily written lesson plans.
• Evaluates student learning and revises instruction accordingly.
• Structures teaching to encourage independent thinking by students.
• Effectively prepares/uses instructional materials and technology resources.
• Maintains appropriate expectations for all students.
• Differentiates instruction.
• Maintains appropriate student classroom behavior.
• Demonstrates knowledge of the subject/grade.
• Demonstrates resourcefulness and flexibility.
• Displays enthusiasm for teaching.
• Utilizes strategies to meet class objectives, student needs and abilities.
• Effectively motivates students.
• Manages Instructional time wisely.
• Provides an appropriate learning environment.
• Models acceptable written and oral expressions Effectively communicates with students, parents and the community.
• Provides appropriate feedback to students Uses measures of student learning to improve instruction.
• Models professional, moral and ethical standards and personal integrity.
• Participates in meaningful and continuous process of professional development.
• Works in a collegial and collaborative manner with peers, staff, parents and community resources to support the success of a diverse student population.
• Provides services to the profession, the school division, and the community.
• Demonstrates good attendance and punctuality Submits required reports on time and meets other deadlines Maintains accurate records Follows proper channels of communication Appropriately maintains confidentiality Is familiar with and abides by School Board policies, regulations and school procedures Provides direct reading instruction to students.
• Acts as a reading/literacy resource for all teachers.
• Assists in the coordination and modeling of the best practices for reading instruction.
• Promotes reading through a wide variety of programs and activities.
• Takes all necessary and reasonable precautions to protect students, equipment, materials, and facilities.
• Maintains appropriate state licensure; assumes responsibility for and participates in staff development (professional growth) and training to keep materials, supplies, and skills up-to-date.
• Follows appropriate safety procedures and properly maintains equipment.
• Responds to telephone, email and in-person requests, inquiries and questions in a professional, polite and responsive manner , maintaining confidentiality when appropriate.
• Actively participates in and attends all required meetings.
• Complies with and supports school division policies, regulations, and procedures.
• Effectively performs other duties as assigned by the immediate supervisor.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Education Level: No Education Listed