Teacher, Reading Specialist

Teacher, Reading Specialist
REPORTS TO: Principal
DEPARTMENT: Special Education
POSITION OVERVIEW
Special School District (SSD) Reading Specialists are committed to providing an individualized reading program that supports and empowers students of all learning abilities to excel to their greatest potential. You will be expected to have and continue to develop your understanding of the special education process and individualized instruction. Through your engaging lessons, encouragement, and consistent nurturing of knowledge, you will be the key to each students' success.
You should consider applying for this position if your values align with SSD's core values of equity, commitment, and collaboration and you believe every student deserves the resources and support required to help them learn. SSD staff are expected to understand and have a deep commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility, and for that commitment to be evident in their work.
CLASSIFICATION
Exempt
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Meets and instructs assigned learners (caseload, class, peers, in-service, children, pupils, students) in the locations and at the times designated
• Creates an environment that is appropriate to the maturity of the student and conducive to learning
• Establishes and communicates to the student clear objectives for lessons, units, and projects
• Clarify lesson planning and other written evidence of program preparation
• Encourages students to set and maintain appropriate standards of behavior
• Administers, interprets, and records informal and standardized reading assessments
• Employs a variety of instructional techniques which are compatible with the physical space and the needs and capabilities of the individuals or student groups involved
• Implements the district's education philosophy by selection of instructional goals and objectives
• Strives to improve and maintain professional competence
• Attends staff meetings and serves on staff committees if required
• Schedules classes to meet students' specific instructional needs
• Evaluates and orders materials necessary for instruction
• Evaluates the progress of each student and regularly shares progress reports with students, parents, and administrators
• Utilizes learning aids, including multi-media and technology resources

Resource Utilization

• Takes reasonable and necessary precautions to protect students, equipment, materials, and facilities

Collaboration

• Provides the educational team information regarding the individualized reading remediation program(s) designed for students who will receive instruction
• Recommends and evaluates instructional methods and/or strategies to be used
• Collaborates with the educational team, including but not limited to administrators, teachers, counselors, support personnel and/or SSD staff
• Provides continuous support and information to educational team members

Compliance

• Regularly assesses students' reading progress and provides quarterly progress reports as required
• Maintains complete records as required by law, district policy, and administrative regulation
• Assists the administration in implementing district rules and policies on student conduct, develops classroom universal on behavior and procedures, and maintains classroom management in the classroom
• Performs other duties and responsibilities as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS
Education

• Bachelor's degree required, Masters Degree preferred

Experience

• Secondary classroom experience preferred

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations

• Missouri Special Reading K-12 certification

ESSENTIAL COMPETENCIES
The requirements described below are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Communication Skills
Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and policy and procedure manuals. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence. Ability to communicate effectively one-on-one and before groups.
Mathematical Skills
Ability to collect and graph skill programming and behavior data, add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, decimals, and percentages.
Reasoning Ability
Ability to problem-solve and apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written and/or oral diagram form.
Physical Requirements
While performing the duties and responsibilities of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear, stand, move and walk at a brisk pace, sit, and use hands and arms to handle, feel and reach. The position requires the ability to accompany students anywhere on school premises. The employee is occasionally required to stoop or kneel and occasionally lift and move up to 50 pounds. Additionally, the employee must be physically able to implement all Board of Education Policies, District procedures, and to perform Nonviolent Crisis Intervention training and techniques. The employee must be physically able to react and intervene quickly during crisis situations, such as but not limited to the following circumstances: student elopement, physical altercations involving students, or any situation that requires physical intervention to maintain student safety. Yearly NCI training with participation in physical intervention strategies is a requirement for the job.
DISCLAIMER
The information contained in this job description is not an exhaustive list of the duties performed for this position. Additional duties are performed by the individuals currently holding this position and additional duties may be assigned.
EEOC STATEMENT
Special School District is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for the position applied for without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, military/veteran status, gender identity, gender expression, ancestry, genetic information, or any other characteristics protected by law. To request an ADA Accommodation, please contact our Director of ADA and Accessibility for Staff 314-989-8299.
SALARY AND BENEFITS
Salary
Starting at $46,247 to 73,697 based on education and experience
Benefits

• Group benefits plans for medical, vision, dental, and life insurance
• Enrollment in Missouri public school retirement systems
• Staff Health Clinics
• DailyPay
• Paid holidays
• 13 PTO days per year
• Employee assistance program
• Healthcare spending account

EVALUATION
The employee will be evaluated periodically.
Board Approved Date: September 2002
Revised: October 2003, August 2009, July, 2010, February 2011, August 2013, November, 2023
Salary Schedule