Job Purpose
The Reading Teacher is responsible for providing specialized reading instruction to students, assessing their reading abilities, and developing tailored reading programs to improve reading proficiency. They will work with students individually or in small groups to address their unique reading needs.
Duties and Responsibilities
Primary job duties and responsibilities:
- Conducts comprehensive reading assessments to determine students' reading levels, strengths, and areas needing improvement. Uses assessment data to develop individualized reading plans.
- Creates and implements effective reading instruction plans that align with students' reading abilities and interests. Designs engaging lessons that incorporate various reading strategies, including phonics, fluency, comprehension, and vocabulary development.
- Provides targeted reading instruction to students in small groups or individually, focusing on their specific reading needs and goals.
- Identifies struggling readers and develops intervention plans to help them catch up to grade-level reading expectations.
- Selects appropriate reading materials, textbooks, and instructional resources to support reading instruction, considering students' age, reading level, and interests.
- Continuously assesses and tracks students' reading progress using various assessment tools.
- Adjusts instructions and interventions based on ongoing data analysis.
- Incorporates technology tools and software to enhance reading instruction and engage students in digital reading experiences.
- Works closely with classroom teachers, special education staff, and parents to create a cohesive support system for struggling readers.
- Stays current with best practices in reading instruction by attending workshops, conferences, and training sessions. Share knowledge with colleagues.
- Maintains open and effective communication with parents or guardians, providing regular updates on their child's reading progress and offering guidance on how to support reading development at home.
- Fosters a passion for reading by creating a positive reading culture in the school, including organizing reading events, book clubs, and promoting library resources.
Qualifications, Education and Experience
Necessary and desirable qualifications include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Must have a passion for improving educational opportunities for urban students and for building a strong, mission-driven organization.
- Commitment to continued personal and professional growth, and a commitment to the company’s mission, vision, and growth.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills are essential for effectively collaborating with diverse stakeholders, including parents, teachers, and students.
- Patience, empathy, and the ability to work with diverse student populations.
- Demonstrated ability to analyze data and use it to inform instruction.
- In-depth knowledge of reading development, literacy strategies, and instructional methodologies.
- Education Preferred:
- Bachelor's degree in education, Reading, or a related field (Master's degree preferred).
- Valid teaching certification with a specialization in reading education (e.g., Reading Specialist).
- Experience Preferred:
- Previous teaching experience, particularly in reading instruction, is highly desirable for this role.
- Experience in conducting reading assessments and developing individualized reading plans is a plus.
Working Conditions
This job is performed in a generally clean and healthy office environment.
Physical Requirements
The usual and customary methods of performing the job’s functions require the following physical demands: some lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling; and significant fine finger dexterity.
Reasonable accommodations can be made to employees with qualified disabilities who can perform the essential functions of the job, so long as there is no undue hardship created upon the organization or other employees within the organization.
Supervision Received
Occasional, minimal guidance, but follows established work methods.
Direct Reports
None.
Conclusion
This job description is intended to convey information essential to understanding the scope of the job and the general nature and level of work performed within this job. However, this job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties, qualifications, or physical demands associated with the position.
