Literacy Specialist-Elementary

Literacy Specialist-Elementary

Underwood Elementary School - Newton, Massachusetts

• Job : 5736683
• Final date to receive applications: Posted until filled
• Posted: May 26, 2026 4:00 AM (UTC)
• Starting Date: Aug 31, 2026

Department: Teaching and Learning

FLSA Status (Exempt/Non-exempt) : Exempt, Unit A

Reports to: Elementary Literacy Coordinator, School Principal

In compliance with state and federal laws, Newton Public Schools is committed to equity, anti‑racism and nondiscrimination policy for students, employees and prospective applicants. All educational and employment determinations are based on an individual’s qualifications and achievements without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, pregnancy, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, ancestry, homelessness, physical or mental disability, veteran status, or any other basis prohibited by state and/or federal statute.

SUMMARY: Literacy specialists are responsible for helping every child in the school develop strong reading, writing, speaking and listening skills and providing teachers with information and support to provide robust literacy instruction. They provide and lead literacy instruction and assessment, through a combination of intervention, and coordination of Tier I and Tier II support services. They also coach teachers, provide school and district wide professional development workshops, and develop and adapt curriculum.

Required Qualifications:

• K-12 Reading Specialist License and valid Massachusetts teaching license
• Master’s Degree in Education with concentration in Literacy/Reading
• Three or more years of recent experience teaching at the elementary level
• Current knowledge of research and effective practices in the areas of literacy development, literacy instruction, assessment, and professional development
• Excellent interpersonal skills and flexible, responsive work style

Desired

Qualifications:

• Familiarity and experience with EL
• Familiarity and experience with the Science of Reading, including: reading and writing workshop small group instruction in reading and writing explicit phonics and phonological awareness instruction
• Experience writing and adapting curriculum
• Experience coaching, collaborating, and problem solving with teachers
• Familiarity and experience with UFLI in K-3

• Provide leadership for school’s literacy program
• Provide professional development by training, coaching, and supporting teachers and paraprofessionals with literacy curriculum and instructional practices
• Select, create, revise, and adapt curriculum to reflect Newton Public Schools’ anti‑racist, culturally responsive stance
• Support Newton’s curriculum and professional development by modeling best practices, coaching teachers and encouraging reflective practice
• Serve as a resource in the area of reading and writing for paraprofessionals, teachers, administrators and the community
• Work cooperatively and collaboratively with other professionals in planning instruction to meet the needs of diverse learners
• Provide and support literacy assessment and data analysis
• Provide direct instruction and intervention to struggling readers
• Meet weekly with team of elementary literacy specialists and literacy coordinators
• Consistent, reliable and punctual attendance is essential for supervision and instruction of the students
• Implement “other job‑related duties” as needed.

Work Environment: Majority of work is performed in a school/classroom environment. The noise level in the environment is usually moderate. Regular attendance is required and essential. Rarely absent or late unless the situation is an emergency.

Physical Requirements: While performing the duties of this job the teacher is frequently required to kneel, stoop, bend, and crouch. The teacher is periodically required to stand while talking and listening. The teacher is occasionally required to sit, walk, lift, or carry.

Date Updated: 03/18/2016

Position Type: Full‑Time

Salary: up to $134,270 Per Year

• Citizenship, residency or work visa required

• Suzie Talukdar, Principal
• Underwood Elementary School
• Email: talukdars.ma.us