Reading Teacher

Grand Rapids Public Schools • Grand Rapids, MI

5d • Onsite

About The Position

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the essential job functions satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the primary job functions herein described. Since every duty associated with this position may not be described herein, employees may be required to perform duties not specifically spelled out in the job description, but which may be reasonably considered to be incidental in the performing of their duties just as though they were written out in this job description. GRPS MISSION : Our mission is to ensure that all students are educated, self-directed and productive members of society. Teacher - Reading Department: Instruction Bargaining Unit: Grand Rapids Education Association (GREA) Salary: Compensation is determined by a structured salary schedule. The starting salary is based on the candidate’s degree level and verified years of licensed or certificated experience. Direct Supervisor: Principal JOB SUMMARY The teacher will be responsible for providing technical expertise in reading instruction. The teacher will be responsible for ensuring that researched-based best practices are implemented in the appropriate grade levels. This will include conducting model/demonstration lessons in all classrooms, coaching and assisting teachers, designing lessons for teachers, and providing regular ongoing training in reading methods for all staff. The teacher will be responsible for testing students, diagnosing reading, problems working with students and recommending effective intervention strategies. Because of the difference between these positions and those of classroom teachers, these positions will require a 40-hour workweek in a flexible schedule to meet the needs of the school, staff and parents.

Requirements

• Master’s degree in Reading or Language Arts, or State of Michigan certification appropriate to the grade level in Reading or Language Arts, or At least two years of successful experience in a GRPS Title I or II Reading Specialist or Shared Time Reading position.
• Demonstrate knowledge of current best practices in reading theory and practice.
• Have a minimum of 4 years’ experience as a successful primary classroom teacher.
• Have experience as a building teacher-leader.
• Be skilled in the assessment and diagnosis of student reading difficulties.
• Be familiar in the use of a range of diagnostic reading assessments.

Nice To Haves

• Bilingual preferred (in building with high bilingual populations).

Responsibilities

• Serve as a model and coach for all teachers and others (tutors, paraprofessionals, etc.) involved in implementing the program, fostering a climate of learning and support among teachers.
• Model effective instructional strategies and assessment techniques in all classrooms
• Assess and diagnose reading problems in students.
• Recommend effective intervention strategies.
• Work with identified emerging readers with researched-based intervention methods (e.g., Orton-Gillingham, Project Success, etc.)
• Plan and consult with teachers.
• Use a planning log for dialogue sessions with classroom teachers and Special Education staff to help maintain the focus on effective communication, evidence of professional growth, and instructional needs.
• Evaluate school-based reading progress.
• Make school and classroom decisions based on continuous progress monitoring of student and teacher data.
• Participate in quality professional development experiences such as workshops, study groups, action research and other opportunities developed by the district and grant, related to the five essential components of reading instruction. (The district will offer training opportunities that focus on the reading program, implementation, and student monitoring).
• Offer specialized literacy assistance for struggling readers.
• Regularly inform parents of progress using established school and district communication tools. (Reading First schools).
• With the principal, facilitate services of Michigan’s Reading First Facilitator. (Reading First schools).
• Attend LETRS training as scheduled by the grant. Dates will be announced – probably late summer and during school year. (Reading First schools).
• Attend all support meetings for the Reading Specialists.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees