Literacy Specialist

The management services offered to our family of charter schools, allows us to collectively become a change agent and national leader in urban education as evidenced by student awareness of self, high academic achievement, positive school culture and community transformation wherever we serve.    

Essential Functions:

The Reading Specialist will provide instructional support and coaching to teachers as they work to ensure that each student is able to reach his or her academic potential and pull small groups of students throughout the school day. The Specialist has a dual role to work with teachers to support best practices in using data, and work with students to improve their academic outcomes. The role also includes providing analysis of school-wide trends in instruction and make recommendations about potential next steps to address student and teacher areas of need. In addition, the Specialist must support identified students for intervention and/or enrichment. As an advisor to teachers and the leadership team, the Specialist is responsible for seven main areas: a) observing instructional delivery and providing feedback to enhance and support the development of each teacher's content area, b) modelling and co-teaching lessons for teachers, c) supporting students academically based on data in small group instruction, d) supporting teachers in the design of units and lessons for the development of their year-long curriculum, e) analyzing data in order to modify curriculum and forms of assessment to meet students’ needs, f) working with the academic staff, grade level chairs, assistant principals, principals in the school to support sharing of best practices, g) and supervision and administration of the PSSA. The Reading Specialist position is a partially released position.

Responsibilities:

• The Specialist will work closely with teachers and administrators to strategically create and implement a plan to increase student achievement in subject areas. 
• The Specialist will deliver small group instruction for intervention and/or enrichment
• The Specialist will play an integral role in the efforts to align the subject curriculum and oversee progress monitoring throughout the school horizontally and vertically.
• Collaborate with school personnel to advise directors and teachers on developing instructional strategies and intervention programs for struggling students. 
• Collaborate with Universal’s Instructional Team to plan and deliver pre-service summer professional development for new and returning staff members aligned to high priority initiatives and outcomes in the subject area. 
• Support the development of high-quality/effective instruction. 
• Observe and coach developing teachers to improve instructional planning, teaching practice, and the use of data, assessment, and instructional technology. 
• Work with teachers to refine and develop common standards-based pacing plans, mid-year, and end of year common assessments for each grade level. 
• Work with various teams (administrators, teachers, support staff) to facilitate analysis of data provided by diagnostics, common assessments, and formative assessments. 
• Act as teacher in the event there is no qualified applicant. 
• Assist teacher teams develop both school-wide and classroom intervention plans. 
• Work with school administrators to develop policies and school structures that facilitate the improvement of subject instruction and the appropriate interventions and supports for students. 
• Support and deliver guidance on using 21st Century learning techniques and the transition to the Common Core Standards. 
• Continuously monitor, track, and analyze student achievement data to identify needed supports and strategies.

• Perform other duties/related work as directed by Administration.

REQUIREMENTS/QUALIFICATIONS:

Education: Bachelor’s Degree and Valid PA Certification in specific subject area

Preferred Experience:

• Experience working with adult learners, coaching, and delivering professional development.
• At least 3 years of teaching in specific subject area.
• Acceptable criminal history background check and proof of U.S. citizenship or legal
   resident alien status.
• An understanding of the Pennsylvania core standards, current trends and best practices in curriculum design and instruction. 
• Bring a spirit of enthusiasm, energy, and multi-cultural awareness.
• Possess strong written and oral communication skills.
• Demonstrate ability to apply data analysis, new strategies, and evaluation techniques.
• Understand and communicate current trends and best practices in counseling. 
• Understand all applicable laws, regulations, and rules.
• Possess excellent interpersonal skills in the areas of collaboration, team participation,
   creative problem-solving, conflict resolution, group planning, and decision-making processes. 
• Demonstrate the ability to deal with people beyond giving and receiving of instructions.
• Be student focused.
• Hold knowledge and fluency working with various needs assessment and research
   methods.
• Be proficient in computer applications. Encourage use of technology in the delivery of instruction. 
• Understand the challenges that faculty and students face in using technology.

• Prioritize work to meet schedules and timelines. Follow through and timely completion of assigned tasks.
• Demonstrate knowledge and good judgment in matters of school policy and procedures.
• Utilize proper discretion in dealing with confidential matters.
• Work well without close supervision and with little direction. 
• Be able to solve problems independently and manage projects alone.
• Be adaptable to performing under stress and when confronted with emergency situations.

Compensation: 

Competitive salary scale based on relevant professional experience, education, and certifications.