High School Literacy Reading Support Specialist

Chicago Public Schools (CPS) is the third-largest school district in the United States, serving over 350,000 students in 600+ schools and employing nearly 36,000 people, most of them teachers. CPS has set ambitious goals to ensure that every student, in every school and every neighborhood, has access to a world-class learning experience that prepares each for success in college, career, and civic life. In order to fulfill this mission, we make three commitments to our students, their families, and all Chicagoans: academic progress, financial stability, and integrity. Six core values are embedded within these commitments â€" student-centered, whole child, equity, academic excellence, community partnership, and continuous learning.

The HS Literacy Specialist provides support and guidance on the implementation of the Wilson Reading Program and Just Words at high schools in Chicago Public Schools. This position is grant-funded and will contribute to developing systems and structures that support the Chicago Student Success Initiative (CSSI), a collaborative effort between CPS and the University of Chicago Education Lab to develop a comprehensive strategy to design, implement and evaluate Option School models that will meet the needs of students who are facing significant barriers to high school graduation. The specialist will support both district-run and Options schools.

Key Responsibilities :

The specialist will support implementation of the Wilson Reading Program, Wilson Just Words, and other reading intervention programs at the high school level. This work includes the ability to:

• Provide direct, weekly support to teachers at a portfolio of schools
  
  
• Coaching teachers in the use of Wilson (and, potentially, other reading interventions)
  
  
• Collecting, analyzing, and responding to student and classroom level data, including universal and targeted screenings
  
  
• Modeling and supporting the use of effective, research-based instructional practices that are guided by evidence and aligned to Wilson (and other reading intervention programs)
  
  
• Work collaboratively with school-based leadership teams to drive data-informed instructional planning, including intervention program size and design;
  
  
• Be accountable for targeted outcomes and school, network, and district goals
  
  
• Support professional development, including professional learning communities
  
  
• Collaborate within the Office of Teaching & Learning and across Central and Network Offices and schools to ensure alignment and coherence of district priorities
  
  
• Perform related duties as required to support the priorities of the Department of Literacy
  
  

Job Requirements:

Education and Experience Required

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field of study required. Master’s degree in English, Education, Reading, or related field preferred.
  
  
• Valid teaching certificate (Type 03, Type 09) issued by the Illinois State Board of Education with appropriate grade level and content level endorsement. LBSI, ESL, or Bilingual Endorsement a plus.
  
  
• A minimum of 5 years of high school English teaching experience; leadership experience preferred.
  
  
• A minimum of 3 years working with adult learners, including designing, facilitating, and evaluating professional learning needs of teachers preferred.
  
  
• Candidates should have one or more of the following:
  
  
  • Certification as a Reading Teacher
    
    
  • Certification as a Reading Specialist
    
    
  • Wilson Level 1 certification
    
    
  • Experience with Wilson or other reading intervention programs, preferably at the high school or middle school level, but K-5 considered
    
    
  • Experience as a high school department chair or instructional coach in middle or high school
    
    

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Experience working with culturally and linguistically diverse student populations
  
  
• Expertise in the Common Core State Standards for Language Arts
  
  
• Ability to define problems, analyze data, and develop action plans as part of a continuous improvement cycle
  
  
• Experience designing and leading adult professional learning experiences
  
  
• Excellent communication skills and strong leadership skills
  
  
• Proven track record of success and a clear focus on results
  
  
• Strong Microsoft Office (Word, Power Point, Excel, etc.) and G Suite skills for creating and communicating through reports and presentations
  
  

• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and drive multiple projects concurrently, both independently and as a member of a team
  
  
• Sense of urgency in accomplishing goals and objectives to ensure success
  
  
• Initiative to identify challenges and recommend solutions; identifies, documents, and shares best practices
  
  

Residency Requirement :

As a condition of employment with the Chicago Public Schools (CPS), employees are required to live within the geographic boundaries of the City of Chicago within six months of his or her CPS hire date and maintain residency throughout their employment with the district.