Primary Reading Specialist (PreK-2

Primary Reading Specialist (PreK-2)

Position Type:
Elementary School Teaching

Location:

Forest Avenue School & Central School

Position

Purpose:

Under the general supervision of the Building Principal(s) and Director of Curriculum & Instruction, the Primary Reading Specialist provides specialized literacy instruction and intervention services to students in PreK through Grade 2. The Reading Specialist works collaboratively with classroom teachers, intervention staff, administrators, and families to support student achievement in early literacy development.

Essential Functions:

• Provide targeted literacy intervention services to students in PreK through Grade 2 based upon student needs, assessment data, and intervention plans.
• Design and implement evidence-based literacy instruction aligned with current research, including structured literacy practices and the Science of Reading.
• Support implementation of district literacy programs, including School wide Reading and Writing Foundations and Phonics First.
• Utilize literacy assessment and progress monitoring tools, including, but not limited to, DIBELS, Acadience Reading, Acadience Math, Link It!, classroom assessments, and other district-approved measures.
• Analyze student assessment data to identify instructional needs, monitor progress, and adjust interventions.
• Collaborate with classroom teachers to support effective literacy instruction, including differentiated instruction, small-group instruction, and tiered intervention strategies.
• Provide instructional support, modeling, and collaborative planning with teachers regarding evidence-based literacy practices.
• Participate as a contributing member of building-level MTSS teams by assisting with data analysis, intervention planning, and problem-solving processes.
• Collaborate with teachers, administrators, Child Study Team members, interventionists, and related service providers to support inclusive practices and the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE).
• Communicate effectively with families regarding student literacy development, progress, and instructional strategies.
• Maintain accurate records of student interventions, assessment results, and instructional outcomes.
• Continue professional growth through workshops, professional learning opportunities, research, and collaboration with colleagues.
• Perform other related duties as assigned by the Principal(s), Director of Curriculum & Instruction, and Superintendent.

Additional Duties:

• Assist in supporting district literacy initiatives and instructional goals.
• Participate in grade-level, department, and professional learning conversations related to literacy instruction.
• Support teachers in understanding literacy assessment results and applying instructional strategies to meet student needs.
• Provide periodic professional learning opportunities on early literacy instruction, as requested.
• Support students and teachers across multiple elementary buildings as assigned.

Skills, Knowledge, Abilities:

• Extensive knowledge of early literacy development and evidence-based reading instruction.
• Knowledge of structured literacy practices aligned with current Science of Reading research.
• Understanding of balanced literacy practices and the ability to integrate multiple approaches based on student needs.
• Strong knowledge of foundational literacy skills, including: phonemic awareness, phonics, decoding, fluency, vocabulary, comprehension, and writing development.
• Familiarity with district literacy programs including School wide Reading and Writing Foundations and Phonics First.
• Knowledge of literacy assessment systems and progress monitoring practices, including DIBELS, Acadience, Link It!, and similar tools.
• Ability to interpret assessment data and translate results into effective instructional decisions.
• Knowledge of MTSS frameworks and tiered intervention practices.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills.
• Ability to support colleagues through coaching, modeling, collaboration, and shared problem-solving.
• Ability to establish positive relationships with students, families, and staff.
• Commitment to inclusive practices and supporting students in the Least Restrictive Environment.
• Ability to organize…