Job Description:
Job Description: Middle School Reading Specialist

Position Overview:
St. Louis Catholic Academy is seeking a dedicated and passionate Middle School Reading Specialist to join our school community. As a Reading Specialist, you will play a pivotal role in fostering a love for reading and enhancing the literacy skills of our middle school students. You will work closely with teachers, administrators, and parents to identify and support students who may be facing challenges in reading, ultimately helping them achieve their full potential academically and spiritually.

Responsibilities:
1. Reading Intervention: Develop and implement effective reading intervention programs tailored to individual and small groups of middle school students who require additional support in reading comprehension, fluency, and decoding skills.

2. Assessment and Data Analysis: Administer reading assessments and other diagnostic tools to identify students' strengths and weaknesses in reading. Utilize data analysis to track progress and adjust instructional strategies accordingly.

3. Collaboration: Collaborate with teachers, counselors, and administrators to address students' specific needs and implement strategies that support literacy development across various subjects.

4. Professional Development: Participate in ongoing professional development opportunities to stay updated on best practices in literacy instruction, evidence-based interventions, and emerging technologies in education.

5. Resource Management: Maintain and organize a variety of reading resources, including books, digital tools, and educational materials, to enrich students' reading experiences.

7. Parent Communication: Engage in regular communication with parents and guardians to provide progress updates and offer guidance on supporting their child's reading development at home.

8. Spiritual Integration: Integrate Catholic values and teachings into reading instruction, helping students connect their faith with literature and ethical themes.

9. Classroom Support: Collaborate and support classroom teachers to integrate literacy strategies and support reading instruction in the regular classroom setting.

10. Team Meetings: Participate in faculty meetings and school-wide initiatives to contribute to the overall educational mission of the Catholic school.


Qualifications:
1. Education: Possess a bachelor's degree in Education, Reading/Literacy, or a related field. A master's degree in Reading Education or Literacy is preferred.

2. Certification: Hold valid state teaching certification, Reading Specialist certification (if applicable), and posses or be willing to acquire religious education certification.

3. Experience: Have a minimum of 5 years of teaching experience, with a focus on reading instruction and literacy intervention. Experience in a Catholic school setting is a plus.

4. Understanding of Catholic Identity: Demonstrate a strong understanding and appreciation for Catholic teachings, traditions, and values to support the school's faith-based mission. The candidate must be a practicing Christian preferably Catholic.

5. Communication Skills: Possess excellent verbal and written communication skills to collaborate effectively with students, colleagues, parents, and administrators.

6. Empathy and Patience: Exhibit a patient and empathetic approach when working with struggling readers to create a supportive and nurturing learning environment.

7. Data-Driven: Show proficiency in using data analysis to inform instructional decisions and adapt interventions to meet the diverse needs of students.

8. Adaptability: Be adaptable and flexible in responding to changing needs and circumstances within the school environment.

Join our team of educators dedicated to providing a well-rounded and faith-based education to our middle school students. Together, we will empower young minds to become lifelong learners and compassionate individuals grounded in their Catholic faith.