Literacy Support Specialist

Childpeace Montessori School; Portland (OR); On-site; USD 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

Childpeace Montessori School in Portland, OR is seeking a Literacy Support Specialist & Auxiliary Programs Assistant to provide small-group literacy instruction for students ages 6–11 and to assist with daily transitions, lunch supervision, and aftercare activities.

This full-time role blends focused reading support with supervision and enrichment, aligning with Montessori principles. Training and ongoing support will be provided to help you foster confident, joyful readers.

Qualifications

• Experience working with elementary-age children.
• Knowledge of literacy development and reading and writing instruction.
• Ability to work effectively with students individually and in small groups.
• Strong communication, collaboration, and organizational skills.
• Flexibility and a positive, student-centered approach.

Responsibilities

• Provide individual and small-group literacy support for students ages 6–11.
• Support reading fluency, comprehension, phonics, spelling, vocabulary, and written expression.
• Collaborate with Literacy Coach and Elementary Guides to identify student needs.
• Assist with literacy assessments and monitor student progress.
• Support Aftercare and extracurricular activities; assist with transitions and supervision.

Skills

Elementary literacy support

Small-group instruction

Reading development knowledge

Strong communication

Flexible / student-centered

Job description

Literacy Support Specialist & Auxiliary Programs Assistant

Childpeace Montessori School is seeking a warm, organized, and reliable Literacy Support Specialist & Auxiliary Programs Assistant to join our team. This full-time role (8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.) is split between literacy instruction and support for the school day. Throughout the day, you will lead small-group literacy instruction for students across the Lower and Upper Elementary levels, focusing on building reading skills, fluency, and confidence. You will also help with daily transitions and lunch supervision, ensuring students feel supported as they move through the day. The day ends with auxiliary program support: gathering students, walking groups to enrichment activities, and helping with dismissal and pick-up. The ideal candidate is passionate about helping children become capable, joyful readers, can move smoothly between focused instruction and active supervision, and values the Montessori approach of respecting each child's pace and independence. Training and ongoing support will be provided.

Position Summary

The Montessori Elementary Literacy & Enrichment Support position works with Lower and Upper Elementary students to strengthen reading, writing, spelling, and language skills through individual and small-group support. This position collaborates with the Literacy Coach & Coordinator and the Elementary Guides to provide targeted literacy instruction that complements classroom learning and supports each child’s confidence and independence.

The position also supports the school’s Aftercare program and extracurricular classes and activities.

Essential Responsibilities

Literacy & Elementary Support

• Provide individual and small-group literacy support for students ages 6–11.
• Support reading fluency and comprehension, phonics, spelling, vocabulary, and written expression.
• Collaborate with Literacy Coach & Coordinator and the Elementary Guides to identify student needs and provide targeted support aligned with classroom work.
• Assist with literacy assessments and monitor and document student progress.
• Adapt instruction to students’ individual learning needs and developmental levels.
• Maintain a calm, respectful, and encouraging environment consistent with Montessori principles.
• Assist with other Elementary classroom and program needs as appropriate.

Aftercare & Extracurricular Support

• Help provide a safe, engaging, and well-supervised Aftercare environment.
• Support student transitions, activities, outdoor play, quiet work, and other Aftercare routines.
• Support or lead extracurricular classes based on program needs, skills, and interests.
• Assist with preparation, supervision, setup, and cleanup for extracurricular activities.

Qualifications

Required:

• Experience working with elementary-age children.
• Knowledge of literacy development and reading and writing instruction.
• Ability to work effectively with students individually and in small groups.
• Strong communication, collaboration, and organizational skills.
• Flexibility and a positive, student-centered approach.

Preferred:

• Experience with literacy intervention, reading support, or tutoring.
• Montessori or other child-centered educational experience.
• Training or experience in evidence-based literacy instruction.
• Experience with after-school or enrichment programming.

Physical Requirements

Ability to move throughout the school environment, work at a child’s level, supervise students indoors and outdoors, and participate in typical classroom, Aftercare, and extracurricular activities.

About Childpeace:

Our staff work with hundreds of toddlers through adolescents in their educational journey every year. Childpeace’s classrooms offer a beautiful, vibrant environment in northwest Portland three blocks from the Willamette River near several urban parks, walking trails, and restaurants. Our school is located within several blocks of major bike and bus routes with many staff commuting by bike and bus. Childpeace supports our staff with a competitive salary structure and benefits package, a program rooted in AMI standards, a commitment to professional development, beautiful and well-equipped classroom environments, strong administrative support, and a dynamic working community of Montessori professionals.

Childpeace values responsibility, educational excellence, love of learning, sustainability, and equity as important characteristics of our learning community. We strongly encourage applications from candidates with diverse backgrounds, particularly those from historically underrepresented groups, whose personal and professional experiences will help us work toward our vision to shape the future of our world through the cultivation of inquisitive minds and socially responsible young citizens.

Childpeace Montessori School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, physical or mental ability, or any other status protected under local, state or federal laws in the admission of otherwise qualified students or in the administration of its educational policies or programs, hiring, or employment practices.