Position Type:
Student Support Services
Date Posted:
5/8/2024
Location:
School Board Office (Central Office)
Position Title: Reading Specialist
Location: Southampton County Public Schools
Reports To: Principal
Job Summary: The Reading Specialist is responsible for providing specialized instruction and support to students who require additional assistance in reading. This role involves collaborating with teachers, administrators, and parents to develop and implement effective reading strategies and interventions. The Reading Specialist aims to improve student reading skills and foster a love of reading through targeted instruction and support.
Key Responsibilities:

1. Instructional Support:
   
   • Provide individualized and small-group instruction to students who need additional help in reading.
   • Develop and implement targeted reading interventions based on student assessments and data.
   • Use a variety of instructional techniques and materials to address diverse learning needs.
2. Assessment and Evaluation:
   
   • Conduct regular assessments to identify students' reading levels and needs.
   • Monitor and track students' progress in reading and adjust interventions as necessary.
   • Provide feedback and recommendations to teachers and parents based on assessment results.
3. Collaboration:
   
   • Work closely with classroom teachers to support the integration of effective reading strategies into the curriculum.
   • Participate in grade-level and school-wide meetings to discuss student progress and instructional strategies.
   • Serve as a resource for teachers, providing guidance on best practices in reading instruction.
4. Professional Development:
   
   • Stay current with the latest research and best practices in reading instruction and literacy.
   • Provide professional development opportunities for teachers to enhance their reading instruction skills.
   • Attend workshops, conferences, and other professional development activities related to reading and literacy.
5. Parent and Community Engagement:
   
   • Communicate regularly with parents about their child's reading progress and ways to support reading at home.
   • Organize and participate in school and community events that promote reading and literacy.
   • Develop and distribute materials and resources to support reading at home.
6. Program Development:
   
   • Assist in the development and implementation of school-wide reading programs and initiatives.
   • Evaluate the effectiveness of reading programs and make recommendations for improvement.
   • Maintain an up-to-date inventory of reading materials and resources.

Qualifications:

• Master's degree in Reading, Literacy, Education, or a related field.
• Valid state certification as a Reading Specialist.
• Previous experience in reading instruction or as a classroom teacher preferred.
• Strong knowledge of reading instruction techniques, assessments, and interventions.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with colleagues, students, and parents.
• Proficiency in the use of technology for instructional purposes.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to sit, stand, and move freely for extended periods.
• Capacity to lift and move educational materials and supplies as necessary.
• Ability to supervise and interact with students in a variety of settings.

Work Environment:

• Work is performed in a classroom setting and may require traveling between classrooms and schools.
• Occasional evening and weekend work may be required for school events and meetings.

Note: The job description listed above is not exhaustive and may include additional responsibilities not listed here.
Southampton County Public Schools is an equal opportunity employer.