Reading Specialist

Allentown School District; Allentown (Lehigh County); On-site; USD 59,000 - 82,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Reimbursement

Tuition Reimbursement

Personal and Sick time

PSERS Retirement Fund

Job summary

The Reading Specialist role at Allentown School District focuses on designing, implementing, and improving evidence-based literacy instruction across classrooms and schools. The specialist ensures high reading achievement for all students using a Science of Reading approach, including intervention, assessment, and professional development.

Collaborating with teachers, administrators, and district leaders, this position builds sustainable instructional capacity and advances equitable literacy

Qualifications

• B.S./B.A. in Elementary Education required.
• M.Ed. Reading required or preferred.
• Pennsylvania Level II teaching certifications in Elementary/Secondary Education and Reading Specialist Certifications required.
• At least five years of highly successful teaching experience with positive student outcomes.

Responsibilities

• Assess, diagnose, and design tiered interventions in reading and writing, aligned with the Science of Reading (SoR).
• Support implementation of the district's core literacy curriculum with SoR-aligned practices.
• Collaborate with district/school leaders to develop, monitor, and refine literacy frameworks and improvement plans.
• Mentor and empower teacher leaders; deliver high-quality professional learning experiences.
• Lead workshops and in-service programs aligned with district goals and mandates.
• Support data-informed decisions for all student groups, including English learners and students with IEPs.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Problem-solving abilities

Education

B.S. or B.A. Elementary Education

M.Ed. Reading

Pennsylvania Level II teaching certifications in Elementary/Secondary Education

Job description

• Valid and current Pennsylvania Level II teaching certifications in Elementary/ Secondary Education and Reading Specialist Certifications
• At least five years of highly successful teaching experience with positive student outcomes.
• Has in-depth and specific knowledge in content, curriculum, instruction, and assessment.
• Excellent interpersonal, problem-solving, organizational, and communication skills.
• Satisfactory work record and criminal/child abuse clearances (Act 34, 114, and 151).

Salary Range: $59,493-$81,690

Qualifications

• B.S. or B.A. Elementary Education
• M.Ed. Reading
• Valid and current Pennsylvania Level II teaching certifications in Elementary/ Secondary Education and Reading Specialist Certifications
• At least five years of highly successful teaching experience with positive student outcomes.
• Has in-depth and specific knowledge in content, curriculum, instruction, and assessment.
• Excellent interpersonal, problem-solving, organizational, and communication skills.
• Satisfactory work record and criminal/child abuse clearances (Act 34, 114, and 151).

Summary

The Reading Specialist supports the design, implementation, and continuous improvement of evidence-based literacy instruction across classrooms and schools. This role centers on ensuring high reading achievement levels for all students through a Science of Reading-aligned approach to instruction, intervention, assessment, and professional development. The Reading Specialist works collaboratively with teachers, administrators, and district leaders to build sustainable instructional capacity and advance equitable literacy outcomes.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

School/District Based Leadership

• Assesses, diagnoses, and designs tiered interventions targeting specific student needs in reading and writing, aligned with the Science of Reading (SoR).
• Supports the implementation and fidelity of the district's core literacy curriculum, ensuring alignment with SoR-aligned instructional practices.
• Collaborates with district and school leaders to develop, monitor, and refine literacy frameworks and improvement plans.
• Assists and serves on School Leadership Teams and District Literacy Teams.
• Serves as an active member of the Child Study Team, helping to interpret assessment data and recommend instructional strategies or interventions.
• Builds instructional capacity by mentoring and empowering teacher leaders.
• Designs and delivers high-quality professional learning experiences independently and in collaboration with colleagues.
• Provides leadership in planning workshops and in-service programs aligned with district goals and mandates.
• Supports data-informed decision making for all student groups, including English learners and students with IEPs.
• Models and supports structured literacy instruction grounded in cognitive science, including phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension.
• Advocates for the use of high-quality instructional materials, assessment tools, and intervention programs aligned with SoR principles

Instructional Leadership

• Utilizes a wide array of instructional approaches, resources, and technologies to assist teachers in designing, delivering, and assessing effective literacy instruction.
• Supports the use of explicit, systematic, cumulative, and diagnostic instruction in reading and writing.
• Serves as a resource for identifying evidence-based strategies and materials that address diverse learning needs.
• Provides job-embedded support, mentoring, and modeling of lessons and instructional routines.
• Collaborates with teachers to analyze student data, plan responsive instruction, and organize classrooms for effective learning.
• Assists in scheduling and organizing instructional support for intervention blocks and paraprofessionals.

Share in our community! Grow with our students! Join our district today and be a part of our future!

The Allentown School District offers a comprehensive benefits package to those who qualify.

This may include*

• Medical Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Reimbursement
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Personal and Sick time
• PSERS Retirement Fund
• Eligibility for specific benefits will be outlined in each labor group's specific collective bargaining agreement.