Learning Specialist​/Reading Specialist - Parkdale Elementary School - FTE

Learning Specialist/Reading Specialist - Parkdale Elementary School - 1.0 FTE

Starting Date: Aug 24, 2026

This is a regular position and will begin with the 2026/27 school year in August.

Job Purpose Statement

Learning Specialist (Special Education Teacher)

The “Teacher - Special Education” is designed to facilitate Special Education student success in academics, interpersonal skills, and activities of daily living through implementing district‑approved curriculum; documenting teaching and student progress/activities and outcomes; addressing specific needs of students; providing a safe and optimal learning environment, ensuring compliance with all state and federal due process guidelines regarding screening, placement, and maintenance of students on an Individualized Education Plan (IEP);

providing feedback to students, parents, and administration regarding student progress, expectations, goals, etc.

The ideal candidate will work to create a vibrant learning community for students receiving special education support. Establish positive relationships with students, parents, and staff. Educate the whole child academically, socially, emotionally, and physically. Flexibly provide instruction to students either in the general education setting or in a special education setting depending on the individual needs of the student. Use a variety of assessments to understand student learning to inform instruction and annual goals.

Demonstrate a commitment to improving instructional practices, creating more inclusive cultures, and increasing student voice. Collaborate with general education teachers, instructional assistants, teaching specialists, administration, and parents to create and implement cohesive individualized educational plans. Communicate progress around student learning.

Reading Specialist

The “Reading Specialist” promotes and develops successful reading instruction for students and performs related duties in accordance with district policies and terms of the teacher contract. The reading specialist is responsible for group and individual instruction of reading for students to meet state and federal guidelines, and consistently measures and evaluates student progress. The reading specialist supervises and develops lessons for instructional assistants.

The reading specialist is also responsible for partnering with families through collaboration, communication, and education.

Essential Job Functions (Learning Specialist)

• Adapts lessons for the purpose of implementing the IEP goals and meeting the special needs of students.
• Evaluates student’s abilities and performance (e.g., behavioral, motor development, communication, academic, vocational) for the purpose of establishing eligibility under IDEA and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, setting educational goals, determining placement, and evaluating student progress.
• Collaborates with school personnel, agencies and community agencies to develop and modify the program to maximize student outcomes.
• Develops and maintains Individualized Education Plans (IEP) for each student to ensure compliance with IDEA and state regulations.
• Directs instructional assistants, volunteers, and/or student aides to provide an effective school program and address the needs of individual students.
• Instructs students with individualized special needs to develop appropriate academic, interpersonal, and daily living skills through a defined course of study.
• Manages student behavior to provide a safe and optimal learning environment.
• Maintains consistent and predictable attendance to meet district requirements.
• Convenes, chairs, and documents the activity of the Multidisciplinary Team (MDT), IEP team, and Placement Team to provide a free, appropriate public education and maintain compliance.
• Creates and maintains student special education files in accordance with district direction.
• Prepares teaching materials and reports (e.g., grades, attendance, anecdotal records) for implementing lesson plans and documenting teacher and student progress.
• Reports incidents (e.g., fights, suspected child abuse, suspected substance abuse) to maintain safety and a positive learning…