Qualifications:          

1. Master’s Degree with concentration in reading education preferred.
2. Current Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education certification as a Reading Specialist, all levels.
3. SEI Endorsement.
4. Vocational teaching experience a plus.

Reports to:  Principal and Administrator for Special Education

Summary of Job Description:

The successful candidate will provide direct service to students who demonstrate the need for additional reading instruction and support. The Reading Specialist will administer diagnostic assessments, select interventions, deliver instruction and monitor student progress. Plan instruction and assessment aligned with the District curriculum and State standards. Supervise assigned students and maintain a positive learning environment. Adapt instruction to meet the individual learning needs of all students resulting in an increased probability of advancing their achievement. Maintain positive interpersonal relationships with students, parents, staff and community members.

Responsibilities:

1. Develops, implement, and track student progress on IEP goal
2. Actively participate in and/or chair IEP team meetings
3. Evaluates students’ reading capabilities, diagnoses areas of need and designs appropriate intervention programs.
4. Provides direct instruction to students identified as eligible for reading services in individual, small group, and/or full classroom settings.
5. Collaborates with teachers individually to identify the literacy needs of students, to set learning goals and targets, and to problem solve with teachers to develop best practices for continuous academic growth of students in literacy.
6. Demonstrates knowledge of the components of balanced literacy.
7. Serves as a resource in the area of reading for teachers, administrators and the community.
8. Meets and instructs assigned classes in the locations and at the times designated.
9. Creates a classroom environment that is conducive to learning and appropriate to the maturity and interests of the students.
10. Prepares for classes assigned and shows written evidence of preparation upon request of immediate supervisor.
11. Encourages students to set and maintain standards of classroom behavior.
12. Guides the learning process toward the achievement of curriculum goals and, in harmony with the goals, establishes clear objectives for all lessons, units and projects to communicate these objectives to students.
13. Employs a variety of instructional techniques, instructional media, and literacy materials consistent with reading/language arts content standards and the needs and capabilities of the individuals or student-groups involved.
14. Implements the district’s mission, philosophy of education and instructional standards and objectives.
15. Assesses and documents the accomplishments of students on a regular basis and provides progress reports as required.
16. Takes all necessary and reasonable precautions to protect students, equipment, materials and facilities.
17. Attends staff and department meetings and serve on staff committees as required.
18. Maintains accurate, complete, and correct records as required by law, district policy regulation.
19. Assists the administration in implementing all policies and rules governing student life and conduct and, for the classroom develops reasonable rules of classroom behavior and procedure, maintaining order in the classroom in a fair and just manner.
20. Makes provision for being available to students and parents for education-related purposes outside the instructional day when required or requested to do so under reasonable terms.
21. Strives to maintain and improve professional competence especially as relates to the specific assignment and student grade and subject area appropriateness.
22. Establishes and maintains cooperative relationships others.
23. Establishes and maintains open lines of communication with students, colleagues, and parents concerning both the broad academic and behavioral progress of assigned students.
24. Other duties deemed necessary by the Superintendent/Director or designee.

Evaluation:  Evaluated in accordance with the DESE Standards and Indicators of Effective Teaching Practice and the current Northeast Teachers’ Association contract.

Terms of Employment: 

1. 184 day work year
2. Salary and benefits in accordance with NTA contract