Literacy Specialist (full time 1.0)

Job Description

Department:

Teaching and Learning

Job Title:

Literacy Specialist

FLSA Status:

(Exempt/Nonexempt)

Exempt Unit A Full time 1.0 Schools:TBD

Reports to:

Director for English Language Arts PK12

GENERAL DESCRIPTION (13 LINES DESCRIBING ROLE):

The literacy specialist is responsible for helping every child in the school develop strong reading writing speaking and listening skills. A Literacy Specialist provides and leads literacy instruction and assessment through coaching providing student instruction and intervention and coordinating assessment and tiered support services.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Required Qualifications:

K12 Reading Specialist License and valid Massachusetts teaching license with SEI endorsement or additional license in ESL Masters Degree in Education with a concentration in Literacy/Reading

Three or more years of recent experience teaching at the elementary level

Current knowledge of research and effective practices in the areas of literacy development literacy instruction assessment and professional development

Excellent interpersonal skills and flexible responsive work style

Desired Qualifications:

Familiarity and experience with

Curriculum implementation and support

EL Education literacy program.

Fundations phonics curriculum K3

a variety of literacy assessments and interventions.

administering analyzing and forming groups using literacy diagnostic assessment

Coaching experience

Experience supporting teachers in shifting from a Balanced Literacy model to a Knowledge Building curriculum. Experience collaborating and problemsolving with teachers.

Experience and coursework in antiracist antibias instruction.

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES (NOT LIMITED TO):

Provide leadership and support for the implementation of the district literacy curriculum.

Provide professional development to teachers and paraprofessionals related to literacy programs and instructional practices through trainings workshops inclass modeling and advising.

Support Newtons curriculum and professional development by modeling best practices coaching teachers and encouraging reflective practice

Participate in gradelevel meetings (i.e. PLCs GLDs) regularly to facilitate instructional conversations and activities regularly reflecting on a wide range of qualitative and quantitative student data points.

Serve as a resource in the area of reading and writing for paraprofessionals teachers administrators and the community. Work cooperatively and collaboratively with other professionals in planning instruction to meet the needs of diverse learners Provide and support literacy assessment and data analysis

Provide direct instruction and intervention to struggling readers

Regularly attend professional learning communities and professional learning with other literacy specialists Coordinate Tier I and Tier II literacy support

Support literacy instruction and intervention during WIN blocks and small group instructional times; demonstrate flexibility to address broader academic needs that may emerge occasionally through ongoing student assessment and team collaboration. Consistent and ontime attendance to the jobrelated duties as required

WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Work Environment:

Majority of work is performed in a school/classroom environment. The noise level in the environment is usually moderate. Regular attendance is a necessary and essential function. Rarely absent or late unless the situation is of an emergency nature.

Physical Requirements:

While performing the duties of this job the teacher is frequently required to kneel stoop bend and crouch. The teacher is periodically required to stand; while talking and listening. The teacher is occasionally required to sit; walk; lift; or carry.

Newton Public Schools is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Newton Public Schools ensures equal employment opportunities regardless of race creed sex color national origin religion age sexual orientation disability or any other class as protected by law. The Newton Public Schools places a high value on diversity and active recruitment of qualified minority teachers and staff. Any individual needing assistance in making an application for any opening should contact the districts human resources office.

Date Updated: 5/6/2025

Required Experience:

Unclear Seniority