Reading Specialist

Overview

The North Star Foundation focuses on the critical, unmet needs of North Omaha’s young men, beginning in third grade, with the goal of helping them grow into healthy, educated, employed contributors to the community. North Star is the only single sex, male after school program in Greater Omaha. North Star serves 3rd – 12th grade boys.

North Star is seeking a team player with an optimistic outlook to work directly in academic program delivery, curriculum development, staff training, and integration of technology into the after‑school program. A high priority is given to the implementation of reading intervention and literacy skill development. The Reading Specialist is a front line, youth builder role within the organization and will report to the Director of Education.

Provide the strategies and support to facilitate effective instructional and behavioral practices, related to the specific needs of each child, based on a Multi‑Tiered System of Support (MTSS) framework.

• Develop research‑based reading lessons for students in grades 3‑5 who qualify for reading intervention services.
• Work collaboratively with the school‑wide MTSS team on the appropriate use of data in making educational decisions.
• Facilitate the coordination of school‑wide and individual student benchmarking and progress monitoring data using Fast Bridge Assessment System.
• Maintain an accurate database of students in the reading program.
• Assist building administration in reviewing data to develop building level professional development which supports MTSS.
• Manage students receiving instructional interventions.
• Oversee the reading volunteers, including their training and the preparation of all necessary instructional materials.
• Oversee the North Star Boys Reading Clubs.
• Oversee the North Star library by maintaining high‑interest books with a wide range of reading levels.
• Oversee the secondary IXL reading program and other literacy activities.

• Work collaboratively with building administration to plan expenditures of program funds.
• Exhibit dependability and punctuality in assigned duties.
• Strive to improve professional competence.
• Display appropriate personal and professional traits that exhibit a positive role model for students.
• Take all necessary and reasonable precautions to protect students, equipment, materials, and facilities.
• Share pertinent information with building administration and leadership.

• Appropriate teacher certification
• Master’s degree preferred in Reading, Elementary Education, English as a Second Language, or Special Education preferred.
• Leadership and organizational qualities, which include the ability to facilitate teams, communicate collaboratively, train and lead others, and coordinate data.
• Working knowledge and understanding of the Multi‑Tiered System of Support (MTSS) process, at‑risk supports, and literacy development.
• Minimum three (3) years of successful classroom teaching experience, preferably in the teaching of reading.
• Understanding of urban education; experience working with a high concentration of FRL students.
• Ability to develop positive relationships with parents and students.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks efficiently and to organize work to meet proper deadlines.
• Knowledge of OPS schools and curriculum preferred.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office suite (Word, Excel, Outlook), and Apple product lines.
• Ability to effectively interact with sensitivity and responsiveness to cultural differences present in the organization’s service population, both individually and in groups.
• Must work well with others and interface with all organization departments.

Duties are generally performed in an indoor setting. Must be able to climb, stoop, kneel, crouch, reach and handle objects. Must be able to stand, walk, and sit for several hours daily.