Reading Specialist - Elementary

 

Manassas Park City Schools 100 Park Central Plaza, Suite 300 Manassas Park, Virginia 20111

 
POSITION: Reading Specialist
SALARY/HOURS:

• Pay Scale: 220 Day Teacher Contract https://www.mpark.net/departments/human_resources
• Position Length: 11 Months
• Hours: Full-Time

FLSA STATUS: Exempt
IMMEDIATE SUPERVISOR: Building Principal
JOB SUMMARY:
The Reading Specialist supports all areas of student literacy; from guiding student and teacher success with implementation of High-Quality Instructional Materials (HQIM) and Tier I instruction, supporting teachers with and overseeing effective data analysis and Tier II strategy/skill lessons, to advising and/or implementing Tier III interventions where needed. The Reading Specialist provides guidance and feedback to all stakeholders around student progress toward SOL-aligned goals. The Reading Specialist actively participates as a member of the larger division-wide Reading Specialist cohort.  
REQUISITE EDUCATION AND SKILLS:

• Valid Virginia Department of Education license with an endorsement in Reading Specialist (or ability to obtain endorsement)
• A Master’s degree in reading or a Master’s degree with a reading endorsement.
• Three (3) years of successful classroom teaching experience in which the teaching of reading was an important responsibility.
• Knowledge of current research and best practices in the field of reading and writing.
• Experience in computer technology and data management programs.
• Must demonstrate effective knowledge of and be sensitive to the needs of a diverse student population.
• Ability to develop effective relationships with students, parents and school personnel.
• Knowledge of current trends in reading education, science of reading, and Virginia legislation relevant to literacy education.

 
ESSENTIAL JOB RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES: (including but not limited to the following)

• Complies with all school laws, State Board of Education regulations, and all policies and regulations made by the School Board and Superintendent.
• Performs all duties deemed necessary by the School Board and Superintendent for the efficient and successful operation of the school system.
• Actively pursues professional development and consistently attends meetings convened by or endorsed by division staff, the Superintendent and/or Principal.
• Performs other related duties as may be assigned by the Principal, to ensure the efficient and effective functioning of the work unit.
• Maintains inventory of all reading materials, including specialized materials for testing and remediation.

Data and Intervention Management:
 

• Oversees administration of universal screeners and progress monitoring checks for students receiving targeted or intensive intervention.
• Analyzes data from universal screeners and progress monitoring checks to determine which students qualify for interventions, the area(s) of literacy in which an intervention is needed, what interventions will be given, and frequency of those interventions. 
• Schedules and monitors the progress of students who qualify for intervention and/or a Student Reading Plan.
• Uses Data-Based Decision Making to implement interventions and measures the progress of those interventions. 
• Supports and manages Student Reading Plans in collaboration with homeroom teachers and ESOL/SPED teachers as applicable. 
• Supports communication of information regarding the Student Reading Plans with parents or guardians.
• Analyzes data at the school, grade, and classroom level to identify areas of need for teacher/student support and/or professional development. 
• Has knowledge of and is able to administer various reading diagnostic assessments. 
• Supports and coaches reading interventionists. 
• Provides struggling readers with targeted intervention support.
• Supports teachers and parents in understanding the nature of students’ reading challenge(s) and nature of prescribed remediation strategies.
• Coordinates the administration of literacy assessments, analyzes assessment data, and monitors and tracks student progress.

Professional Development & Coaching

• Leads professional development on HQIM curriculum, Virginia Standards of Learning, Evidence-Based Literacy Instruction (EBLI), and the Science of Reading (SoR).
• Maintains up-to-date knowledge of best practices in literacy and state requirements. 
• Supports the implementation of core curriculum, classroom-based interventions, universal screeners, and platforms through Professional Development presentations, model lessons, observation and feedback, and/or co-planning.
• Assists regular classroom teachers, ELL teachers, and special education teachers with the identification and implementation of effective reading strategies through staff development and modeling.

Please note: the percentage of responsibilities of data intervention, professional development, and coaching will be designated in partnership with division staff and the building principal.  This may vary from building to building.
 
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
Must have the use of sensory skills to effectively communicate and interact with other staff and the public through the use of the telephone and personal contact as normally defined by the ability to see, read, talk, hear, handle, or feel objects and controls. Physical capability to effectively use and operate various items of office related equipment such as, but not limited to, a personal computer, calculator, copier, and fax machine. Some climbing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, grasping, and repetitive motions.
 
CLEARANCES (Conditions for employment):
 
• Criminal Justice Fingerprint/Background Clearance
• Tuberculosis Screening


EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
 
Manassas Park City Schools assures Equal Employment Opportunities and equal education opportunities for employees and students as required by Federal and State Orders and Laws. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential tasks. This job description is intended to accurately reflect the position activities and requirements. However, management and administration reserve the right to modify, add, or remove duties and assign other duties as necessary. It is not intended to be and should not be construed as an all-inclusive list of all the responsibilities, skills, or working conditions associated with the position.

Manassas Park City Schools (MPCS) does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex (including sexual harassment, Title IX, and pregnancy), marital status, religion, national origin, age, disability, or genetic information in its programs and activities. These protections apply to students, employees, and other members of the public. MPCS also provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. MPCS is committed to equal access and equal opportunity in all services and employment; to include its policies, complaint process, program accessibility, religious accommodations and other Equal Employment Opportunity matters. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential tasks.
 
This job description is intended to accurately reflect the position activities and requirements. However, management and administration reserve the right to modify, add, or remove duties and assign other duties as necessary. It is not intended to be and should not be construed as an all-inclusive list of all the responsibilities, skills, or working conditions associated with the position.
 
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER