Reading Specialist

Reporting to the Director, Education Program Services, the Reading Specialist works collaboratively with the core academic teachers to plan, facilitate, and coordinate the implementation of standards-based and research-driven instruction in early literacy. The Reading Specialist provides staff with resources, supports them in implementing curriculum and interventions, and guides their instructional practices in reading through mentoring, modeling, and professional learning coaching.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

Professional Development & Teacher Training

• Designs and delivers professional development on early literacy best practices, including phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension.
• Trains teachers on evidence-based reading instruction aligned with the Science of Reading.
• Models effective literacy instruction through demonstration lessons and co-teaching.
• Provides ongoing coaching and feedback to teachers through classroom observations and instructional rounds.
• Guides teachers in using data-driven instruction to tailor lessons for diverse learners.
  
  

Curriculum & Instructional Support

• Supports and implements a structured, systematic early literacy curriculum that supports all students.
• Identifies and recommends high-quality instructional materials that align with research-based literacy instruction.
• Supports teachers in implementing structured literacy approaches, including explicit phonics instruction.
• Collaborates with teachers to develop lesson plans and intervention strategies for struggling readers.
  
  

Intervention & Support for Struggling Readers

• Designs and oversees tiered intervention strategies for students who need additional support MTSS.
• Works with teachers to implement small-group or one-on-one interventions for students at risk of reading difficulties.
• Trains teachers in explicit and systematic phonics instruction to prevent reading struggles.
• Collaborates with special education teacher and the Acceleration Manager to support diverse learners.
  
  

Library Support

• Manages and organizes the library's collection of books, magazines, and journals.
• Assists students, staff, and library users in finding and using these resources effectively, promoting information literacy, digital citizenship, and collaborative learning, develops, organizes, and conducts a comprehensive reading intervention program for students in grades K-12.
  
  

Collaboration & Advocacy

• Serves as a liaison between teachers, administrators, and district leaders on literacy initiatives.
• Stays updated on research-based best practices and communicate findings to staff.
• Advocates for policies that support early literacy development.
• Works with teachers and leadership to ensure a cohesive, department-wide approach to early literacy instruction.
  
  

Performs other duties as assigned to support the efficient operation of the department. (5%)

Educational, Experience And Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in education, liberal studies or a related field is required.
• Minimum 3 years of prior experience working with RTI programs, as a reading specialist/interventionist or closely related work is required.
  
  

Knowledge, Skills And Abilities (ksa)

• Must be willing and capable to learn the Serrano language.
• Knowledge of and experience with Indian Tribes is preferred.
• Demonstrated commitment to students and learning.
• Excellent relationship-building and collaborative skills.
• Strong problem-solving and consensus-building skills.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills with demonstrated ability to write clearly and persuasively.
• Excellent organization, time management and follow-up skills; high sense of urgency; demonstrated ability to successfully handle multiple projects concurrently.
  
  

LICENSES, CERTIFICATIONS AND REGISTRATIONS

• California teaching credential is required.
• Reading and Literacy Leadership Specialist Credential is preferred.
• As a condition of employment, candidates and incumbents are required to pass pre- and post-employment screening including Live-Scan, background, drug testing, and tuberculosis (TB) testing.
• No Driving Responsibilities: Role does not require a driver’s license or insurance.
  
  

Reasonable accommodation will be made in compliance with all applicable law.

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