Job Description:
Position Summary
The Reading Specialist is a master teacher of small group instruction. The instructional focus of the specialist is to support and implement a foundational skills program designed to build strong literacy skills in students identified as having a serious reading deficiency (SRD). The goal of the specialist is to administer supplemental and intensive interventions with students, collaborate with teachers and school administrators to support students’ academic growth, progress monitor students and share data with key stakeholders to ensure that a multi-tiered system of supports addresses the needs of all learners.
 
The Reading Specialist role is leader, teacher, and student-facing as, in addition to facilitating small group instruction with students, the role requires the person to facilitate professional development sessions, work alongside teachers to share and discuss data and provide resources.
 
Primary job responsibilities include:

• Provides and delivers focused reading intervention instruction to students in small groups and one-on-one settings through push-in and pullout for the purpose of improving student outcomes and achievement;
• Demonstrates a deep knowledge and understanding of ELA instruction and reading interventions;
• Serves as a content specialist to assist in the development and implementation of ELA instruction;
• Understands and interprets assessment data, both formal and informal, to inform instructional decisions and flexible student grouping;
• Supports data meetings in a high-level data environment ensuring that both students and teachers understand their data and are constantly progressing towards goal;
• Ensures that instructional decisions are based on analysis of student-level data;
• Designs effective intervention lessons focused on the five literacy pillars (phonological awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension);
• Frequently monitors the progress of students receiving intervention services in order to adjust instructional practice and student grouping;
• Communicates and collaborates with classroom teachers about alignment between classroom instruction and intervention;
• Collaborates with the Principal and Instructional Coaches as required to provide curriculum implementation guidance to teachers;
• Participates as a member of the school data team;
• Establishes and maintains good rapport with students, employees, community members, and vendors;
• Maintains a high level of ethical behavior and confidentiality; and,
• Other job-related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS
An ideal candidate possesses the following education and experience:

• MO teacher certification in the areas of ELA and Reading Specialist required.
• Education degree from an accredited college/university with a focus on English, literacy, or reading instruction.
• Advanced degree in education/reading, preferred.
• A minimum of three years of effective ELA instruction in a K-12 setting with proven academic outcome results;
• Strong content knowledge in ELA and the Missouri Learning ELA standards;
• Demonstrated results in improving student outcomes and achievement in ELA or reading;
• Demonstrated competencies in the areas of instructional strategies, classroom management, learning assessment, and diagnostics and research related to student learning and pedagogy;
• Extensive knowledge in ELA curriculum and support resources including technology-based activities that assist and facilitate student progress and web-based activities; and,
• Ability to communicate effectively with students, school personnel, and parents; and an ability to work cooperatively with others.
• Ability to set goals with students and motivate the students to reach their goals.

PREFERENCES
Wilson Teacher Certification
 
Learn more about The School District of University City at www.ucityschools.org or watch our video at www.ucityschools.org/UBelongHR.