Reading Specialist

Chester-Upland School District; Chester (Delaware County); On-site; USD 55,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

A progressive educational institution in Delaware County seeks an experienced Elementary School Teacher/Reading Resource. The successful candidate will provide targeted literacy intervention and support services to students. The focus is on achieving high academic standards and fostering a commitment to professional growth. Applicants should possess a Bachelor's degree, a reading specialist certificate, and preferred experience in urban education settings. This role involves collaboration with various stakeholders to ensure student success and promote effective reading curriculum.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required, Master’s preferred.
• Valid reading specialist certification is necessary.
• Minimum of five years of teaching experience preferred.
• Experience with integrating technology into curriculum.

Responsibilities

• Teach targeted literacy intervention to small groups.
• Maintain daily logs of student progress.
• Assist in the selection of materials for corrective measures.
• Provide leadership in reading curriculum development and instruction.
• Assist with development of professional development to enhance pedagogy in literacy.
• Maintain progress records for all students.

Skills

Knowledge of appropriate teaching strategies

Skill in establishing relations with students and parents

Ability to infuse technology into curriculum

Excellent organizational skills

Data-driven instruction

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Education

Valid reading specialist certificate

Urban school experience

5+ years teaching experience

Job description

Position Type: Elementary School Teaching / Reading Resource

Date Posted: 11/4/2024

Location: Stetser Elementary School

Reports To

Building Principal

Mission

The Chester Upland School District is committed to providing all students the opportunity to achieve excellence in the four A's: Academics, Athletics, Arts, and Activities. The senior leadership team continues to build a talented and committed team to ensure all students are prepared to graduate from Chester Upland schools career and college ready! The C.O.R.E. is the foundation of the Chester Upland School District’s vision and mission.

C.O.R.E.

C- Children First: The well being and continuous learning of every child will drive decisions.

O- One Chester Upland: With dedicated community of partners, parents, students and staff, we will excel, united as One Chester Upland.

R- Reimagining: Through a mode of continuous improvement, we will apply four important levers for change, collaboration, capacity building, deepening knowledge of pedagogy, and focusing direction to improve outcomes for all.

E- Equity, Excellence, and Emotional Intelligence: We will ensure equitable access to a quality education that includes emotional intelligence and leads to excellence across all opportunities and services.

General Duties and Responsibilities

• Teach targeted literacy intervention to small groups of students daily using research-based intervention curriculum and resources.
• Review student achievement and assist with placing students in appropriate reading and writing intervention and support services.
• Maintain daily log with work‑related reports and artifacts as directed.
• Provide leadership, coordination, collaboration, data analysis and innovation in reading curriculum and instruction, so that each student may drive maximum benefit from the K‑8 reading curriculum.
• Plan and develop special reading projects as approved or provided by Assistant Superintendent.
• Provide leadership in the development and implementation of the K‑8 reading program.
• Ensure that reading is a component of the K‑8 Language Arts.
• Maintain the literature collection.
• Assist in the selection of appropriate materials utilized by the classroom teacher for corrective measures.
• Provide demonstrations of new methods and materials.
• Assist students using software and materials related to the literacy program.
• Meet periodically with the classroom teacher to plan literacy instruction that correlates with the individual student’s needs or as requested by the classroom teacher.
• Assist with development of professional development to enhance knowledge of pedagogy and content, especially literacy.
• Maintain and submit accurate and up‑to‑date management records of all students’ progress.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities related to literacy as assigned by Assistant Superintendent.
• Set student goals and instructional outcomes, based on specific student assessments in reading.
• Use assessments to diagnose reading strengths and weaknesses, and match these skills with appropriate techniques.

Knowledge and Skills

• Knowledge and application of appropriate teaching strategies and
• Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relations with co‑workers, vendors, students, parents, the general public and others having business with the school.
• Knowledge of the needs of students requiring remedial reading and math instruction.
• Thorough understanding of the teaching and learning process.
• Ability to provide instruction that reflects multiple perspectives and multicultural education.
• Ability to infuse technology into curriculum.
• Ability to guide and train teachers in effective techniques and strategies.
• Ability to work effectively with administrators, colleagues, central office, school‑based staff, students, parents and community.
• Ability to use diagnostic data to tailor instruction to meet the needs of the student(s).
• Excellent organizational, communication, and human relations skills.

Other Requirements

• Specialized teaching assignments may require additional training and/or certification.
• Must be able to pass an initial fingerprint and background clearance checks.
• May be required to lift and carry heavy, bulky supplies and materials weighing up to 20 pounds.
• May be required to work outside normal working hours.
• May be required to travel to perform work functions.

Ideal Candidate

• A commitment to success for all of the Chester Upland students and specifically to raising the academic achievement of all the children in this district.
• A desire to grow professionally and seek out new opportunities for professional development.
• An ability to use data to drive instruction.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Innovative teaching methodologies using techniques such as team teaching, demonstrations, simulation and consultation.
• An ability to work independently and manage multiple responsibilities simultaneously.
• Outstanding interpersonal and teamwork skills.
• An ability to critically assess challenges and identify effective instructional/behavioral solutions to support the success of each student.
• Exceptional classroom management skills.
• Able to thrive in a fast‑paced environment.
• Strong working knowledge of technology used to differentiate instruction for students.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree/Master’s preferred or higher degree with major in assigned area.
• A valid reading specialist certificate.
• Elementary and secondary teaching experience preferred.
• A minimum of five years teaching experience preferred.
• Demonstrates a commitment to ongoing education/continuing professional development.
• Preferred experience in an urban school setting.
• The following are required:
• PA Criminal clearances.
• PA Child Abuse clearances.
• FBI clearances.
• Physical including TB Test.
• Proof of U. S. citizenship or legal resident alien status.

The information in this job description is for compliance with the Chester Upland School District Board Policy and the Americans with Disabilities Act (A.D.A.). It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of duties, responsibilities and qualifications for the position. The incumbent may perform or be assigned other duties.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The Chester Upland School District (CUSD) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. CUSD ensures equal employment opportunities regardless of race, creed, gender, color, national origin, religion, age, sexual orientation or disability. Any individual needing assistance in making application for any opening should contact the Department of Human Resources at 267‑916‑5169.