Reading Specialist

Salary Schedule: Schedule K Work Calendar: 186 Days Daily Work Hours: 7 hours Status: Full-Time, Bargaining, Certified, STRS FLSA Status: Exempt Supervisor: Shared (Curriculum Director and Building Principal)

Job Objective:

The Reading Specialist is responsible for supporting student achievement in the area of reading using research-based district-approved strategies. The Reading Specialist provides individual or small-group instruction targeted to student needs. This position is also responsible for monitoring, reporting, and communicating student progress and performance.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Master's degree in appropriate field from an accredited institution (preferred).

• Valid Ohio Teaching License in a grade level appropriate to the position. Preference will be given to candidates with a reading endorsement and/or extensive training in the science of reading.

• Required to participate in appropriate training and/or coursework as determined by the superintendent or the curriculum director.

• Minimum 5 years of successful teaching experience with demonstrated growth in reading.

• Experience coaching, leading, and supporting teachers.

• Documentation of a clear criminal record

• Familiar with the RTI and Tiered Instruction

Responsibilities and Essential Functions of the Position:

• Consult frequently with classroom teachers on matters relating to reading instruction using our progress-monitoring instrument as a base.

• Work closely with the classroom teacher to design methods of learning that are most appropriate for each child.

• Ensure that lesson plans align with the district's adopted courses of study and state standards/guidelines.

• Help teachers and other administrators and/or supervisors in implementing the school reading program.

• Help teachers diagnose reading strengths and weaknesses and match these skills with appropriate intervention strategies.

• Use district-identified research-based interventions focused on individual student needs.

• Communicate with teachers, administrators, and families regarding student progress.

• Assist with identifying students for placement in intervention groups.

• Participate in meetings with teachers, administrators, and families to discuss student placement and progress.

• Provide staff development opportunities to support reading instruction in all content areas.

• Analyzes data and assists teachers in analyzing data from reading assessments (e.g., screening, progress monitoring, diagnostic, outcomes) to identify strategies and make recommendations to meet the needs of individual students.

• Work with support staff and school administrators to facilitate the coordination of the reading program with the total curriculum.

• Communicate high expectations and show an active interest in student progress.

• Incorporate the effective use of available technology in records management and instructional activities.

• Help students take full advantage of the learning environment (e.g., access and proximity to activities, use of adaptive equipment, etc.) and promote interest in reading.

• Work with the classroom teacher and district personnel to coordinate reading instruction designed to meet the individual needs of students.

• Coordinate family literacy nights and events with Dayton Metro Library (Trotwood Branch).

• Use data to make informed decisions regarding instruction.

• Work collaboratively with building/district leadership teams, departmental teams, and grade level teams.

• Participate in meetings and professional growth opportunities as directed, as well as actively pursue professional growth and development.

• Perform other specific job-related duties as directed.

Other Information:

• This position is Title I funded and subject to restrictions therein as well as availability of funds.

• This position will be evaluated jointly by the building principal and the curriculum director.

• Reading Specialists may be granted 5 to 10 extended service days at their per diem rate as determined by the curriculum director.

Working Conditions:

Potential for exposure to blood-borne pathogens and communicable diseases.

Potential for interaction with disruptive and/or unruly individuals.

Exposure to adverse weather conditions and seasonal temperature extremes.

Duties may require operating and/or riding in a vehicle.

Duties may require prolonged use of a computer keyboard and monitor.

Duties may require detailed paperwork.

Duties may require working under time constraints to meet deadlines.

Duties may require working during the evening and/or weekend.