Literacy Specialist Teacher

Cotting School, Inc.; Lexington (MA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Cotting School, a recognized leader in special education, invites a dynamic Literacy Specialist to join our Lexington, MA community. The Literacy Specialist will work with a multidisciplinary team to advance language development and reading skills for students with diverse needs, aligning with DEIA initiatives.

The role emphasizes hands-on instructional coaching, ongoing assessment, family engagement, and a commitment to equitable access to education. Immediate start preferred.

Qualifications

• Masters of Education and certification in Special Education.
• Certification in Special Education (Moderate K-8, 5-12 or Severe All Levels) preferred.
• 5 or more years of classroom-based instruction with ELL students.
• Citizenship, residency or work visa required.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with a student’s team to support language objectives and literacy development.
• Develop goals and monitor progress towards IEP language goals.
• Lead and participate in team meetings and case reviews.
• Provide 1:1 or small group instruction focusing on language acquisition.
• Engage families and collaborate with coaching and leadership teams to support ELL students.
• Administer mandated assessments for English language learners as appropriate.
• Stay current with changes in ELL instruction and special education practices.

Skills

ELL instruction

Literacy development

Collaboration

Communication

Problem solving

Education

Masters of Education and certification in Special Education

Certification in Special Education (Moderate K-8, 5-12 or Severe All Levels)

Job description

Literacy Specialist Teacher

Cotting School Cotting School - Lexington, Massachusetts Open in Google Maps

Job Details

Job ID: 5963102

Application Deadline: Posted until filled

Posted: Oct 16, 2026 12:00 AM (UTC)

Starting Date: Immediately

Job Description

Cotting School, a recognized leader and innovator in special education, is seeking a dynamic Special Educator and Literacy Specialist to join our community. The Literacy Specialist will join with a strong team of instructional specialists and coaches (Curriculum & Instructional Coach, Assistive Technology, Teacher of the Visually Impaired, English Language Educator) to collaboratively support students within the Cotting community. Our community is seeking an active partner and practitioner as we further develop programming which aligns with our DEIA (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Accessibility) strategic initiatives.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• As a member of students’ collaborative care teams, the Literacy Specialist will work with other members of the team (e.g. special educator, SLP, OT, PT, counselor, TVI, nurse) to
• More deeply understand a student’s profile, strengths, and areas for growth
• Develop goals and objectives towards the student IEP inclusive of language acquisition needs
• Monitor progress towards these goals
• Help the student develop and work towards their long term vision
• Attend Team meetings and case reviews as required
• Work 1:1 or in small groups with students to identify and work on appropriate language objectives
• Assist all members of a student’s team in designing and implementing instruction responsive to student’s language acquisition needs
• Participate in and help develop learning opportunities for the full Cotting staff, including teachers, therapists, health services, instructional aides
• Collaborate and communicate with the school's Instructional Coaching Team, Educational Leadership Team, and administration to ensure ELL students receive language support that is responsive to their unique needs and background
• Demonstrate and model effective culturally-responsive and trauma informed practices
• Administer mandated state and local assessments for English language learners whenever appropriate
• Attend professional development opportunities sufficient to stay current with changes in ELL instruction and improvements in ELL teaching strategies as well as the intersection of English Language Education and Special Education
• Passionate and optimistic about their students, their content, and the teaching profession
• Demonstrates understanding for how the subject matter applies in real-world settings and connects to other content areas and relevant standards
• Can convey content in creative and engaging ways that align to standards an reflect specially designed instruction per students’ IEP goals and objectives
• Uses instructional practices that are likely to challenge, motivate, and engage all students and facilitate equitable, active student participation
• Collaborates with classroom teacher to support a productive learning environment where every student participates and is valued as part of the class community
• Engages with families and builds collaborative, respectful relationships with them in service of student learning
• Regularly reflects on practice, seeks and responds to feedback, and demonstrates self-awareness and commitment to continuous learning and development
• Seeks to participate in and contribute to a collaborative adult learning community
• Works collaboratively with instructional staff to build upon existing literacy practices to help develop a scope and sequence of learning for preschool through post high school

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of employees so classified.

EXPECTATIONS

• Develop a trusting and reflective partnership with teachers
• Establish and maintain clear communication and cooperative working relationships with a variety of educators and groups
• Provide feedback on program effectiveness to the coaching team and program administrators
• Model of continuous learning. The ideal candidate will take initiative and pursue their own learning
• Proficient in problem solving
• Strong leadership and interpersonal skills including giving and receiving constructive feedback

Position Type: Full-time

Special Education > General Special Education

Special Education > Mild/Moderate Disabilities

Special Education > Multiple Disabilities

Job Requirements

• QUALIFICATIONS:
• Masters of Education and certification in Special Education. The ideal candidate will also be certified in Special Education (Moderate K-8, 5-12 or Severe All Levels).
• 5 or more years of classroom-based instruction with ELL students
• SUPERVISION:
• The Literacy Specialist Teacher will report to the Assistant Program Director or other administrator identified by the Program Director.
• COMPENSATION and BENEFITS:
• Compensation is determined per individual employee agreement and is market-based and commensurate with experience. This position is a salaried, full-time, year-round position and is eligible for all employee benefits offered to similarly situated employees.
• Research shows that many historically marginalized people are hesitant to apply for jobs if they don’t check every box. If you are excited about this position, and think you could have an impact here, please apply anyway. Even if you don’t meet every point on the job description, we'd love to hear from you.
• At least 5 year(s) of relevant experience preferred.
• Master degree preferred.
• Citizenship, residency or work visa required.

Contact Information

• Althea Ioakimidis
• 453 Concord Avenue
• Lexington, Massachusetts 02421
• Phone: [phone]
• Email: [e-mail]