Reading Specialist

State of Wisconsin; Delavan (KS); On-site; USD 74,171 - 80,294; Full time

Job summary

The Reading Specialist will lead school-wide literacy efforts for Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and Deafblind students ages 3–21, establishing reading goals and delivering direct instruction and interventions.

The role also involves supervising and mentoring instructional staff to enhance literacy instruction aligned with bilingual ASL/English development, and collaborating to implement evidence-based practices across the literacy program.

Qualifications

• Licensure or eligibility for licensure as Reading Specialist (5017) with the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction.
• American Sign Language fluency required.
• Master’s Degree required.

Responsibilities

• Lead school-wide literacy efforts for Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and Deafblind students aged 3–21; establish reading goals and deliver direct instruction and interventions.
• Supervise, coach, and mentor instructional staff to enhance literacy instruction aligned with bilingual ASL/English development.
• Collaborate with staff to implement evidence-based, accessible literacy practices and support professional growth across the school’s literacy program.

Skills

ASL fluency

Education

Master’s Degree

Job description

Introduction
This is the Department of Public Instruction (DPI), the state agency that advances public education and libraries in Wisconsin. Our mission is to advance equitable, transformative, and sustainable educational experiences that develop learners, schools, libraries, and communities in Wisconsin. Working at DPI offers you the opportunity to build on our long‑standing commitment to public education so that students are learning the skills and knowledge necessary to become contributing members of our communities.

Commitment to Equity and Inclusion

At DPI, we are committed to creating an environment where everyone feels safe, supported, and valued. Equity and inclusion are at the core of our organizational values, which include belonging, integrity, love, humility, and honor. These values guide how we build our teams, develop our leaders, and create a culture that empowers everyone to be their authentic selves.

Our employees enjoy an exceptional employee assistance program that offers a variety of programs and tools to help promote wellness. We have a team‑oriented atmosphere and a focus on work‑life balance.

Position Summary

The Reading Specialist will lead school‑wide literacy efforts by establishing reading goals for Deaf, Hard of Hearing (D/HH), and/or Deafblind students ages 3–21. The specialist will deliver direct instruction and interventions, and supervise, coach, and mentor instructional staff, including teachers and interventionists, to enhance literacy instruction that aligns with the unique language and communication needs of D/HH students. The specialist will also collaborate with staff to implement evidence‑based, accessible literacy practices grounded in bilingual ASL/English development, provide feedback on instructional methods, and support professional growth across the school’s literacy program.

Salary Information

This position is in classification Teacher Supervisor. Depending on qualifications, the salary will be between $38.76 - $41.96 per hour (approximately $74,171 - $80,294 per year). For current and eligible former State employees, compensation will be set in accordance with the State Compensation Plan effective at time of hire. Employees in this position may be eligible for a $1.00 per hour add‑on for fluency in American Sign Language (ASL), contingent upon achieving an ASL Proficiency Interview (ASLPI) rating of 2+ or higher. Additional compensation up to $2.97 per hour may be given for relevant credits beyond a Bachelor's degree. This position is in pay schedule 81, range 03. A one‑year probationary period will be required. This position offers excellent benefits. The State of Wisconsin is a qualifying employer for the federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Special Notes

Candidate must be fluent in American Sign Language (ASL) upon hire. An American Sign Language Proficiency Interview (ASLPI) rating level of at least 3 by the end of probation is required.

Candidates must be licensed or eligible for licensure as an Administrator with the Department of Public Instruction as a Reading Specialist. In order to be eligible for this license, a candidate must meet all of the requirements laid out in PI 34.065, which includes having a Master’s Degree.

A selected candidate who does not already possess an Administrator license must:

• Be eligible for and apply for a Tier I, 1‑year administrator license within 6 months of their start date. See PI 34.035 for more information.
• Make consistent progress toward completing his or her approved preparation program. The program must be completed within 2 years, as this license is valid for 1‑year and may only be renewed once.

Pre‑Hire Requirements

• A criminal background check will be conducted prior to an offer of hire.
• A TB screen will be required prior to start.

Legal Authorization

Applicants must be legally entitled to work in the United States (i.e., a citizen or national of the U.S., without DPI sponsorship). The Department of Public Instruction does not sponsor visas, either at time of hire or at any later time.

Qualifications

Minimally Qualified

• Licensure or eligibility for licensure as a Reading Specialist (5017) with the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction.
• American Sign Language fluency.

Well‑Qualified Applicants Will Also Have Experience

• Developing reading intervention.
• Delivering literacy instruction with Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and Deafblind students.
• Collaborating with multi‑tier, multi‑department teams (e.g., diagnostic, and educational staff).

Location and Remote Work

Headquarters: Wisconsin School for the Deaf, 309 West Walworth Avenue, Delavan, WI. Reimbursement for traveling to or from the employee’s headquarters is not provided (e.g., mileage, meals, parking, lodging, etc.).

Remote Work: This position is not eligible for remote work and requires the employee to be onsite at their headquarters during all regular working hours.

Benefits

This position offers excellent benefits. The State of Wisconsin is a qualifying employer for the federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The State of Wisconsin is proud to be an equal‑opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to applicants of any race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. We provide reasonable accommodations to qualified applicants and employees with disabilities.

Deadline to Apply

Applications will be accepted until the needs of the Department are met. Applications will next be reviewed after July 27, 2026.