Primary Learning Specialist/Reading Specialist

Southwest-Licking-Local-School-District; Etna Township (OH); On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Southwest Licking Schools seeks a Primary Literacy Specialist/Reading Specialist to support K–3 reading through explicit, evidence-based instruction at Etna and Kirkersville Elementary Schools. The role targets students not meeting grade-level reading expectations and collaborates with teachers, admins, and families.

Requirements include a bachelor’s degree or higher and an Ohio elementary or reading certificate; alternatives may be considered.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or university.
• Valid elementary or reading certificate from the State of Ohio.
• Alternative qualifications acceptable as determined by the Board of Education.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate as per program narrative students referred for reading improvement.
• Provide diagnostic testing and assistance to teachers upon request.
• Help students develop positive self-image and enjoy reading.
• Teach students at the remedial and developmental level.
• Work with teachers to adapt teaching techniques to students' learning styles.
• Help teachers teach reading skills.
• Assist teachers in locating materials and methods appropriate to reading level.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Building Principal.

Skills

Reading instruction

Collaboration

Assessment

Education

Bachelor's degree or higher

Ohio elementary or reading certificate

Alternative qualifications per BOE acceptable

Job description

• Position Type: Elementary School Teaching/ Primary - Grades 1, 2, 3
• Date Posted: 9/21/2026
• Date Available: ASAP

At Southwest Licking Schools,we believe in the power of positive relationships, and we are committed to fostering a thriving environment for our staff, students, and the entire community. Our dedication to excellence is reflected in our unwavering focus on academics, athletics, and the arts. If you are a passionate educator who values positive relationships and believes in the importance of academics, athletics, and the arts, we encourage you to apply for this position to become part of our Southwest Licking Schools family.
The Primary Literacy Specialist / K–3 Reading Specialist Teacher provides targeted literacy instruction and intervention to students in kindergarten through third grade. The specialist works collaboratively with classroom teachers, intervention teams, administrators, and families to strengthen students' foundational reading skills and ensure students receive timely, evidence-based support.

The primary focus of the position is supporting students who are not yet meeting grade-level reading expectations through explicit, systematic instruction aligned with the science of reading and the district's core literacy program.

Position: Primary Learning Specialist/Reading Specialist (potential vacancy)

Job Objective:
Plans, implements and assesses student learning experience

Supervisor: Assigned Administrator/Supervisor

Location: Etna Elementary and Kirkersville Elementary

Salary: Based on the negotiated agreement

Qualifications:

1. A bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or university.

2. Valid elementary or reading certificate from the State of Ohio.

3. Such alternatives to the above qualifications as the Board of Education may find appropriate and acceptable.

Performance Responsibilities:

A. Evaluate according to the program narrative those children referred by the classroom teacher and/or principal for possible inclusion in a reading improvement program.

B. Provide individual diagnostic testing and assistance to the classroom teacher upon request.

C. Help students develop a positive self-image, skill in reading and studying, and an enjoyment of reading.

D. Teach students at the remedial and developmental level.

E. Work with teachers to show them how to adapt teaching techniques to students' learning style.

F. Work with teachers to help them teach the reading skills.

G. Assist teachers in locating materials and methods that are appropriate to the students' reading level.

H. Perform such other duties and assume such other responsibilities as may be assigned by the Building Principal.

Evaluation:

Performance of these responsibilities will be evaluated in accordance with the provisions outlined in the Negotiated Agreement.