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Job Description
POSITION
READING
SPECIALIST LOCATION
Manassas Park Middle School SALARY:
Teacher Scale - 220
Days HOURS:
Full Time, 7.5 Hours per day
POSITION LENGTH
220 Days
FLSA STATUS
Exempt
IMMEDIATE SUPERVISOR
School Administrators
JOB SUMMARY
The Reading Specialist supports all areas of student literacy; from guiding student and teacher success with implementation of High-Quality Instructional Materials (HQIM) and Tier I instruction, supporting teachers with and overseeing effective data analysis and Tier II strategy/skill lessons, to advising and/or implementing Tier III interventions where needed. The Reading Specialist provides guidance and feedback to all stakeholders around student progress toward SOL-aligned goals. The Reading Specialist actively participates as a member of the larger division-wide Reading Specialist cohort.
REQUISITE EDUCATION AND SKILLS
Valid Virginia Department of Education license with an endorsement in Reading Specialist (or ability to obtain endorsement) A Master's degree in reading or a Master's degree with a reading endorsement. Three (3) years of successful classroom teaching experience in which the teaching of reading was an important responsibility. Knowledge of current research and best practices in the field of reading and writing. Experience in computer technology and data management programs. Must demonstrate effective knowledge of and be sensitive to the needs of a diverse student population. Ability to develop effective relationships with students, parents and school personnel. Knowledge of current trends in reading education, science of reading, and Virginia legislation relevant to literacy education.
ESSENTIAL JOB RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES
(including but not limited to the following) Complies with all school laws, State Board of Education regulations, and all policies and regulations made by the School Board and Superintendent. Performs all duties deemed necessary by the School Board and Superintendent for the efficient and successful operation of the school system. Actively pursues professional development and consistently attends meetings convened by or endorsed by division staff, the Superintendent and/or Principal. Performs other related duties as may be assigned by the Principal, to ensure the efficient and effective functioning of the work unit. Maintains inventory of all reading materials, including specialized materials for testing and remediation.
Data and Intervention Management:
Oversees administration of universal screeners and progress monitoring checks for students receiving targeted or intensive intervention. Analyzes data from universal screeners and progress monitoring checks to determine which students qualify for interventions, the area(s) of literacy in which an intervention is needed, what interventions will be given, and frequency of those interventions. Schedules and monitors the progress of students who qualify for intervention and/or a Student Reading Plan. Uses Data-Based Decision Making to implement interventions and measures the progress of those interventions. Supports and manages Student Reading Plans in collaboration with homeroom teachers and
ESOL/SPED
teachers as applicable. Supports communication of information regarding the Student Reading Plans with parents or guardians. Analyzes data at the school, grade, and classroom level to identify areas of need for teacher/student support and/or professional development. Has knowledge of and is able to administer various reading diagnostic assessments. Supports and coaches reading interventionists. Provides struggling readers with targeted intervention support. Supports teachers and parents in understanding the nature of students' reading challenge(s) and nature of prescribed remediation strategies. Coordinates the administration of literacy assessments, analyzes assessment data, and monitors and tracks student progress. Professional Development & Coaching Leads professional development on HQIM curriculum, Virginia Standards of Learning, Evidence-Based Literacy Instruction (EBLI), and the Science of Reading (SoR). Maintains up-to-date knowledge of best practices in literacy and state requirements. Supports the implementation of core curriculum, classroom-based interventions, universal screeners, and platforms through Professional Development presentations, model lessons, observation and feedback, and/or co-planning. Assists regular classroom teachers, ELL teachers, and special education teachers with the identification and implementation of effective reading strategies through staff development and modeling.
Please note:
the percentage of responsibilities of data intervention, professional development, and coaching will be designated in partnership with division staff and the building principal. This may vary from building to building.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
This position operates in a professional school environment that includes classrooms, gymnasiums, cafeterias, auditoriums, and outdoor learning or recreational areas. The work environment involves noise levels that may range from low to moderate and requires frequent walking, standing, and movement throughout the school day. Occasional climbing, kneeling, or crouching may also be required. Periods of sitting are common while preparing lessons, grading assignments, or completing administrative tasks. The position may require lifting or moving instructional materials, classroom supplies, or equipment weighing up to 10 pounds on a regular basis and occasionally up to 25 pounds or more. Regular use of computers, interactive whiteboards, projectors, printers, and other instructional technologies is required to support teaching and learning. Clear verbal communication, active listening, and visual attentiveness are essential for delivering instruction and ensuring student safety. The role involves daily interaction with students and regular collaboration with colleagues, administrators, and families. Occasional travel between school sites or participation in supervised field trips may also be required. Teachers must be able to manage multiple responsibilities and adapt to the demands of a dynamic, fast-paced educational environment.
CLEARANCES
(Conditions for employment): Criminal Justice Fingerprint/Background Clearance Tuberculosis Screening
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
The Manassas Park City School Board is an equal opportunity employer, committed to nondiscrimination in recruitment, selection, hiring, pay, promotion, retention or and other personnel actions affecting employees or candidates for employment. Therefore, discrimination in employment against any person on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, ancestry, political affiliation, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, age, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, marital status, military status, genetic information or disability is prohibited, as required by federal and state laws and regulations. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position. This job description is intended to reflect the general nature and level of work performed by the employee. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, skills, or working conditions associated with the position. Management reserves the right to modify, add, or remove duties and to assign other responsibilities as necessary.