Early Literacy Reading Specialist (P-3)

GENERAL STATEMENT OF JOB

Under general supervision, performs a variety of administrative tasks in coordinating the successful implementation of reading programs in the Educational Solutions Co. system. Employee is responsible for Common Core State Standards (CCSS), informing teachers and principals of the implications of those changes, and ensuring that instruction is aligned with curriculum goals. Employee assists teachers with developing strategies and techniques for assessing and fulfilling the reading deficiencies of their students. Employee also assists teachers with textbook and other materials selection and provides teachers various tools and materials to aid instruction. Employee assists administrators with evaluating the effectiveness of reading programs in the school system and develops strategies for improvement. Reports to Director of Academics.

SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Assists P-3 teachers with improving techniques of reading and English Language Arts instruction and improving overall student achievement.

Provides instructional strategies and various tools to aid the instructional process.

Observes teachers and provides feedback and/or demonstration lessons.

Reviews lesson plans to ensure they are aligned to Ohio State Standards, are developmentally appropriate, uses best practices, differentiates based on students needs.

Monitor teachers’ alignment and pacing to the curriculum guides.

Reviews and disaggregates data to determine student needs based on their level of needed support for enrichment, development and/or remediation.

Ability to coach, model and build the knowledge and skills of ELA teachers.

Assists with the overall evaluation of reading and English Language Arts programs in the system and develops strategies for improvement; coordinates and provides staff development opportunities.

Ensures teachers and principals are familiar with any changes to the CCSS regarding reading; designs curriculum, new course offerings and guidelines for student placement.

Serves OTES as requested by principals.

Assists the school system with the acquisition of appropriate textbooks, teacher guides and other instructional materials and equipment.

Keeps parents, administrators and community citizens informed about reading programs in the school system; works with state, community, civic, business and university groups to resolve educational issues.

Schedules and conducts regular meetings for elementary reading contact teachers and middle school language arts teacher leaders as assigned and participates in regularly scheduled staff meetings as required.

Assists with budget development in reading.

Develops a comprehensive five-year plan for the district in reading.

Collaborates with other curriculum specialists to provide an integrated program.

If training in specific reading programs is necessary, provides support to teachers in their classrooms through coaching, modeling, and mentoring.

Meets regularly with Curriculum Facilitators and principals as necessary to discuss the reading program progress and needs.

Occasionally substitute in classroom setting in the absence of classroom teacher. Must observe, circulate and model teaching in classroom setting.

Other duties as assigned by director of academics/building leader/designee.

ADDITIONAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Serves as a facilitator to college and university teacher education programs. Performs other related work as required.

MINIMUM TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE

Bachelor’s degree (Master's degree preferred) in reading or English Language Arts with extensive course work in education, and 5 to 7 years of teaching experience with program coordination experience; or any equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Must be certified to teach in the State of Ohio.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Thorough knowledge of reading rules, theories and principles that are used in reading education.

Thorough knowledge of the English Language Arts Common Core State Standards.

Considerable knowledge of the current literature, trends, and developments in the field of reading instruction.

Considerable knowledge of the principles of supervision, organization and administration.

General knowledge of the State of Ohio policies, procedures and standards regarding reading education.

General knowledge of the organization and communication channels of the school system.

General knowledge of the ethical guidelines applicable to the position as outlined by professional organizations and/or federal, state and local laws, rules and regulations.

General knowledge of the grant application and administration process.

Skill in counseling and developing staff.

Ability to review and evaluate testing results and to develop a plan of action based on conclusions.

Ability to select appropriate and effective reading textbooks and other materials.

Ability to develop innovative and effective reading instruction materials.

Ability to use common office machines and popular computer-driven word processing, spreadsheet and file maintenance programs.

Ability to maintain complete and accurate records and statistics and to develop meaningful reports from that information.

Ability to effectively express ideas orally and in writing.

Ability to make effective oral presentations before large groups of people.

Ability to exercise considerable tact and courtesy in frequent contact with the public.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships as necessitated by work assignments.