At Aspire Living & Learning, we don't just talk about making an impact, we live it. For more than 40 years, we've supported neurodiverse children and adults across New England and Maryland as they discover their passions, unlock their potential, and live more independently in their communities. Our person-centered services evolve with people's needs, from education and behavioral health to residential and community-based supports. We empower people to live lives shaped by their own interests, choices, and strengths. Join our collaborative, mission-driven team and bring your skills to work that makes a real difference every day.
Aspire is searching for a Reading Specialist to play a vital role in improving students’ reading skills through collaboration with, and development of the team at the school.
Hours: M-F 7a-3p
Location: Trumbull, CT, one day in Naugatuck, CT per week
Key Responsibilities:
- Assess students' reading abilities using formal and informal assessments to determine individual needs.
- Develop and implement individualized reading intervention plans aligned with students’ IEP goals.
- Collaborate closely with special education teachers, speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists, and other team members to support literacy development.
- Provide direct instruction in reading, including phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension, using evidence-based programs (e.g., Orton-Gillingham, Wilson, etc.).
- Monitor and document student progress regularly and adjust instructional methods accordingly.
- Participate in IEP meetings, contribute to goal development, and provide data to support decision-making.
- Offer professional development and support to staff on best practices for literacy instruction for students with special needs.
- Maintain a positive, inclusive, and structured classroom environment that encourages student growth and confidence in reading.
- Perform any additional job responsibilities assigned by supervisors or team leaders to support the organization's smooth operation.
- Accept reassignment as required
Qualifications:
- Master’s degree in Reading, Literacy, Special Education, or related field.
- Certification as a Reading Specialist and/or Special Education Teacher (as required by state).
- Minimum of 2 years teaching experience in a special education or literacy-focused setting.
- Knowledge of multi-sensory reading programs and strategies tailored to students with learning disabilities.
- Strong collaboration, communication, and organizational skills.
- Commitment to inclusive education and differentiated instruction.
- Must have satisfactory background checks.
- Valid driver’s license and safe driving record.
Employees at Aspire enjoy working with a collaborative and dedicated team that values a culture of belonging and care. We take pride in offering a comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees, including:
- 8-weeks of PTO annually, including personal time, mental health days, and school vacations
- Comprehensive Health, Dental, & Vision Insurance - Choose from multiple medical plans, with vision coverage included at no extra cost.
- Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) and Health Saving Account (HSA) options - Use pre-tax dollars for medical and dependent care expenses.
- Lifestyle Spending Accounts with JOON - Monthly funds for wellness, fitness, commuting, childcare, pet care, and more.
- 403(b) Retirement Plan with Employer Match - A 100% match on contributions up to 2% of your salary.
- Professional Growth Opportunities - Access to training, leadership and management courses, mentorship, and career advancement.
- Employer-Paid Life & Disability Insurance, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Telehealth Services and more!
If you want to join us in making a difference and positively impact the lives of others while charting your own path of development, then we at the Aspire team would love to hear from you.
Salary: $70,000-$95,000 annually, based on education and experience
Aspire Living & Learning believes it must play an active role in creating a community of employees that is diverse, inclusive and equitable. Our work benefits greatly from the contributions of people of color, people from working class backgrounds, women, LGBTQ people, and individuals with disabilities. Hence, we strongly encourage applications from people with these identities or who are members of other marginalized communities.
#CTEdu26
Skills Required
- Master's degree in Reading, Literacy, Special Education, or related field
- Certification as a Reading Specialist and/or Special Education Teacher (as required by state)
- Minimum of 2 years teaching experience in a special education or literacy-focused setting
- Knowledge of multi-sensory reading programs and strategies (e.g., Orton-Gillingham, Wilson)
- Strong collaboration, communication, and organizational skills
- Commitment to inclusive education and differentiated instruction
- Satisfactory background checks
- Valid driver's license and safe driving record
What We Do
Aspire Living & Learning is a private, non-profit human service and educational organization, serving individuals in five states. We provide treatment and supports for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, allowing them to live more fully and more independently in their communities. Our organization arose out of the belief that everyone within our communities can add value and enrich the lives of all who live there, and that through high-quality, research-tested methods, we can enhance the life experiences of all individuals – both people with intellectual challenges as well as their families, friends, and neighbors.
