Careers

Position Details

General Summary

The Reading Specialist job in the Middle School requires a full-time commitment by someone who has both a degree in reading and training in reading remediation strategies. A critical component of the job would entail working closely with the Learning Specialists and classroom teachers to help identify students who may have reading challenges that have been undiagnosed. The Middle School Reading Specialist is considered part of the PK-12 Learning Services Team.

This position reports to the Director of Learning Services and the Head of the Middle School given the dual components of teaching and providing learning support within the structure of this role.

Compensation will generally be offered in the range of $50,000- $75,000. Individual offers will be specific, and based on education, experience, and benchmarking parameters.

Essential Functions

• Identify reading strengths and weaknesses in students of concern
• Teach one English Language Arts section
• Communicate with parents and other teachers regarding student needs and learning plans
• Conduct records reviews to develop appropriate and successful learning plans for students of concern
• Provide remediation to the readers who have an area of weakness or who could benefit from extra support, and help identify strong readers and support areas for their continued growth
• Offer strategies to remediate any reading difficulties that students are having
• Work with the ELA and Humanities teachers to support students, including pulling students from classes to work in small groups, coming into classrooms for targeted instruction for students, and offering tutoring time outside of the classroom and even outside of the school day to provide tutoring or testing for students
• Be familiar with the grade-level texts in all subject areas and offer teachers support in teaching strategies for students of all levels
• Work closely with the Middle School Learning Specialists, to actively coordinate with the Lower and Upper School Reading and Learning Specialists on a regular basis throughout the year to communicate about individual students, programs, and other important considerations specific to reading, and to communicate that information
• Respond to the needs of the School, including but not limited to, service learning, advisory programs, coaching, assigned supervision, and other areas as determined by the Middle School Head

Recommended Employment Qualifications

Bachelor's degree and 2-4 years of experience in the field or equivalent work experience in a related area is required.

Additional Experience

• Must be familiar with a wide variety of diagnostic programs that help determine target skill areas such as phonological processing, reading fluency, comprehension ( literal and inferential), vocabulary development, affix awareness, etc
• Must have knowledge of standardized testing

Additional Requirements

• A genuinely joyful and relational person, the candidate will build meaningful connections with students, faculty, and staff, and will inspire them to achieve their best.
• A strong work ethic, and the ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality and discretion at all times
• Excellent interpersonal skills including self-awareness, good instincts, and sound judgment
• Excellent organizational, listening, and analytical skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Experience successfully working with a culturally diverse staff & students also required.
• Have demonstrated experience working with parents and families in support of the overall student experience
• Must be able to comply with background checks, including fingerprints, as required by the agency and / or state regulations

Working Conditions

Evening and weekend hours may be required from time to time. Lifting and carrying of equipment is not typical, but may be required on rare occasions. Lifting up to 25 pounds. Other working conditions include climbing stairs, walking around campus, sitting, standing, and significant computer use including extensive close use of a computer monitor.