Reading Specialist

General Responsibilities

Under the direction of the principal, the position is responsible for supporting the implementation of evidence-based literacy instruction and a structured literacy program at the assigned school through instructional coaching, the facilitation of professional learning, and the delivery of instruction to students. In addition, the position collaborates with school administrators and classroom teachers to coordinate and oversee the development and implementation of reading plans for students not meeting literacy benchmarks including intervention services and progress monitoring. Finally, the Reading Specialist prioritizes supporting the implementation of a structured literacy program and effective Tier I-III instruction through coaching to include, but not limited to, co-teaching, co-planning, facilitating professional learning and professional learning communities (PLCs), modeling instruction, and providing observation non-evaluative instructional feedback.

Essential Functions

• Remain current in content state requirements for instruction, pedagogy, standards, and standards of learning to facilitate evidence-based literacy instruction in all classrooms for all students.
• Provide curriculum support and professional learning for all teachers and staff members aligned to evidence-based literacy, High-Quality Instructional Materials (HQIM), and progress towards the goals outlined in the division's literacy plan and the school's Plan for Continuous Improvement.
• Participate in collaborative instructional planning aligned to the Teaching and Learning Framework and Virginia Beach City Public Schools (VBCPS) curriculum.
• Be knowledgeable of assessment tools, including state and local assessments; provide ongoing training and feedback as necessary.
• Collaborate with and coach teachers on the use of assessment data to plan instruction; analyze data and plan for future literacy needs to include individual student reading plans and the identification of trends to guide teacher support and PLCs.
• Provide support with assessing students using a variety of measures to determine specific instructional needs.
• Support the development of student reading plans and participate in Student Response Team (SRT) meetings, including the selection of effective instructional strategies intended to target specific student needs, the implementation of intervention, and the monitoring of student progress.
• Provide targeted instruction aligned to student data to enrich, accelerate, and intervene as needed.
• Collaborate with the building administrator to discuss ongoing building needs and how to transfer professional learning from monthly meetings to teachers and staff.
• Model and engage in coaching cycles using evidence-based instructional practices in a variety of settings (whole and small group) and provide follow-up support.
• Participate in learning walks and provide feedback to teachers and administrators on the effectiveness of evidence-based literacy instruction.
• Serve as a liaison between the school and the Department of Teaching and Learning by attending meetings and disseminating information in a timely manner.
• Maintain an organized system in an accessible location for the storage and circulation of reading and writing materials.
• Maintain a comprehensive inventory of instructional materials and resources.
• Assist with planning and delivery of family engagement opportunities and information sessions involving the literacy program.
• Collaborate with other coaches in the building to support opportunities for integration.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of VBCPS curriculum and evidence-based literacy instruction, policies, and knowledge of the needs of students requiring reading and writing intervention; thorough understanding of the teaching and learning process; ability to provide instruction that reflects multiple perspectives, culturally responsive teaching, and equitable practices; ability to purposefully infuse technology into curriculum; ability to guide and train teachers in effective techniques and strategies; ability to work effectively with administrators, colleagues, central office, school-based staff, students, parents and community; ability to use diagnostic data to design instruction to meet the needs of the student(s); excellent organizational, communication, and social-emotional skills.

Education

• Required: Master's degree from a state-approved graduate-level reading specialist preparation program from a regionally accredited college or university, and eligible for a Virginia Teaching License with an endorsement as a Reading Specialist.
• Three (3) years of successful classroom teaching experience in which the teaching of reading was the primary responsibility.
• PREFERRED: Experience in the field of literacy education.

Physical Requirements

Must have the use of sensory skills in order to effectively communicate and interact with other employees and the public using digital and personal contact as normally defined by the ability to see, read, talk, hear, handle, or feel objects and controls. Frequent sitting, walking, bending, grasping, repetitive motion, and reaching. Occasional standing, stooping, crouching, and kneeling. Ability to lift up to 20 pounds frequently and up to 50 pounds occasionally. Requires timely and regular adherence to established work schedules.

Special Requirements

• Possession of a valid driver's license.

Salary Range

$57,801 - $90,347

Benefits

• Full range of benefits including health insurance, paid life insurance, paid sick/personal reasons leave, tuition reimbursement, professional development and membership in the Virginia Retirement System.

Alternative Formats

Alternative formats of this application which may include taped, Braille, or large print materials are available upon request for individuals with disabilities. Call or write the Department of Human Resources, Virginia Beach City Public Schools, 2512 George Mason Drive, P.O. Box 6038, Virginia Beach, VA 23456-0038. Telephone: (757) 263-1133 (voice); (757) 263-1240 (TDD) or email at: vbcpshr@vbschools.com.