Reading Specialist

Catholic Diocese of Buffalo; Town of Oakfield (NY); On-site; USD 27,000 - 33,000; Full time

Job summary

The Catholic Diocese of Buffalo in Oakfield, NY is seeking a Reading Specialist to provide targeted literacy instruction and intervention for students in collaboration with teachers, families, and administrators. You will use assessments and progress monitoring to tailor instruction and improve reading outcomes.

This role emphasizes evidence‑based practices, professional development, and maintaining confidentiality while supporting the district’s Catholic education mission.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education, Reading, Literacy, or related field; master’s in Reading/Literacy preferred.
• Valid state teaching certification preferred; Reading Specialist certification encouraged.
• Experience with literacy assessments and progress monitoring required.

Responsibilities

• Provide reading intervention services through push‑in, pull‑out, and individual instruction.
• Assess literacy skills using formal and informal tools to identify needs.
• Develop targeted intervention plans based on data and monitor progress.
• Collaborate with teachers to align interventions with curriculum.
• Maintain records and communicate progress with parents and administrators.
• Participate in CSE meetings and professional development.

Skills

Assessment skills

Differentiated instruction

Collaboration

Literacy instruction

Communication with families

Educational technology

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education/Reading/Literacy or related field

Master’s degree in Reading or Literacy preferred

State teaching certification preferred

Reading Specialist certification/endorsement preferred

Tools

Educational technology platforms

Student data management systems

Job description

Brief Job Description:

The Reading specialist provides targeted reading instruction and intervention to students who need additional literacy support. This position works collaboratively with classroom teachers, administrators, and families to improve student reading achievement through assessment, evidence-based instructional strategies, and progress monitoring.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

• Provide reading intervention services through both push-in classroom support and pull-out small-group instruction, and individual instruction, based on student needs and instructional goals.
• Assess students’ literacy skills using formal and informal assessment tools to identify instructional needs.
• Develop and implement targeted intervention plans based on student data and progress monitoring.
• Collaborate with classroom teachers to support literacy instruction and align interventions with grade-level curriculum.
• Monitor student progress regularly and maintain accurate records of assessments, interventions, and outcomes.
• Communicate student progress and instructional strategies with parents, teachers, and administrators.
• Participate in CSE meetings.
• Recommend and utilize evidence-based instructional materials and technology to enhance student learning.
• Provide professional support and resources to teachers on effective literacy practices and reading interventions, as appropriate.
• Maintain confidentiality of student records and information in accordance with applicable laws and district policies.
• Participate in ongoing professional development to remain current on research-based literacy instruction and intervention practices.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the building principal or assistant principal.

Qualifications: Required Education/Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education, Reading, Literacy, or a related field; Master’s degree in Reading or Literacy preferred.
• Valid state teaching certification in Elementary Education preferred.
• Reading Specialist certification or endorsement preferred, or the ability to obtain one, as permitted by state requirements.
• Demonstrated knowledge of the science of reading, evidence-based literacy instruction, and reading intervention practices.
• Experience administering and interpreting literacy assessments to identify student needs and monitor progress.
• Ability to design and implement differentiated instruction and targeted interventions for diverse learners.
• Experience providing reading support through both push-in and pull-out instructional models preferred.
• Strong collaboration, communication, and organizational skills, with the ability to work effectively with teachers, administrators, families, and support staff.
• Proficiency in using educational technology and student data management systems to support instruction and monitor student achievement.
• Supportive of the mission, philosophy, and values of Catholic education and willing to uphold the teachings and traditions of the Catholic Church.

Desired Skills:

• Ability to work with students meeting their individual educational needs
• Ability to be a team player
• Forward thinker that looks for continuous improvement, creative approaches to teaching techniques
• Flexibility with approach to teaching to meet individual learning styles
• Ability to problem solve working cooperatively with others to do so
• Understands basic technology as it relates to classroom performance.
• Possess strong interpersonal skills, diplomatic and collaborative style of decision-making skills
• Incorporates real-life problem-solving lessons into curriculum

Salary:

Starting at $30,000+ based upon experience/education