Literacy Specialist-Middle

Young World Physical Education; Newton (MA); On-site; USD 120,843 - 147,697; Full time

Job summary

Day Middle School in Newton, MA is seeking a Literacy Specialist-Middle to lead literacy programs and support reading/writing across grade levels. The role reports to the Principal and Middle School Literacy Coordinator.

Responsibilities include coaching teachers, providing professional development, and supporting curriculum alignment with literacy best practices. Exempt; Externally funded Ongoing collaboration with staff and community.

Qualifications

• K-12 Reading Specialist License and valid Massachusetts teaching license.
• Master’s Degree in Education with concentration or coursework in Literacy/Reading.
• Three or more years of recent experience teaching at the upper elementary or middle school level.
• Current knowledge of research and effective practices in literacy development, literacy instruction, assessment, and professional development.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and flexible, responsive work style.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership for school and district-wide literacy programs.
• Provide professional development by training, coaching, and supporting teachers and paraprofessionals with literacy programs and instructional practices.
• Support Newton’s curriculum and professional development by modeling best practices, coaching teachers and encouraging reflective practice.
• Serve as a resource in reading and writing for paraprofessionals, teachers, administrators and the community.
• Work cooperatively with professionals across content areas in planning instruction for diverse learners.
• Provide and support literacy assessment and data analysis.
• Provide direct instruction and targeted intervention to struggling readers.

Education

K-12 Reading Specialist License and Massachusetts teaching license

Master’s Degree in Education with Literacy/Reading focus

Three or more years of upper elementary or middle school teaching

Current knowledge of literacy development and assessment

Excellent interpersonal skills and flexible work style

Job description

Literacy Specialist-Middle

Day Middle School, Newton, Massachusetts

Job Details

• Starting Date: Aug 26, 2026
• Position Type: Full-Time
• Salary: up to $134,270 per year

Job Description

Department: Teaching and Learning

FLSA Status: Exempt; Unit A

Reports to: Principal / Middle School Literacy Coordinator

SUMMARY: The literacy specialist is responsible for helping every child in the school develop strong reading, writing, speaking and listening skills. He or she provides and leads literacy instruction and assessment, through a combination of coaching, intervention, and coordination of assessment and Tier I and Tier II support services.

Qualifications

1. Required Qualifications:
   • K-12 Reading Specialist License and valid Massachusetts teaching license
   • Master’s Degree in Education with concentration or additional coursework in Literacy/Reading
   • Three or more years of recent experience teaching at the upper elementary or middle school level
   • Current knowledge of research and effective practices in the areas of literacy development, literacy instruction, assessment, and professional development
   • Excellent interpersonal skills and flexible, responsive work style
2. Desired Qualifications:
   • Experience coaching and collaborating with teachers
   • Familiarity and experience with "Units of Study in Opinion/Argument, Information, and Narrative Writing, 6-8 Series", edited by Lucy Calkins
   • Familiarity with the Scholastic Reading Inventory and Qualitative Reading Inventory
   • Familiarity and experience with the iReady Diagnostic reading assessment and online instruction platform
   • Familiarity and experience with a balanced literacy framework, including: reading and writing workshop guided reading, strategy groups and book clubs running records
   • Experience writing and teaching curriculum using an Understanding by Design framework
   • Experience collaborating and problem solving with teachers

Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide leadership for school and district-wide literacy programs
• Provide professional development by training, coaching, and supporting teachers and paraprofessionals with literacy programs and instructional practices
• Support Newton’s curriculum and professional development by modeling best practices, coaching teachers and encouraging reflective practice
• Serve as a resource in the area of reading and writing for paraprofessionals, teachers, administrators and the community
• Work cooperatively and collaboratively with other professionals across content areas in planning instruction to meet the needs of diverse learners
• Provide and support literacy assessment and data analysis
• Provide direct instruction and targeted intervention to struggling readers (fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension focus)
• Meet regularly with team of middle school literacy specialists and middle school literacy coordinator
• Consistent, reliable and punctual attendance is essential for supervision and instruction of the students
• Responsible for implementing "other job related duties" as needed

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

Work Environment: Majority of work is performed in a school/classroom environment. The noise level in the environment is usually moderate. Regular attendance is a necessary and essential function. Rarely absent or late unless the situation is of an emergency nature.

Physical Requirements: While performing the duties of this job the teacher is frequently required to kneel, stoop, bend, and crouch. The teacher is periodically required to stand; while talking and listening. The teacher is occasionally required to sit; walk; lift; or carry.

Job Requirements

• Citizenship, residency or work visa required

Contact Information

• Jackie Mann, Principal
• Day Middle School
• Email: [e-mail]