2026-2027 Reading Specialists

Petersburg City Public Schools (PCPS) Reading Specialists provide school-level leadership in reading by collaborating with classroom teachers, administrators, and central office staff to plan and implement quality ELA instruction and tiered interventions for students needing differentiated support.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with teachers through co-planning, demonstration teaching, co-teaching, and coaching to improve student outcomes in ELA.
• Support teachers in understanding and delivering the Virginia Standards of Learning (SOL) in reading through collaborative planning, including unpacking standards, writing aligned learner objectives, and using district-aligned curriculum resources.
• Assist teachers in creating aligned formative assessments; collect, analyze, and interpret assessment data; and design or select targeted, developmentally appropriate interventions for students at each performance tier.
• Facilitate the use of research-based instructional strategies, including differentiated instruction for diverse learners, to help students progress from concrete to representational to abstract thinking.
• Act as a liaison among classroom teachers, intervention/resource teachers, and other supplemental service providers for ELA instruction.
• Analyze and use data to identify professional development needs; plan and deliver staff development activities aligned with the PCPS Strategic Plan, Corrective Action Plan, and school improvement goals.
• Assist administration in identifying school strengths and weaknesses in ELA and support initiatives to maximize student engagement and achievement.
• Model appropriate selection and use of technology to support ELA instruction.
• Provide professional development to teachers using collaborative investigations, discussion groups, book/lesson study, modeling, or other methods that engage adult learners.
• Conduct non-evaluative observations of ELA teaching to provide evidence-based feedback and improve instruction.
• Collaborate on extended learning opportunities in ELA, such as field trips, after-school activities, family events, and summer programs.
• Participate in professional development for personal growth and share new learning with colleagues.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Master’s degree in English or Reading.
• At least three years of successful full-time classroom teaching in a public school, preferably at multiple grade levels where teaching reading was a key responsibility.
• Professional development leadership experience and participation in reading education opportunities are desirable.
• Virginia Postgraduate Professional License or eligibility for Virginia licensure.
• Virginia endorsement as a reading specialist or eligibility for such endorsement.

Skills

• Knowledge of Title I regulations, NCTE standards, Virginia Standards of Learning (including Curriculum Framework and assessments), the PCPS Strategic Plan, and School Improvement Plan.
• Advanced knowledge of English/Reading education content, concepts, principles, and methodologies in a public-school setting.
• Knowledge of current curriculum development theory, program implementation, learning theory, and research in education.
• Ability to plan and deliver instruction using research-based practices, assess student learning through data analysis, and select appropriate strategies to meet individual or group needs.
• Demonstrated ability to use technology to support reading instruction and job performance.
• Leadership qualities and personal characteristics necessary for effective collaboration with students, teachers, and administrators in various settings.
• Strong organizational, collaborative, and professional communication skills in oral, written, and presentation formats.

Pay

$62,983–$96,348

Schedule

11-month contract (220 days)

Working Conditions

Duties are performed in an office environment with no unusual physical demands. Reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities who are otherwise qualified to perform the essential functions of this role.