Job Description

TITLE: READING SPECIALIST (PRE-K PROGRAM)

 
QUALIFICATIONS:
Hold a New Jersey instructional certificate in accordance with the requirements of N.J.S.A. 18A:27.1 et seq., and N.J.A.C. Title 6 Chapter 11 with an elementary education endorsement, a Reading Specialist endorsement (N.J.A.C. 6:11-8.5), and other appropriate endorsement(s) for the position held (N.J.A.C. 6:11-6.1, 6.2 or 8.1 et seq.).
Experience in bilingual/dual language education
Minimum of five (5) years of successful teaching experience
Knowledge and understanding of early childhood education literacy
Demonstrated ability to provide leadership in the development of reading programs, evaluation of curricula and diagnosis of reading problems
Must hold a Master's Degree from an accredited college or university.
Have excellent experience in teaching and working with children.
Have excellent integrity and demonstrate good moral character and initiative.
Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of teaching reading, child growth and development, effective instructional strategies, classroom management, learning assessment and diagnosis, and research related to learning and students needing to learn reading.
Exhibit a personality that demonstrates enthusiasm and interpersonal skills to relate well with students, staff, administration, parents, and the community.
Ability to maintain a positive learning environment
Strong interpersonal and communication skills
Demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively in English, both orally and in writing, using proper grammar and vocabulary.
Demonstrate the ability to use electronic equipment for word processing, data management, information retrieval, visual and audio presentations, and telecommunications.
Provide proof of U. S. citizenship or legal resident alien status by completing Federal Form 1-9 in compliance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986.
Provide evidence that a criminal record history check has been conducted and clearance has been given by the Department of Education, or, during the initial six-month period, provide a sworn statement that the individual has not been convicted of a crime or a disorderly person's offense in accordance with 18A:6-7. l.
Provide evidence that health is adequate to fulfill the job functions and responsibilities with reasonable accommodation pursuant to 42 U.S.C. 12101 and in accordance with N.J.A.C. 6:3- 4A.4.
Pass the State required Mantoux intradermal Tuberculin Test as required by N.J.A.C. 6:3-4A.4.
Meet such alternatives to the above qualifications as the Superintendent may find appropriate and acceptable.
REPORTS TO: Principal and/or Designated Administrator

JOB GOAL:
To help provide an instruction and learning environment that fosters each pupil's ability to master reading skills appropriate to age, grade level, and individual potential. The Reading Specialist will interpret information from formal and informal assessments for planning instruction. They will use knowledge of language development, the reading process, and the components of reading performance to assess and instruct. The Reading Specialist will plan instructional programs that include read-aloud, sustained independent/shared reading, writing, oral and written response, and explicit instruction.

