Reading Specialist

Title: Reading Specialist - Stroudsburg Area S D
FLSA: Non-Exempt
Terms of Employment: In accordance with the professional collective bargaining agreement on file.
Employee Group: Professional

JOB GOAL

To work collaboratively with classroom teachers and other professionals to design and provide instructional strategies and interventions to promote student reading, writing, speaking and listening achievement and to promote literacy in assigned school.  To provide direct instruction individually, in small groups or in collaboration with classroom teachers based on assessments of students' strengths and weaknesses. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Demonstrates and maintains knowledge of the fundamental concepts of reading and competence in teaching students reading including methodologies and theories of language and reading acquisition and development; phonemic, morphemic, semantic, syntactic, and pragmatic systems of language and their relation to reading and writing processes; and classic and contemporary literature, textbooks and curriculum materials that are appropriate for various age levels and mediums.
• Develops lesson plans and instructional materials in collaboration with other professionals teaching at a variety of instructional levels based on the district reading and language arts curriculum.
• Assesses reading level of text books, literature and curriculum materials and provides support to classroom teachers and other professionals in selecting, implementing, and adapting effective instructional strategies, curriculum resources and technologies to meet the needs of diverse learners.
• Demonstrates and maintains up to date knowledge of and administers appropriate formal or informal assessments of students using a variety of measures to determine appropriate placement and specific instructional needs Collaborates with and coaches teachers on the use of assessment data to plan instruction; analyze school literacy data and plan for future literacy needs. Monitors and assesses student progress and adjusts recommendations as appropriate.
• Assists with selection of and maintains a comprehensive inventory of instructional materials and resources and an organized system and accessible location for the circulation of reading and writing materials.
• As requested, provides professional development for professionals and paraprofessionals in the area of reading and literacy, such as modeling and coaching instructional methods in a variety of settings (whole group and small group), teaching sessions at in-service programs and sharing new research and information with other professionals acquired through professional reading or coursework and at training or professional conferences.
• Provides direct instruction or support to students in the areas of reading and writing in a variety of settings which may include whole group teaching or co-teaching in the regular education classroom, or direct instruction or support to small groups of students or individual students receiving instruction or support within or outside of the regular education classroom as assigned.  Engages learners in differentiated learning experiences and uses materials and strategies designed to promote a love of reading based on the skills and developmental needs of the students.
• Collects and maintains appropriate records of student progress and provides timely and accurate oral and written feedback to teachers, school staff, students, and parents.  Maintains records of professional development, collaboration, support and direct instruction provided to promote competence in reading and literacy in regular education classrooms.
• Demonstrates understanding of and abides by federal, state, and local school laws and regulations, mandated programs, District policies, and administrative regulations.  Reviews and abides by the Pennsylvania Code of Professional Practice and Conduct for Educators.
• Establishes and maintains standards of student behavior needed to achieve a safe and inspiring learning atmosphere.
• Participates in parent conferences and communicates with parents discuss student’s progress and interpret the school program.  Attends IEP, Section 504, GIEP or related meetings necessary for student assessment and/or compliance with district policies, federal or state laws and regulations. 

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

WORKING CONDITION

• Subject to inside environmental conditions
• Subject to outside environmental conditions
• Typical classroom environment