Literacy Specialist-Middle Position Available In Middlesex, Massachusetts

Literacy Specialist-Middle
Newton Public Schools
Day Middle School – Newton, Massachusetts This job is also posted in Newton Public Schools (MA)
Job Details

Job ID:

5239534

Application Deadline:

Posted until filled

Posted:

Jun 16, 2025

Starting Date:

Aug 27, 2025
Job Description

Department:

Teaching and Learning
FLSA Status (Exempt/Non-exempt): Exempt; Unit A
Reports to: Principal/ Middle School Literacy Coordinator
In compliance with state and federal laws, newton public schools is committed to equity, anti-racism and a nondiscrimination policy for students, employees and prospective applicants. All educational and employment determinations are based on an individual’s qualifications and achievements without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, pregnancy, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, ancestry, homelessness, physical or mental disability, veteran status, or any other basis prohibited by state and/or federal statute.

SUMMARY:

The literacy specialist is responsible for helping every child in the school develop strong reading, writing, speaking and listening skills. He or she provides and leads literacy instruction and assessment, through a combination of coaching, intervention, and coordination of assessment and Tier I and Tier II support services.

Qualifications:

Required Qualifications:

K-12 Reading Specialist License and valid Massachusetts teaching license
Master’s Degree in Education with concentration or additional coursework in Literacy/Reading
Three or more years of recent experience teaching at the upper elementary or middle school level
Current knowledge of research and effective practices in the areas of literacy development, literacy instruction, assessment, and professional development
Excellent interpersonal skills and flexible, responsive work style

Desired Qualifications:

Experience coaching and collaborating with teachers
Familiarity and experience with “Units of Study in Opinion/Argument, Information, and Narrative Writing, 6-8 Series,” edited by Lucy Calkins
Familiarity with the Scholastic Reading Inventory and Qualitative Reading Inventory
Familiarity and experience with the iReady Diagnostic reading assessment and online instruction platform
Familiarity and experience with a balanced literacy framework, including:reading and writing workshop guided reading, strategy groups and book clubs running records
Experience writing and teaching curriculum using an Understanding by Design framework
Experience collaborating and problem solving with teachers
Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities (Not Limited To):
Provide leadership for school and district-wide literacy programs
Provide professional development by training, coaching, and supporting teachers and paraprofessionals with literacy programs and instructional
practices
Support Newton’s curriculum and professional development by modeling best practices, coaching teachers and encouraging reflective practice
Serve as a resource in the area of reading and writing for paraprofessionals, teachers, administrators and the community
Work cooperatively and collaboratively with other professionals across content areas in planning instruction to meet the needs of diverse learners
Provide and support literacy assessment and data analysis
Provide direct instruction and targeted intervention to struggling readers (fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension focus)
Meet regularly with team of middle school literacy specialists and middle school literacy coordinator
Consistent, reliable and punctual attendance is essential for supervision and instruction of the students
Responsible for implementing “other job related duties” as needed

Work Environment & Physical Requirements:

Work Environment:

Majority of work is performed in a school/classroom environment. The noise level in the environment is usually moderate. Regular attendance is a necessary and essential function. Rarely absent or late unless the situation is of an emergency nature.

Physical Requirements:

While performing the duties of this job the teacher is frequently required to kneel, stoop, bend, and crouch. The teacher is periodically required to stand;while talking and listening. The teacher is occasionally required to sit; walk; lift; or carry.

Position Type:

Part-Time
Job Requirements
At least 1 year(s) of relevant experience preferred.
Postgraduate Certificate degree preferred.
Citizenship, residency or work visa required