Reading Specialist, Salem Public Schools, Salem, MA SY

Reading Specialist, Salem Public Schools, Salem, MA [SY ]

Location:

Salem, MA. District enrolls nearly 4,000 students across 10 schools.

The Reading Specialist position is an excellent opportunity for an experienced literacy specialist or classroom teacher with special expertise in literacy. Reading Specialists work extensively with students to improve specific reading skills and build student capacity to manage the demands of grade‑level reading tasks. The role requires close coordination with classroom teachers, the Literacy Coach, and other literacy specialists.

• Administers and scores reading assessments to identify student needs and monitor progress on a predetermined, regular basis
• Shares data with classroom teachers and the literacy coach
• In collaboration with the classroom teacher, develops plans for small group instruction (core or Tier II), determining needs‑based grouping, providing resources, and delivering targeted instruction that is data‑informed, evidence‑based, and coherent with Tier 1 instruction
• With the Principal and the Literacy Coach, develops a schedule that best meets the needs of the school and students
• Supports students in classes across the curriculum, including English, Social Studies/History, Science, and other classes where inadequate reading skills interfere with student learning
• Participates in monthly job‑alike meetings with other district Reading Specialists
• Engages in advanced training opportunities designed to strengthen content knowledge, pedagogy, and coaching skills, as well as knowledge of Dual Language when appropriate
• Supports the school data team in monitoring progress toward meeting grade‑level and school‑wide ELA goals

We are looking for candidates who have diverse backgrounds and experiences, are inspired by our mission and are highly motivated to change children’s lives through education.

• Hold a deep commitment to students and families and value diversity – The community is vibrant, diverse in background, ethnicity, language, and perspective. You embrace and affirm the backgrounds of all members of the community and view diversity as a powerful resource that supports learning.
• Hold high expectations for yourself, students, and colleagues – You see potential in all, especially students, and maintain high expectations for achievement, while providing the support necessary to meet that bar. You hold yourself to high expectations, model core values, and seek opportunities to continuously improve.
• Build authentic, caring relationships with colleagues, students, and families – You build strong relationships across students, families, and colleagues that are collaborative and contribute to the collective success of the school. You partner with families and colleagues to make decisions in the best interest of students and learning.
• Embrace feedback – You are a reflective practitioner who learns from failure, using mistakes and challenges as opportunities for growth. You model persistence and growth mindset and thrive in a culture of feedback.

• Bachelor’s Degree (Required);
  Master’s Degree (Preferred)
• Required Massachusetts teaching certification/licensure (Reading Specialist licensure is preferred)
• Three or more years of successful literacy teaching at the elementary level
• Experience with effectively using and monitoring evidence‑based Tier 2 reading interventions (experience with Enhanced Core Reading Instruction – ECRI strongly preferred)
• Deep understanding of foundational skills reading instruction
• Experience working in a diverse, urban environment (preferred)
• Knowledge of and experience using SEI strategies and other approaches to differentiated instruction
• Extensive knowledge of the MA ELA curriculum frameworks/standards
• Strong content and pedagogical knowledge in ELA
• Experience with standards‑based practices and effective use of student data
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and effectively with teachers
• Experienced in matching student needs to appropriate core and Tier II interventions
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and effectively with colleagues
• Bilingual candidates and candidates of…