Reading Specialist

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

The job of Reading Specialist was established for the purpose/s of improving students' success in reading by implementing district approved curriculum; documenting teaching and student progress/activities/outcomes; developing lesson plans; modeling the necessary skills to perform assignments; providing a safe and positive learning environment; and providing feedback to students, parents and administration regarding student progress, expectations, goals, etc. This job reports to the School Principal.

Essential Functions

• Assists other teachers for the purpose of implementing district reading curriculum.
• Assumes individual responsibilities as assigned by administration (e.g. collegial groups, staff inservice,committee work, student activities, student supervision, etc.) for the purpose of improving staff knowledge and supporting student activities.
• Collaborates with school personnel, parents, and various community agencies for the purpose of improving the quality of student outcomes, developing solutions and planning curriculum.
• Collects, analyzes, and prepares data (e.g. K-2 early reading assessment report, etc.) for the purpose of interpretation and reporting to the district, state, and federal agencies.
• Demonstrates methods required to perform assignments for the purpose of providing an effective district reading program and addressing the needs to students.
• Develops and coordinates reading programs cooperatively with classroom teachers for the purpose of supporting teachers and ensuring student success.
• Directs paraprofessionals, volunteers, and/or student aides, etc. for the purpose of maximizing their efficiency and meeting work requirements, providing an effective school program, and addressing the individual needs of students.
• Evaluates students' abilities in reading skills for the purpose of assisting in the diagnosis of learning disorders,developing remediation plans, and/or evaluating student progress.
• Facilitates study groups and district inservices (e.g. literacy team meetings, workshops, etc.) for the purpose of providing staff development and support to district staff.
• Furthers personal education via staff development, college courses, etc. for the purpose of staying current with the latest and best practices, and learning new theories and technology.
• Instructs students (e.g. individually, group sessions, etc.) for the purpose of improving their success in reading and assessing reading concepts and proficiencies through a defined course of study.
• Maintains confidentiality of all information for the purpose of protection of students, staff, parents, and the district. Manages student behavior for the purpose of providing a safe and an optimal learning environment.
• Mentors classroom teachers and support staff for the purpose of supporting staff in the instructional process.
• Monitors student progress for the purpose of providing student feedback on a regular basis to students, teachers, and parents, and determining interventions for those students who are diagnosed as "at risk" readers.
• Participates in various meetings for the purpose of receiving and/or providing information.
• Prepares teaching materials and related reports (e.g. grades, attendance, anecdotal records, etc.) for the purpose of implementing lesson plans and documenting student progress.
• Provides assistance in selecting and administering valid, reliable reading assessments and screening instruments for the purpose of providing an effective school program to increase the reading skills of students.
• Provides proper care, management, and seasonable security for all district property in their custody (e.g. equipment, supplies, classroom facilities, etc.) for the purpose of maintaining inventories, and preventing damage and/or theft.
• Reports incidents (e.g. fights, suspected child abuse, suspected substance abuse, etc.) for the purpose of
• maintaining the personal safety of students, providing a positive learning environment, and adhering to education code, administrative and/or school policies.
• Assists other personnel as may be required for the purpose of supporting them in the completion of their work activities.

Skills, Knowledge and Abilities

SKILLS are required to perform single, technical tasks with a need to periodically upgrade skills in order to meet changing job conditions. Specific skill-based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: applying assessment instruments; operating standard office equipment; planning and managing projects; preparing and maintaining accurate records; and using pertinent software applications.

KNOWLEDGE is required to perform basic math, including calculations using fractions, percents, and/or ratios; read technical information, compose a variety of documents, and/or facilitate group discussions; and understand complex, multi-step written and oral instructions. Specific knowledge-based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: age appropriate activities; concepts of grammar and punctuation; pertinent codes, policies, regulations and/or laws; stages of child development; and standard office software.

ABILITY is required to schedule a number of activities, meetings, and/or events; routinely gather, collate, and/or classify data; and consider a number of factors when using equipment. Flexibility is required to independently work with others in a wide variety of circumstances; analyze data utilizing a variety of complex processes; and operate equipment using a variety of standardized methods. Ability is also required to work with a diversity of individuals and/or groups; work with data of varied types and/or purposes; and utilize a variety of job-related equipment. Problem solving is required to analyze issues and create action plans. Problem solving with data requires independent interpretation of guidelines; and problem solving with equipment is limited to moderate. Specific ability-based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: adapting to changing work priorities; communicating with diverse groups; establishing effective relationships; maintaining confidentiality; communicating with diverse groups; adapting to changing work priorities; meeting deadlines and schedules; setting priorities; working as part of a team; working with detailed information/data; and working with frequent interruptions.

Responsibilities include: working under limited supervision following standardized practices and/or methods; leading, guiding, and/or coordinating others; and operating within a defined budget. Utilization of some resources from other work units is often required to perform the job's functions. There is some opportunity to effect the organization's services.

Education, Certification & Experience

Masters degree in job related area.

Job related experience is required and Reading endorsement.

Franklin City Schools is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, Franklin City Schools will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.