Reading specialist

QUALIFICATIONS :

Education / Certification :

• Required : Master’s Degree
• Preferred : Texas mid-management or other appropriate Texas certificate

Technology Proficiency - Level 2 Applied (use of)

• Computer operations
• Software productivity tools (i.e. Microsoft Office)
• Email
• Job-related financial and student management systems
• Multimedia tools
• Electronic file management
• Technology applications
• Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS)

Experience :

• Knowledge of RLA curriculum and related rules
• Three years’ experience as a classroom teacher

Personal :

• Knowledge of English language arts and reading content, curriculum and related rules
• Ability to evaluate instructional program and teaching effectiveness
• Demonstration of strong communication, public relations, and interpersonal skills
• Ability to communicate effectively in both oral and written formats
• Ability to interpret policy, procedures, and data

FUNCTION :

The specialist is responsible for curriculum and support services related to the academic programs for students in grades 6-8.

Duties include providing support to campuses and planning and initiating appropriate activities to support the written goals and objectives of the district in compliance with state and federal requirements.

The specialist for ELAR provides assistance and expertise to teachers in assigned academic subject areas and designated programs.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES & REQUIREMENTS :

• Serves as a liaison with the TEA curriculum departments to ensure timely and accurate dissemination of information to district staff.
• Serves as an instructional leader in the coordination of effective district-wide instructional programs particularly related to the assigned subject areas.

Other responsibilities include serving as a liaison and coordinator of support services for designated academic instructional programs.

• Supervises the writing, editing, and revising of curriculum materials to support the district’s instructional programs in compliance with local, state, and federal requirements.
• Assists in selecting state-adopted textbooks and other instructional materials for local use in the instructional program.
• Works with principals, campus planning and decision-making teams, counselors, and faculties to disseminate information regarding current research and proven strategies that improve student achievement.
• Conducts meetings for campus staff as appropriate.
• Provides support services for assigned subject areas and special programs.
• Collaborates with other staff members to foster effective decision-making, high morale, and enthusiasm in the organization.
• Values the organization by maintaining a positive working environment, adhering to the district’s mission statement, recognizing various roles and functions within the district and supporting each campus organization.
• Undertakes / completes assignments in an appropriate and timely manner to achieve organizational goals.
• Initiates change to improve the district’s instructional programs based on current research and knowledge of TEA requirements.
• Evaluates and makes recommendations for modifications of existing district programs and implementation of innovative instructional models.
• Serves in an advisory capacity to local campuses in the achievement of Campus Improvement Plans, particularly in relation to the district’s instructional programs.
• Analyzes data and evaluates research studies to support recommendations for the district’s instructional programs and provide technical assistance.
• Serves as a positive role model and works cooperatively with others in designing and promoting quality instructional programs.
• Determines and works for the financial support necessary to provide equipment, instructional materials, services, and staffing related to the district’s instructional programs that meet local, state, and national standards.
• Facilitates the preparation of specifications for facilities and equipment and the selection, requisition, distribution, and utilization of instructional materials and equipment to support the district’s instructional programs.
• Assists as directed in the organization of local events, contests, competitions, conferences, and festivals.
• Serves as a liaison to civic groups on projects pertaining to the district’s instructional programs.
• Promotes positive relations with school personnel and the general public, leading to a better understanding of the district’s instructional programs.
• Provides training to both teachers and administrators in improving instructional techniques, developing new approaches in teaching, and using materials and equipment that are responsive to student needs.
• Assists in both central office staff and campus administrators and staff in the effective utilization of computers, other technology, and media.
• Facilitates consistent, equitable student management plans through staff development or onsite technical assistance.
• Provides technical assistance for conferences with parents, students, and teachers concerning school and student issues.
• Performs duties in a professional, ethical, and responsible manner as defined in board policy and the TEA Code of Ethics for Educators.
• Assumes leadership responsibilities in professional organizations.
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned by the Executive Director of Curriculum and Instruction and / or the Coordinator of Reading Instruction.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES : Support personnel.

WORKING CONDITIONS and PHYSICAL CAPABILITIES :

• Communicates effectively in both oral and written formats.
• Interprets policy, procedures, and data appropriately.
• Coordinates district functions as needed.
• Maintains emotional control under stress.
• Engages in frequent district-wide and state-wide travel.
• Works occasional prolonged and irregular hours.
• Ability to receive information and / or instruction from internal / external customers through spoken expression.
• Ability to convey information and / or instruction to internal / external customers through spoken expression.
• Ability to perform work while standing and / or walking for extended periods, up to eight (8) hours a day.
• Ability to see detailed information, naturally or with correction.
• Ability to manipulate tools / equipment / keyboards.
• Must have a valid Texas Driver’s license.

The foregoing statements describe the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this job and are not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills that may be required.

REPORTS TO / SUPERVISES :

REPORTS TO : Coordinator for Secondary Curriculum

Last updated : 2024-05-22