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Reading Specialist

Employer
Next Door Foundation
Location
Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Position Title: Reading Specialist   

Position Overview

Under the supervision of the Director of Educational Services, the Reading Specialist is responsible for implementing a comprehensive literacy program at Next Door through coaching on curriculum implementation, supporting, and guiding teachers in best practices for literacy instruction and providing professional development for teachers on reading practices.

Responsibilities/Duties/Functions/Tasks

  • Provide direct instruction to students, individually or in small groups, to enable students to develop literacy skills as needed.
  • Provide curriculum support and training for all teachers and continuous staff development that supports Next Door initiatives.
  • Collaborate with Instructional coaches in supporting teachers literacy activities.
  • Model and coach instructional methods in a variety of settings (whole group and small group) and provide follow-up support.
  • Collaborate with and coach teachers on the use of assessment data to plan instruction; analyze school literacy data and plan for future literacy needs
  • Provide ongoing training and follow-up in the use of assessment tools.
  • Select instructional materials to meet student needs.
  • Participate in collaborative instructional planning.
  • Assess students using a variety of measures to determine appropriate placement and specific instructional need as needed.
  • Conduct classroom visitations and provides feedback to teachers and administrators on Next Door’s literacy program.
  • Maintain an organized system and accessible location for the storage and circulation of reading and writing materials.
  • Maintain a comprehensive inventory of instructional materials and resources.
  • Assist with the planning and delivery of parent workshops and informational sessions involving the language arts program.
  • Participate in parent conferences as requested and provide instructional suggestions.
  •  Identify literature for use in all content areas in support of the curriculum.
  • Perform other duties as assigned. 

Accountability and Performance Requirement

All staff members are accountable for knowing and performing the responsibilities associated with their individual position in an efficient and effective manner, understanding that each of us plays an integral role in the success of our mission.  All staff will support the agency mission, vision, standards of conduct/code of ethics and strategic directions and support administrative decisions.  This is demonstrated by maintaining a positive work environment, and by behaving and communicating in an appropriate manner with children, families, coworkers, supervisors and the public while achieving performance expectations.

 

 

Qualifications

  • Reading License (Wisconsin 316/1316 or equivalent).
  • 3-5 years of experience working in a school setting.
  • Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
  • Strong data analysis skills.
  • Excellent organizational skills.
  • Ability to work independently in a deadline-oriented, team-based environment.
  • Strong interpersonal and skills.
  • Ability to work collaboratively with colleagues.  
  • Comfortable using personal computers and software programs; proficiency with MS Office, including Work, Excel and PowerPoint.   
  • Ability to work effectively with a diverse population and low-income individuals.
  • Time management skills.
  • Ability to keep current on the science of reading and brain development.
  • Ability to have regular use of an insured privately owned vehicle on a daily basis to travel between Next Door sites.
  • Possession of a valid driver’s license and a driving record meeting the driver selection standards as established by Next Door if using a vehicle.
  • Automobile insurance with liability limit of $100,000/$25,000 per Next Door.

Special Position Requirements:

  • Knowledge of reading curriculum and techniques for integrating curriculum and effective instructional practices.
  • Knowledge of the needs of students who are beginning readers.
  • Thorough understanding of the teaching and learning process.
  • Ability to provide instruction that reflects multiple perspectives and multicultural education.
  • Ability to infuse technology into curriculum.
  • Ability to guide and train teachers in effective techniques and strategies.
  • Ability to work effectively with administrators, colleagues, school staff, students, parents and community.
  • Ability to use diagnostic data to tailor instruction to meet the needs of the student(s).

Preferences: N/A

Work Requirements:

  • Must be able to work occasional evening and weekends as required. 

Safety and Health

Next Door is committed to providing a safe work environment and to fostering the well-being and health of its employees. An essential part of each employees’ job is the development of safe working practices and the observance of safety rules, including:

  • Following safety warnings and directions at all times.
  • Using personal safety devices when required.
  • Reporting any unsafe conditions to supervisor.
  • Following process for reporting suspected child abuse and neglect.
  • Reporting unsupervised children, after ensuring child’s safety.

 Physical Demands

  • Must be able to lift 30 pounds. 

Physical Activity:

  • Regularly required to site/stand and move freely throughout the day. Must also climb stairs and walk frequently, with bending, twisting and reaching.  Must be alert with good vision, with the ability to hear, speak and read. 

Work Environment:  

  • Must be able to work occasional evening and weekends as required.
  • Classroom and office setting.

Personal Physiological:

Ability to respond quickly and competently to an emergency or crisis situation in order to keep children and staff safe.

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