Reading Specialist

Position: Reading Specialist

About IDEA

IDEA Public Charter School in Washington, D.C. serves approximately 320 students in Grades 9-12. Our unique program prepares students for both college and careers. In addition to offering college preparatory courses, including Advanced Placement and Dual Enrollment options, we also provide students with a variety of options for career technical education. All students at IDEA complete a career program of study. We currently offer the following career programs: child development, construction, computer science, culinary arts, and hospitality and tourism. We are considering several new programs for School Year 2024-2025, including business management and cosmetology. Our school is located in the historic Deanwood neighborhood in Northeast Washington, D.C. We are proud to continue the tradition of educating the next generation of leaders in our community, and we are excited to bring in new talent to help us achieve our school’s mission.

IDEA is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law. We are committed to creating a workplace where all employees feel valued, respected, and empowered.

Position Overview:

The Reading Specialist is responsible for providing specialized instruction and support to students struggling with reading. This individual will work collaboratively with teachers, administrators, and other stakeholders to identify students in need of reading intervention, assess their reading abilities, and develop personalized intervention plans. The Reading Specialist will deliver targeted instruction, implement evidence-based strategies and interventions, and monitor student progress to improve literacy outcomes across content areas.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Conduct assessments to identify students' reading strengths and areas of need, using standardized assessments, informal reading inventories, and diagnostic tools.

• Develop and implement individualized reading intervention plans based on assessment data, incorporating research-based strategies and instructional materials.

• Provide direct instruction to students in a combination of whole class, small group, and one-on-one settings, targeting specific reading skills such as decoding, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension.

• Collaborate with classroom teachers to integrate literacy instruction into content-area instruction, aligning reading interventions with curriculum standards and learning objectives.

• Monitor student progress through ongoing formative assessments, progress monitoring tools, and data analysis, adjusting instruction and interventions as needed to meet student needs.

• Communicate regularly with parents/guardians to provide updates on student progress, discuss intervention strategies, and reinforce strategies for supporting literacy development both in school and at home.

• Stay current with research-based practices in literacy instruction, participating in professional development opportunities and engaging in reflective practice to continuously improve teaching effectiveness.

• Maintain accurate records of student assessments, progress monitoring data, intervention activities, and instructional materials.

Required Social-Emotional Competencies:
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• Demonstrates self-awareness and the ability to recognize and manage one's emotions effectively.
• Exhibits empathy and understanding towards others, fostering positive relationships and a supportive work environment.
• Maintains composure under pressure and handles conflicts or challenging situations with tact and emotional maturity.

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• Works collaboratively with colleagues, staff, and stakeholders to achieve common goals and foster a sense of unity.
• Actively listens to others, values diverse perspectives, and encourages open dialogue.
• Builds effective teams, delegates tasks appropriately, and promotes a culture of mutual respect and cooperation.

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• Demonstrates openness and flexibility in embracing change (or different ideas) and adjusting to new circumstances or initiatives.
• Adapts quickly to evolving situations and demonstrates a willingness to learn and grow from challenges.
• Encourages innovation and supports creative problem-solving approaches.

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• Analyzes complex issues, identifies root causes, and generates creative solutions.
• Applies critical thinking and sound judgment to make informed decisions.
• Seeks input from relevant stakeholders and considers multiple perspectives before arriving at conclusions.

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• Receives feedback with an open mind, demonstrating a growth mindset and a willingness to improve.
• Provides constructive feedback to others in a respectful and supportive manner, focusing on professional growth and development.
• Actively seeks feedback from colleagues and stakeholders to enhance performance and effectiveness.

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• Communicates clearly, confidently, and respectfully with diverse audiences, including staff, parents, students, and community members.
• Listens attentively, asks thoughtful questions, and seeks to understand others' viewpoints.
• Uses appropriate verbal and written communication skills to convey complex ideas and information effectively.

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• Engages in constructive dialogue and debates while maintaining respect and professionalism.
• Expresses dissenting opinions or disagreements tactfully, considering the impact on relationships and the broader goals.
• Demonstrates the ability to find common ground and work towards consensus when faced with differing perspectives.
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• Builds and maintains positive and trusting relationships with staff, parents, students, and community members.
• Demonstrates approachability, active listening, and the ability to connect with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
• Cultivates a sense of community, fosters collaboration, and promotes a welcoming and inclusive environment.

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• Exhibits determination and resilience in the face of challenges and setbacks.
• Maintains a positive attitude, motivates others, and leads by example during difficult times.
• Demonstrates perseverance in pursuing long-term goals and continuous improvement.
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• Demonstrates high ethical standards and acts with integrity in all professional interactions.
• Maintains confidentiality and handles sensitive information with discretion.
• Upholds professional boundaries and adheres to relevant laws, regulations, and ethical guidelines.

Qualifications:

• Master's degree in Reading Education, Literacy, or related field required.
• Minimum of 5 years of high school reading/literacy teaching experience.
• Knowledge of literacy assessment tools and diagnostic procedures for identifying reading difficulties and determining appropriate interventions.
• Familiarity with evidence-based reading interventions and instructional approaches, such as guided reading, reciprocal teaching, and phonics-based instruction.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues, students, parents, and community members.
• Commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion in education, with a passion for helping all students become proficient readers.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced educational environment.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $63,352.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift

Work Location: In person