TITLE: READING SPECIALIST
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Masters Degree in Reading Education
- Valid NJ Instructional Certification with Reading Specialist Endorsement
- Demonstrated excellence in instructing struggling learners
- Strong skills in differentiated instruction and data-driven teaching
- Experienced in Orton-Gillingham methodology for teaching reading, preferably certified in Wilson or similar program
- Must be willing to become a certified Orton-Gillingham trainer, if requested.
- Strong knowledge of multiple reading programs and instructional methodologies
- Excellent interpersonal communication and organizational skills
- Such alternatives to the above qualifications as the Board may find appropriate and acceptable.
- Pass mandatory pre- employment physical, including drug screening in accordance with N.J.A.C. 6:3-4A.4
- Pass mandatory criminal history screening in accordance with 18A:6-7.1.
- Consistent attendance as defined by the New Jersey Department of Education.
- Proficient with Microsoft Office, Google and general computer skills.
REPORTS TO: Director of Curriculum/Instruction, Building Principal, and Supervisor of Humanities
JOB GOALS: To provide reading intervention services to Tier 3 level students, improving each student’s skills of listening, speaking, reading, and writing; to work closely with the classroom teachers to assure continuity of instruction for each assigned student; to consult with and serve as a resource and coach to classroom teachers assisting them in providing differentiated lessons and curricular adaptations to students in their classrooms.
PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Provides direct individual and small group remedial instruction to identified students who are struggling readers as part of the daily building schedule.
2. Establishes and maintains standards of pupil behavior in compliance with school and
district policy needed to achieve a functional learning atmosphere in the classroom and
building.
3. Takes necessary and reasonable precautions to protect students, equipment, materials
and facilities.
4. Analyzes and interprets student progress data for individual students assigned
5. Communicates with parents through conferences and other means to discuss progress
of assigned students and interpret the school program.
6. Prepares and maintains clear lesson plans to provide continuity of instruction for
assigned students.
7. Assists classroom teachers in evaluating progress data to develop targeted lessons and
adapt curriculum to address identified skill deficiencies for all students in their
classrooms.
8. Coaches classroom teachers on how to design and structure the literacy period to
enable use of centers and small group instruction methodologies.
9. Assists in the selection and requisition of books and instructional aids appropriate to the
interest and maturity level of pupils as authorized; maintains required inventory
records.
10. Employs a variety of instructional techniques and media to meet the needs of all
students.
11. Serves as a resource and coach for teachers on effective literacy instructional
techniques.
12. Serves on the I&RS committee as a regular member and assist in implementation of
MTSS.
13. Works closely with the Supervisor of Humanities and other reading specialists in
analyzing literacy data for the district and recommending program revisions to the
Assistant Superintendent.
14. Provides support and consultation with district administration concerning universal
screening, dyslexia screening and professional development and other literacy related
initiatives and assessment programs.
15. Cooperates in the development of a working relationship with all members of the
faculty and other members of the school community.
16. Participates in the construction and development of curriculum guides appropriate to
one’s academic discipline.
17. Develops and provides professional development in the area of literacy instruction, the
district’s literacy program and materials and interpreting student data, and instructional
methodologies to teachers and paraprofessionals.
18. Maintains a level of professional competence appropriate to the specific area of
certification, assignment, and matters of general educational importance.
19. Attends and participates in faculty meetings and fulfills required duties.
20. Performs other related professional duties as required.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF THE JOB: Light Work: May lift, push or pull 20+ pounds.
TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT: 10-month position
EVALUATION: Performance of this job will be evaluated annually in accordance with the NJDOE requirements and the provisions of Board’s policy on evaluation of certificated staff.
SALARY: As per the SEA collective bargaining agreement |