Literacy Specialist-Elementary

Literacy Specialist-Elementary

Newton Public Schools, 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

The literacy specialist is responsible for helping every child in the school develop strong reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills. A Literacy Specialist provides and leads literacy instruction and assessment through coaching, providing student instruction and intervention, and coordinating assessment and tiered support services.

Required Qualifications:

• K-12 Reading Specialist License and valid Massachusetts teaching license, with SEI endorsement or additional license in ESL
• Master’s Degree in Education with a 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 curriculum implementation and support
• Experience with the EL Education literacy program
• Experience with UFLI Foundations curriculum and Wilson Fundations curriculum
• Experience with a variety of literacy assessments and interventions
• Experience administering, analyzing, and forming groups using literacy diagnostic assessment
• Coaching experience
• Experience supporting teachers in shifting from a Balanced Literacy model to a Knowledge Building curriculum
• Experience collaborating and problem‑solving with teachers
• Experience and coursework in anti‑racist, anti‑bias instruction

• Provide leadership and support for the implementation of the district literacy curriculum
• Provide professional development to teachers and paraprofessionals related to literacy programs and instructional practices, through trainings, workshops, in‑class modeling, and advising
• Support Newton’s curriculum and professional development by modeling best practices, coaching teachers, and encouraging reflective practice
• Participate in grade‑level meetings (i.e., PLCs, GLDs) regularly to facilitate instructional conversations and activities, regularly reflecting on a wide range of qualitative and quantitative student data points
• 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
• Regularly attend professional learning communities and professional learning with other literacy specialists
• Coordinate Tier I and Tier II literacy support
• Support literacy instruction and intervention during WIN blocks and small group instructional times; demonstrate flexibility to address broader academic needs that may emerge occasionally through ongoing student assessment and team collaboration
• Consistent and on‑time attendance to the job‑related duties as required

Work Environment:
Majority of work is performed in a school/classroom environment. The noise level in the environment is usually moderate. Regular attendance is a necessary and essential function. 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.

Newton Public Schools is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Newton Public Schools ensures equal employment opportunities regardless of race, creed, sex, color, national origin, religion, age, sexual orientation, disability, or any other class as protected by law. The Newton Public Schools places a high value on diversity and active recruitment of qualified minority teachers and staff.

Any individual needing assistance in making an application for any opening should contact the district's human resources office.

Position Type: Full‑Time

Salary: up to $134,270 per year

• Citizenship, residency or work visa required