Reading Specialist​/Special Education

Reading Specialist

Certification(s): NJ Certificate of Reading Specialist

Reports to:

Principal, Executive Director Summary The reading specialist supports, supplements and extends classroom teaching and works collaboratively to implement a quality reading program that is research-based, data driven and meets the individual needs of students. Primary Function:
Instructs assigned pupils in accordance with curriculum adopted by The Center School. Major Duties and Performance Responsibilities (not exhaustive) Content Area Assess students' skills to determine their needs and to develop teaching plans. Adapt lessons to meet the needs of students. Teach and mentor students as a class, in small groups, and one-on-one. Teach small groups of students in specific skills to help them improve their reading ability.

Work with the classroom teacher to co-teach struggling readers. Consult with teachers to see how to best meet the needs of struggling readers. Plan and conduct activities for a balanced program of instruction, demonstration, and work time that provides students with opportunities to observe, question, and investigate. Assign and grade class work and homework within the reading program. Demonstrates competence in subject field(s) assigned.

Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment Implements the school's goals, objectives, and policies, and the state's goals and requirements. Implements personal, building, and department goals. Instructs students as outlined in the school approved curriculum. Creates lessons and instructional opportunities taking into consideration the planning process, classroom environment, and instructional needs of the students. Administer standardized ability and achievement tests, collect data, interpret results, and determine students' strengths and areas of needs.

Create and administer performance-based assessments in order to evaluate students' learning progress and use data to drive instruction. Recommends to the immediate supervisor updates to or changes in policies and/or procedures relating to the implementation of the educational program in the school. Creates a positive image of the school and promotes the best learning and teaching climate possible. Creates a classroom environment that is conducive to learning and appropriate to the maturity, interests, and special needs of students.

Employs instructional methods and materials that are most appropriate for meeting stated objectives. Monitors administration of assessments to ensure that students are following procedures as outlined as well as maintaining security and confidentiality for all assessments. Prepares for classes assigned and develops lesson plans related to established curriculum and IEP goals and objectives. Establish clear objectives for all lessons, units, and projects, and communicate those objectives to students.

Professional Development Utilizes the school approved evaluation process for self-reflection and personal growth. Attends school-sponsored professional development opportunities. Seeks professional development opportunities outside of the school district for areas of professional interest or need. Attends all mandated school-wide ½ day professional development days. School-wide/Building Procedures Follows policy and procedures related to school safety practices. Follows policies and procedures as outlined in the Center School staff policy manual.

Conducts extra help sessions as needed. Implements guidelines and procedures as outlined for school trips and other functions off school grounds. Attends special events held to recognize student achievement, and school-sponsored activities, functions, and events connected to the position. Perform student supervision duties such as, but not limited to, assisting in hall duty, cafeteria monitoring, recess monitoring, bus arrival and dismissal procedures.

Plan, attend, supervise class projects, field trips, guest speaker visits, and other experiential activities, and guide students in learning from those activities. Establishes and maintains, with the support of administrators, standards of pupil behavior appropriate to school code of conduct and Center School student policy manual. Maintain accurate and complete student records as required by state laws, district policies, and administrative regulations.

Ability to verbally and physically de-escalate acting out students using approved CPI training methods. Instruct and monitor students in the use and care of equipment and materials in order to prevent injuries and damage. Special

Education:

Demonstrates competence in special education and the academic subject field(s) assigned. Implement IEPs, assess students' performance and growth, and track progress. Provides instruction to classified pupils in accordance with each pupil's individualized education program. Employs instructional methods and materials that are most appropriate for meeting stated teaching objectives, and student individual education plan (IEP)…