TITLE:   Reading/Literacy Specialist – Elementary School

 

PRIMARY FUNCTION:    Provides direct reading instruction to students and serve as a reading/literacy resource.

           

QUALIFICATIONS:

 

1. 1.      Possess or eligible for a Virginia Postgraduate Professional license with an endorsement as a Reading Specialist (PreK-6, PreK-3 for Developmental Reading position).

 

1. 2.      Has at least three years of successful full-time classroom teaching experience in which the teaching of reading was an important responsibility.

 

1. 3.      Demonstrated knowledge of reading and language arts instructional strategies and demonstrates enthusiasm for teaching and the learning process.

 

1. 4.      Demonstrated knowledge of literacy development, current theory, and practices in reading and language arts instruction and various assessment strategies.

 

1. 5.      Proficiency in public speaking and written communication to express and/or exchange ideas.

 

1. 6.      Emotionally mature, objective and sensitive to people and their concerns.  Able to handle responsibility, work independently, and maintain collaborative working relationships with students, families, administration, staff, co-workers and community agencies.

 

REPORTS TO:         Principal

 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

 

1. 1.      Planning and Assessment:

 

1. a.       Establishes and implements daily written lesson plans.

 

1. b.      Evaluates student learning and revises instruction accordingly.

 

1. c.       Structures teaching to encourage independent thinking by students.

 

1. d.      Effectively prepares/uses instructional materials and technology resources.

 

1. 2.      Instruction:

 

1. a.       Maintains appropriate expectations for all students.

 

1. b.      Differentiates instruction.

                             

1. c.       Maintains appropriate student classroom behavior.

 

1. d.      Demonstrates knowledge of the subject/grade.

 

1. e.       Demonstrates resourcefulness and flexibility.

 

1. f.       Displays enthusiasm for teaching.

 

1. g.      Utilizes strategies to meet class objectives, student needs and abilities.

 

1. h.      Effectively motivates students.

 

1. i.        Manages Instructional time wisely.

 

1. 3.      Safety and Learning Environment:

 

1. a.       Provides an appropriate learning environment.

 

1. 4.      Communication:

 

1. a.       Models acceptable written and oral expressions

 

1. b.      Effectively communicates with students, parents and the community.

 

1. c.       Provides appropriate feedback to students

 

1. 5.      Professionalism and Community Relations:

 

1. a.       Uses measures of student learning to improve instruction.

 

1. b.      Models professional, moral and ethical standards and personal integrity.

 

1. c.       Participates in meaningful and continuous process of professional development.

 

1. d.      Works in a collegial and collaborative manner with peers, staff, parents and community resources to support the success of a diverse student population.

 

1. e.       Provides services to the professional, the school division and/or the community.

 

1. f.       Displays professionalism:

 

• Demonstrates good attendance and punctuality
• Submits required reports on time and meets other deadlines
• Maintains accurate records
• Follows proper channels of communication
• Appropriately maintains confidentiality
• Is familiar with and abides by School Board policies, regulations and school procedures

 

1. 6.      Other:

 

1. a.       Provides direct reading instruction to students.

 

1. b.      Acts as a reading/literacy resource for all teachers.

 

1. c.       Assists in the coordination and modeling of the best practices for reading instruction.

 

1. d.      Promotes reading through a wide variety of programs and activities.

 

1. e.       Takes all necessary and reasonable precautions to protect students, equipment, materials, and facilities.

 

1. f.       Maintains appropriate state licensure; assumes responsibility for and participates in staff development (professional growth) and training to keep materials, supplies, and skills up-to-date.

 

1. g.      Follows appropriate safety procedures and properly maintains equipment.

 

1. h.      Responds to telephone, email and in-person requests, inquiries and questions in a professional, polite and responsive manner.

 

1. i.        Attends all required meetings.

 

1. j.        Models non-discriminatory practices in all activities.  Respects the worth, dignity and individual differences of others.

 

1. k.      Performs other duties as assigned by the Principal and/or Instructional Supervisor for English, Language Arts, Reading, etc or the Literacy Coach.