Job Description

Reading Specialist

Organization: Phillips Brooks School (PBS)

About Phillips Brooks School: PBS is a vibrant and innovative ELC to 5th grade school committed to fostering a love of learning in a supportive and inclusive environment. Located on a beautiful campus in Menlo Park and serving 300 students, we instill values of courage, kindness, community, and a passion for lifelong learning.

About the Role

The Reading Specialist collaborates with teachers and works with small groups of students to improve students' decoding, fluency, and comprehension skills and recommend interventions. Reporting to the Associate Head of School for Academics, the Reading Specialist collaborates with teams to plan for and implement differentiated instructional practices in literacy. The position requires a strong understanding of best practices in emerging research regarding reading development and instruction, as well as a deep understanding of best practices based on a responsive literacy framework, systematic instruction, and the science of reading.

Key Responsibilities and Requirements

• Instructional Responsibilities:
  • Provide direct instructional support to students through small group instruction.
  • Collaborate with teachers to review classroom assessments and work, identify goals, develop plans, and follow up on student progress and intervention strategies.
  • Track student progress and collaborate with teachers to share progress with parents/guardians.
  • Observe classroom instruction, provide constructive feedback, and offer support in addressing individual student learning needs.
  • Collaborate with homeroom teachers to develop and implement differentiated learning plans for students requiring additional support or enrichment.
• Curriculum Development:
  • Collaborate with teachers, the Associate Head of School for Academics, and the Director of Teaching and Learning to ensure the effective implementation of a rigorous and engaging reading curriculum aligned with best practices, school values or initiatives, and research-based standards.
  • Stay up to date on emerging trends in the field of elementary literacy instruction and analyze and synthesize research findings to continually grow teachers' awareness and understanding of best practices.
  • Analyze student data and utilize findings to inform curriculum development, identify areas for improvement, and drive data-driven instruction.
  • Develop and deliver professional development workshops for teachers on effective literacy instruction, including differentiated instruction, responsive approaches, and student-centered learning.
• Equity and Inclusion:
  • Conduct screenings and assessments, upon request, and assist teachers and Learning Specialists in selecting appropriate materials for intervention and support.
  • Ensure engagement, appropriate challenge, and support for a wide range of students.
  • Foster a positive and inclusive classroom environment that celebrates diverse learning styles, fosters a growth mindset, and encourages higher-order thinking for all students.

Personal Qualities and Attributes

• Strong Work Ethic: Highly organized, detail-oriented, and able to effectively prioritize tasks and manage multiple demands.
• Passion for Early Literacy Instruction: A deep understanding of best practices based on a responsive literacy framework, systematic instruction, and the science of reading. A genuine passion for working with children and a profound respect for the cultivation of critical thinking through literature.
• Growth Mindset: A strong sense of curiosity and a commitment to continuous learning and professional growth.
• Exceptional Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to effectively communicate with diverse audiences, including children, families, colleagues, and administrators. This includes the ability to listen empathetically, address concerns constructively, and build strong relationships.
• Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging: A strong commitment to creating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive learning environment for all children, families, and faculty/staff.

Qualifications

• Essential:
  • Master's degree in reading, literacy, elementary education, or a related field (preferably with additional training in intervention strategies)
  • 5+ years of teaching experience
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills
  • Proven ability to build and maintain strong relationships with children, families, and colleagues
  • Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging
  • Passion for reading development and a deep understanding of child development
• Desired:
  • Previous experience as a reading specialist in the elementary education setting
  • Experience in a private school setting
  • Experience with data-driven decision-making and program evaluation

Other Position Information

This is a full-time, faculty contract - a 10-month position with a salary range from $90-120,000 depending on background and experience. PBS has an excellent benefits program in addition to salary.

How to Apply

Candidates for this position should submit a cover letter, resume, and contact information for three to five references (including their current supervisor). Phillips Brooks School maintains a strict policy of nondiscrimination in regard to employment. All aspects of employment at PBS are governed on the basis of competence, merit, and qualifications, and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, ancestry, veteran's status, disability, or any other classes referred in applicable state and federal laws.

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