Reading Specialist, Salem Public Schools, Salem, MA [SY 2026-2027]

Reading Specialist, Salem Public Schools, Salem, MA [

SY 2026-2027

] Salem Public Schools District Wide

• Salem, Massachusetts This job is also posted in Salem Public Schools Job Details

Job ID:

5780541

Application Deadline:

Posted until filled

Posted:

Yesterday

Starting Date:

Aug 24, 2026 Job Description Reading Specialist, Salem Public Schools, Salem, MA [

SY 2026-2027

] About Salem Public Schools, where belonging leads to opportunity. Salem is a small, diverse city with a proud maritime and immigrant history. Salem Public Schools is an urban public school district enrolling nearly 4,000 students in 10 schools. Our vision is to ensure that all students will be locally engaged, globally connected, and fully prepared to thrive in a diverse and changing world. We hold dear our core values of belonging, equity, and opportunity in everything we do. We seek individuals who are passionate about urban education and understand the urgency of improving student achievement for all students, regardless of ability, economic status, gender/gender identity, language, race/ethnicity, sexual orientation, or other backgrounds. We invite you to learn more about our strategic plan and core priorities on our website at https://salemk12.org/.

What You'll Do:

The Reading Specialist position is an excellent opportunity for an experienced literacy specialist or classroom teacher with special expertise in literacy and a passionate interest in how children develop reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills. Reading Specialists work extensively with students to improve specific reading skills and build student capacity to manage the demands of grade-level reading tasks. This teacher helps students develop proficient reading skills that will contribute to their academic growth.

Role:

With focused work underway to support and improve core instruction, the district is intensifying its focus on refining and strengthening Tier 2 interventions in literacy. The Reading Specialist will administer diagnostic assessments; determine appropriate interventions that are data-informed, evidence-based, and coherent with Tier 1 instruction; deliver instruction; and monitor student progress. The role requires close coordination with classroom teachers and the Literacy Coach, as well as other literacy specialists.

Responsibilities:

Administers and scores reading assessments to identify student needs and monitor progress on a predetermined, regular basis Shares data with classroom teacher and the literacy coach In collaboration with the classroom teacher, develops plans for small group instruction (core or Tier II), including determining needs-based grouping, providing resources, and delivering targeted instruction that is data-informed, evidence-based, and coherent with Tier 1 instruction With the Principal and the Literacy Coach, develops a schedule that best meets the needs of the school and students Supports students in classes across the curriculum, including English, Social Studies/History, Science, and other classes where inadequate reading skills interfere with student learning Participates in monthly job-alike meetings with other district Reading Specialists Engages in advanced training opportunities designed to strengthen content knowledge, pedagogy, and coaching skills, as well as knowledge of Dual Language when appropriate Supports the school data team in monitoring progress toward meeting grade-level and school-wide ELA goals

What You'll Bring:

We are looking for candidates who have diverse backgrounds and experiences, are inspired by our mission and are highly motivated to change children's lives through education. You'll be right at home here if you are a reflective practitioner who values collaboration with colleagues and pushes yourself, your work and the people around you to the next level. We expect our SPS employees to: Hold a deep commitment to students and families and value diversity

• The SPS community is vibrant, diverse in background, ethnicity, language, and perspective. You embrace and affirm the backgrounds of all members of the SPS community and view our diversity as a powerful resource that supports us each in learning and doing our best work. Hold high expectations for yourself, students, and colleagues
• You see potential in all, especially our SPS students, and maintain high expectations for achievement, while providing the support necessary to meet that bar. You hold yourself to high expectations, modeling SPS values and seeking opportunities to continuously improve. Build authentic, caring relationships with colleagues, students, and families
• You build strong relationships across students, families, and colleagues that are collaborative in nature and contribute to the individual and collective success of SPS. You partner with families and colleagues to make decisions in the best interest of students and learning. Embrace feedback
• You are a reflective practitioner who learns from failure, using mistakes and challenges as opportunities for growth.

You model persistence and growth mindset and thrive in a culture of feedback.

Job Requirements:

Bachelor's Degree (Required); Master's Degree (Preferred) Required Massachusetts teaching certification/licensure (Reading Specialist licensure is preferred) Three or more years of successful literacy teaching at the elementary level Experience with effectively using and monitoring evidence-based Tier 2 reading interventions (experience with Enhanced Core Reading Instruction

• ECRI strongly preferred) Deep understanding of foundational skills reading instruction Experience working in a diverse, urban environment (preferred) Knowledge of and experience using SEI strategies and other approaches to differentiated instruction Extensive knowledge of the MA ELA curriculum frameworks/standards Strong content and pedagogical knowledge in ELA Experience with standards-based practices and effective use of student data Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and effectively with teachers Experienced in matching student needs to appropriate core and Tier II interventions Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and effectively with colleagues Bilingual candidates and candidates of color strongly encouraged to apply Current authorization to work in the United States Essential Attributes Holds an unwavering belief that every student in Salem can grow and succeed Skilled in providing equitable access to the curriculum, particularly in underserved populations Able to work collaboratively and flexibly as part of a building team Has a strong work ethic, is self-directed, and has the ability to work independently Self-reflects and accepts feedback with a growth mindset

Work Year:

Teachers in Salem Public Schools work a 185 day school year (180 student contact days plus 5 professional development days. Please click here to view the 2026-27 district and/or school calendars.

Salary:

Teacher salaries in the Salem Public Schools are determined by the Salem Teachers Union collective bargaining agreement (2024-2027). Salary information can be found in Appendix A.

Benefits:

The City of Salem offers Group Insurance Commission (GIC) benefits to all full-time employees. Click here for more information about our health benefits. Equal Opportunity Employer Salem Public School District is committed to maintaining a work and learning environment free from discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, pregnancy, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital/civil union status, ancestry, place of birth, age, citizenship status, veteran status, political affiliation, genetic information or disability, as defined and required by state and federal laws. Additionally, we prohibit retaliation against individuals who oppose such discrimination and harassment or who participate in an equal opportunity investigation.

Position Type:

Full-Time

Salary:

$59,719.90 to $116,414 Per Day