Reading Specialist

The posting

PASSAIC BOARD OF EDUCATION

Passaic, New Jersey

JOB DESCRIPTION

TITLE: Reading Specialist

QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Hold a valid New Jersey instructional certificate with appropriate endorsement(s) in accordance with the requirements of New Jersey statutes and reg Preferred certification in K-8 elementary and/or reading specialist.
2. Hold a master’s degree or higher in literacy, reading, or another related field from an accredited college or university.
3. Three years of successful full-time teaching experience.
4. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of child growth and development, instructional content, effective instructional strategies, classroom management, learning assessment and diagnosis, and research related to learning.
5. Demonstrate a strong commitment to providing every student a supportive and structured learning environment, based around high expectations for student learning and succes
6. Required criminal history background check and proof of U.S. citizenship or legal resident alien status.

REPORTS TO: Principal, Assistant Principal, Director, Supervisor, or other certificated administrative or supervising personnel

READING INTERVENTION SPECIFIC PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Identify students with greatest need for reading intervention.
2. Work with students to help them improve specific reading skills such as letter-naming, initial sounds, phoneme segmentation, and comprehension strateg
3. Address the specific needs of identified students when regular classroom instruction is not sufficient.
4. Consult frequently with classroom teachers on matters relating to reading instruction using progress-monitoring tools.
5. Design interventions and write lesson plans detailing methods and m
6. Assist in the evaluation of ongoing programs and make recommendations for change.
7. Diagnose reading strengths and weaknesses and match these skills with appropriate techniques and m
8. Inform parents of student progress.
9. Work with staff and school administrators to facilitate the coordination of reading intervention with district curriculum.
10. Promote interest in reading.
11. Work with the classroom teacher and district personnel to coordinate reading instruction designed to meet the individual needs of students.
12. Teach remedial
13. Provide direct assistance as part of the Multi-Tiered System of Supports team.
14. Demonstrate knowledge of major theoretical, conceptual, historical, and evidence- based foundations of literacy and language.
15. Use foundational knowledge to design, implement, and evaluate small-group and individual evidence-based literacy instruction for learners; collaborate with teachers to implement effective literacy practices.
16. Understand and implement appropriate assessment tools to screen, diagnose, and measure student literacy achievem
17. Maintain a weekly time sheet of services provided.
18. Plan, prepare, and deliver instruction consistent with district programs of study, curriculum, and instructional guidelines. Deliver instructional practice and pedagogy consistent with the approved curriculum that meets the individual needs, interests, and abilities of student
19. Implement the district’s philosophy of education and the State, district and school’s instructional goals and objectives.
20. Establish and promote high standards and expectations for all students through the creation and support of a positive learning environment.
21. Display the highest ethical and professional behavior and standards when working with students, parents, school personnel, and other agencies associated with the school.
22. Provide a nurturing, supportive and positive classroom climate that encourages student responsibility, using positive motivation, challenging instructional strategies, and effective classroom management technique
23. Develop effective procedures for the operation and management of the classroom and for following routine school procedures. Establish and maintain appropriate expectations for student behavior in the classroom, school building and school grounds and exercises due care for the health, safety, and well–being of the students.
24. Demonstrate fairness and consistency when applying rules and grading stud Evaluate and grade classwork, homework, assignments, and tests in a timely fashion, providing feedback to the student on performance.
25. Accurately maintain appropriate student records and submit required reports within designated time limit
26. Submit lesson plans in the approved format to the Principal or designee as required and reque
27. Assess pupils in accordance with district testing policy and program; interpret the results and utilize the information obtained for planning instruction, for reporting student growth and progress, and for improving curriculum. Gather and analyze student assessment data throughout the year to be used for data-driven instructional decisio Work collaboratively with fellow faculty members to analyze and use student data to inform instruction leading to increased student achievement.
28. Employ instructional methods and materials that are most appropriate for meeting stated objectives including positive attitudes toward learning, analytical and critical thinking, problem solving, and creativity.
29. Assist with the preparation, monitoring, and following of Individualized Education Plans for selected students assigned to the class.
30. Display respect towards the rights and feelings of students, thereby encouraging students to develop attitudes of respect for the rights, feelings, opinions, and property of oth
31. Assist with supervision of students in non-classroom areas and in areas as assig Assume responsibility for all students within the school, supervising in a fair and constructive manner.
32. Ensure the safety and health of all students, notifying the administration of any unsafe conditions, following established protocol
33. Maintain copies of all necessary records and forms related to the students, classroom, and school.
34. Conference with students and parents to foster a constructive student-teacher and parent- teacher relationshi
35. Communicate effectively and use excellent written and oral skills when communicating with students, parents, colleagues, and community members.
36. Participate in staff meetings, administrator meetings, and committee meeting Maintain cordial and workable professional and social relationships with other members of the instructional and non-instructional staff, and with students, parents, and community members.
37. Work toward professional growth in alignment with the New Jersey Professional Standards for Teacher Engage in professional development necessary to provide high-quality instruction to students. Continue to grow professionally through collaboration with colleagues and professional growth experiences. Summarize, interpret, and disseminate current developments in learning theory and research, instructional strategies, and program services through reading of professional journals, participation in professional development, and involvement in professional organizations.
38. Operate electronic, digital, and other equipment needed to carry out job functions and responsibilities.
39. Protect confidentiality of records and information gained as part of exercising professional duties and use discretion in sharing such information within legal confines.
40. Perform all other duties assigned by the Principal or designee that is not otherwise prohibited, as required by law, code, regulation, or Board policy.
41. Advise immediately appropriate school personnel and other required agencies of evidence of substance abuse, child abuse, child neglect, severe medical or social conditions, potential suicide or individuals appearing to be under the influence of alcohol, controlled substances, or anabolic steroid
42. Observe strictly and exceed, to avoid the appearance of conflict, all requirements of board policy on vendor relations including solicitation and acceptance of gifts and favors.
43. Adhere to New Jersey school law, State Board of Education rules and regulations, Board of Education policies and regulations, and contractual obligati
44. Perform such other tasks and assure such other responsibilities as the Superintendent or designee may assign from time to time not otherwise prohibited by law or regulation.

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT:

1. Ten (10) months
2. Contract terms, salary, and benefits as established by the collective bargaining agreement.
3. Conditions established by laws and codes of New Jersey; and policies, rules, and regulations established by the Passaic Board of Educati
4. Tenurable.

EVALUATION: Evaluated by the Principal, Assistant Principal, Director, Supervisor, or Instructional Chairperson or other certificated administrative or supervisory personnel.

First Reading: May 13, 2024

Second Reading : June 17, 2024