Literacy Specialist

Literacy Specialist Bridgeport, CT Job Details Part-time $80 - $100 an hour 21 hours ago Benefits Flexible schedule Qualifications Academic program development Spanish Google Workspace Teacher collaboration Experience with children (3-5 years) Student performance assessment strategies Volunteer management Elementary Education Student record keeping Engaging lesson design (student motivation techniques) Salesforce Cloud Working with children Education Bachelor's degree Literacy education Portuguese Working with students with special education needs Computer skills After-school program experience CRM system proficiency Productivity software Elementary school teaching Special Education Academic program coordination 2 years Entry level K-12 education instructional development Full Job Description About SquashBridge SquashBridge is a unique athletic, educational, and community center in Bridgeport, CT. Our 15,000 square foot facility has 8 international squash courts (including 1 outdoor court), classrooms, a library, and offices. We offer an intensive youth development program and a community squash club for local players, families, and schools. About the Position The Literacy Specialist is a part-time, student-facing educator for SquashBridge Scholars, our after-school program for Bridgeport students in grades 3-5. This role will design, coordinate, and deliver high-quality, structured literacy instruction and intervention, while partnering with program leadership to build and strengthen SquashBridge's literacy model. The Literacy Specialist will also support the development and implementation of literacy programming for SquashBridge's 4-week summer program. Key Responsibilities Structured Literacy Instruction & Intervention Provide small-group and/or 1:1 literacy intervention for students in grades 3-5 using a structured literacy approach (Orton-Gillingham training preferred). Teach foundational reading skills explicitly and systematically (phonemic awareness, decoding/encoding, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension). Design and deliver engaging, developmentally appropriate lessons that build confidence and momentum for striving readers. Assessment, Program Monitoring, and Student Support Review student data and complete basic diagnostic screeners/progress monitoring as needed. Maintain session notes; track students' goals and growth. Communicate student progress and recommended supports with program staff and, as appropriate, caregivers and school partners. Program Design & Implementation Support Partner with the Program Director to design and refine SquashBridge Scholars' literacy model (scope of services, instructional approach, scheduling, materials, and routines). Collaborate with the Academic & Enrichment Coordinator and other program staff to foster a love of reading for program participants. As the program grows, support the onboarding and coordination of additional tutors/volunteers to ensure instructional quality and consistency. Design and adapt literacy curriculum, lessons, and materials for SquashBridge's summer program, ensuring instruction is engaging, age-appropriate, and aligned with students' literacy needs. Support the implementation of summer literacy programming through lesson modeling, staff collaboration, and progress monitoring as needed. Support literacy-themed activities and events, as available.

Qualifications Education:

Bachelor's degree required; graduate coursework/degree in reading, special education, elementary education strongly preferred.

Training:

Orton-Gillingham training/certification strongly preferred. Experience 2+ years of experience supporting elementary-aged youth with literacy instruction or intervention (classroom, tutoring, after-school, etc.). Experience working with striving readers and/or students with dyslexia or language-based learning differences. Experience using structured literacy approaches aligned with the Science of Reading. Skills Strong knowledge of foundational literacy skills and evidence-based reading instruction. Ability to build strong rapport with students while maintaining clear, consistent structure. Organized and reliable; able to plan sessions, manage materials, and document progress.

Comfortable with technology:

Google Workspace, Salesforce, and the ability to learn new systems. Fluency in Spanish and/or Portuguese is highly desirable, but not required. Certifications & Requirements Successful background check and completion of mandated reporter training. Ability to meet the physical demands of supervising active elementary students and moving classroom materials.

Working Conditions Environment:

Primarily on-site at SquashBridge (1691 Main Street, Bridgeport, CT).

Hours:

20 hours/week total. During the school year, the role includes approximately 10 hours on-site Monday-Thursday, 3:30pm-6:00pm, plus approximately 10 flexible hours per week for planning, lesson prep, progress monitoring, and coordination (remote and/or on-site to be scheduled with the Program Director). During the summer, hours and schedule may shift to support summer program planning and implementation. Summer program runs July 20-August 14.

Compensation:

$80-$100/hour, commensurate with experience and training. The Literacy Specialist may also use the SquashBridge facility for private tutoring outside of program hours, subject to facility availability and SquashBridge policies.

Reporting Structure:

Reports to the Program Director.

Projected start date:

April 20, 2026 To apply: Please send a resume to with "Literacy Specialist" in the subject line. Please provide a brief statement of interest in the body of the email. Applications will be reviewed upon receipt. SquashBridge is committed to a policy of non-discrimination and equal opportunity for all employees and qualified applicants without regard to sex, race, color, religion, age, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, or marital status.

Pay:

$80.00 - $100.00 per hour

Work Location:

Hybrid remote in Bridgeport, CT 06604