 
PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES:
Provides leadership and coordination in the regular reading instruction program; observes reading instruction in classrooms and consults with teachers as requested. 
Directs a district-wide assessment program to determine all pupils' reading abilities and identify those needing remediation or enrichment.
Plans and administers a program for remedial and advanced reading instruction.
Remediate reading problems.
Establish high standards and expectations for all students for academic performance and responsibility for behavior.
Display the highest ethical and professional behavior and standards when working with students, parents, school personnel, and other agencies associated with the school.
Plan and implement sequential learning experiences for students using a variety of instructional strategies, consistent with the district and school's philosophy, mission statement, instructional goals, school level objectives, and the Core Curriculum Content Standards. The learning experiences shall follow and use approved curricula and instructional materials.
Develop lesson plans and instructional materials.
Provides individual and small group instruction in order to meet the needs of each pupil.
Monitors pupil progress toward State standards and district objectives of reading instruction; develops and maintains records and reports as necessary.
Interprets pupil needs and reading progress to classroom teachers and parents.
Evaluate the district's reading program and make recommendations for improvements as appropriate.
Recommends adoption and use of varied reading instruction materials.
Plans and conducts in-service workshops on methods and materials appropriate to various levels of reading instruction.
Consults with child study team members at individual case conferences as requested.
Interprets reading test results to the administration, teaching staff, and the community.
Participates in school-level planning, faculty meetings, committees, and other school system groups.
Maintains professional competence and continuous improvement through in-service education and other professional growth activities.
Develop comprehension strategies such as phonological awareness, decoding/word recognition, vocabulary development, fluency development, study strategies, and motivation.
Provide support for other students and teachers who are working with them.
Identify high-interest-appropriate texts and materials to match students' strengths and needs to promote knowledge, independence, and motivation.
Introduce students to a wide variety of children's literature at various levels and teach them how to select and use books at different levels for different tasks with a focus on motivation and developing lifelong readers.
Plan and adjust the learning experiences accordingly, requesting advice and assistance from specialists when appropriate.
Employ a variety of methods for students to demonstrate learning and accomplishments.
Evaluate and grade homework, assignments, and tests in a timely fashion, providing feedback to the student on performance.
Maintain records and provide evidence of growth and progress to parents and to students.
Assume responsibility for all students within the school, beyond those specifically assigned, supervising fairly and constructively to ensure the safety and well-being of all students.
Attend student events to demonstrate a genuine interest in the life of the students.
Ensure the safety and health of all students by notifying the administration of any unsafe conditions and following established procedures.
Create a stimulating, attractive, organized, functional, healthy, and safe classroom, with proper attention to the visual, acoustic, and thermal environments.
Complete all records and reports in a timely fashion as required by law and regulation or requested by the Principal. Maintain accurate attendance records.
Work cooperatively with adults assigned to the classroom (e.g., paraprofessionals, student teachers, parents, and volunteers), establishing clear expectations for roles and responsibilities.
Serve as a role model for students, dressing and grooming professionally, demonstrating the importance and relevance of learning, accepting responsibility, and demonstrating pride in the honorable teaching profession.
Maintain positive, cooperative, and mutually supportive relationships with the administration, instructional staff, students, parents, and representatives of resource agencies within the community.
Attend required staff meetings and serve, as appropriate, on staff committees. Participate in curriculum and program development, and in the selection of materials and equipment to support instruction.
Continue to grow professionally through collaboration with colleagues and professional growth experiences.
Summarize, interpret, and disseminate current developments in learning, instructional strategies and classroom management through reading of professional journals, participation in professional development, and involvement in professional organizations.
Maintain safe working conditions and safely operate electronic and other equipment needed to carry out job functions and responsibilities.
Protect the confidentiality of records and information gained as part of exercising professional duties and use discretion in sharing such information within legal confines.
Adhere to New Jersey school law, State Board of Education rules and regulations, Board of Education policies and regulations, school regulations and procedures, and contractual obligations.
Upholds and enforces school rules, administrative regulations and board policy.
Perform any duties that are within the scope of employment and certifications, as assigned by the Principal and assigned supervisor, and not otherwise prohibited by law or regulation.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential responsibilities and functions of the job and are not meant to be all inclusive. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential responsibilities and functions of the job.

 
Unless reasonable accommodations can be made, while performing this job the staff member shall:
Use strength to lift items needed to perform the functions of the job.
Sit, stand and walk for required periods of time.
Speak and hear.
Use close vision, color vision, peripheral vision and depth perception along with the ability to focus vision.
Communicate effectively in English, using proper grammar and vocabulary. American Sign Language or Braille may also be considered as acceptable forms of communication.
Reach with hands and arms and use hands and fingers to handle objects and operate tools, computers, and/or controls.

 
ENVIRONMENTAL DEMANDS:
The environmental demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential responsibilities and functions of the job and are not meant to be all inclusive.

 
Exposure to a variety of childhood and adult diseases and illnesses.
Occasional exposure to a variety of weather conditions.
Exposure to heated/air conditioned and ventilated facilities.
Exposure to a building in which a variety of chemical substances are used for cleaning, instruction, and/or operation of equipment.
Function in a workplace that is usually moderately quiet but that can be noisy at times.

 
TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT: 10-month employee, salary and work year as set by the PEA Contract.

 
ANNUAL EVALUATION: Performance of this job will be evaluated annually in accordance with NJ State law and the provisions of the board’s policy on evaluations

 
Approved by: Pleasantville Board of Education

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