Elementary Reading Specialist

About the role

Discover a purposeful and meaningful career that transforms the lives of students and changes the trajectory of their future. Find a nurturing community that values people, ethical practices, passion, and creativity.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Leadership and Supervision:
  • Assists the Head of Elementary in the implementation of the Elementary Three-Year Plan
  • Coordinates with the Curriculum Specialist to offer follow-up support
  • Provides professional development and resources to staff and adult education to the Parish community
• Instructional:
  • Demonstrates understanding and implementation of the 7 Skills of Discipline aligned with the Conscious Discipline approach
  • Plans and implements individualized reading program in small groups, one on one, or whole class
  • Contributes to academic reporting three times per year as a part of a multi-disciplinary team
  • Consults and collaborates with the instructional team in planning instruction
• Professional:
  • Collaborates with case manager in preparation of student and family information for round table meeting(s)
  • Participates in collaborative committee team meetings, parent conferences, and other team meetings as needed
  • Fulfills professional development requirements as outlined by the school
  • Maintains student records and professional licensure as required by law, establishment's policy, and administrative regulations
  • Provides counseling and guidance on reading to parents and other staff members
  • Participates in select committees as needed
  • Fosters a positive work culture

Competencies & Attributes

• An empathetic person who is able to problem solve complex situations with staff and families
• An individual who possesses an appreciation for the history and traditions of The Parish School as well as the ability to articulate the school’s values and aspirations to current stakeholders and external audiences
• A detail-oriented individual with the ability to organize and a working style that is conducive to managing multiple projects with differing priorities and timelines for completion, delegating and coaching as is appropriate
• Knowledge of special student populations, current trends and practices within the field of dyslexia and special education, and best practices for reading intervention with students who have learning differences
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, including the ability to speak compellingly on behalf of an organization
• Ensures a safe and secure environment for all staff and students by proactively monitoring facilities, enforcing safety protocols, and responding promptly to potential hazards or incidents, including during all drills
• A proactive self-starter who thinks broadly and sees the “big picture,” and whose approach to collaboration promotes transparency, encourages the development and execution of new ideas, and supports prudent change
• A strong passion for lifelong learning and a desire to continue professional development

Education/Experience

• Master’s Degree in Education, Special Education, or related field
• A minimum of two years’ experience teaching students with dyslexia
• Completion of a basic dyslexia intervention course

Work Environment

• The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• The employee is required to:
• Occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds
• Use hands to finger, handle, feel or type
• Talk and hear, both in person and by telephone or virtual conference
• Stand, walk, sit, reach, climb or balance and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl

Physical Demands

• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• The employee is required to:
• Occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds
• Use hands to finger, handle, feel or type
• Talk and hear, both in person and by telephone or virtual conference
• Stand, walk, sit, reach, climb or balance and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl

About The Parish School

Since 1983, The Parish School has educated children ages 2–12 who have communication delays and learning differences, empowering them with the tools to succeed. This nationally recognized, special needs school in Houston, Texas provides an education for the entire family within the environment of a nurturing and safe 17-acre campus with on-site pediatric therapy clinic, The Carruth Center. Our personalized academic approach—with a focus on communication skills, social learning, independence, nature and the arts—allows children to thrive and grow. The Parish School is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, gender or religious affiliation.