Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Reading Teacher

🎯 Role Definition

Are you passionate about unlocking the world of reading for every student? We are searching for a dynamic and dedicated Reading Teacher / Literacy Specialist to join our academic team. In this critical role, you will be the driving force behind our reading intervention programs, working with students in small-group and one-on-one settings to build foundational skills and cultivate lifelong readers. The ideal candidate is an expert in literacy acquisition, skilled in using diagnostic data to inform instruction, and a collaborative partner to classroom teachers and families. If you are committed to evidence-based practices and believe in the potential of every child, we encourage you to apply.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Classroom Teacher (Elementary or Middle School)
Special Education Teacher
English as a Second Language (ESL) Teacher
Recent graduate with a Master's in Reading/Literacy

Advancement To:

Literacy Coach / Instructional Coach
Curriculum Coordinator or Developer
School Administrator (e.g., Assistant Principal)
District-Level Literacy Specialist

Lateral Moves:

Special Education Coordinator
Instructional Technologist with a focus on literacy
Academic Interventionist (focusing on other subjects)

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Administer, score, and interpret a comprehensive range of formal and informal reading assessments to diagnose specific student needs in areas like phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension.
Design and implement highly engaging, research-based reading interventions for individual students and small groups using structured literacy approaches and evidence-based programs.
Develop and manage detailed Individualized Reading Plans (IRPs) for students on your caseload, outlining specific, measurable goals, instructional strategies, and progress monitoring schedules.
Proactively collaborate with general education teachers to align intervention strategies with core classroom instruction and co-plan differentiated learning experiences.
Maintain precise, confidential, and up-to-date student records, consistently documenting instructional sessions, assessment data, and progress towards goals in student information systems.
Analyze school-wide, classroom, and individual student data from benchmark assessments and diagnostics to identify trends, measure program effectiveness, and drive instructional decisions.
Facilitate regular, clear, and constructive communication with parents and guardians regarding their child's progress, providing practical strategies and resources to support literacy development at home.
Serve as a key contributor to the school’s Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) or Response to Intervention (RTI) team, analyzing data and contributing to the problem-solving process for at-risk students.
Model exemplary, evidence-based reading and writing instructional techniques within classrooms to support teacher development and build instructional capacity across the school.
Stay at the forefront of the science of reading, attending professional development and continuously researching best practices, new assessment tools, and instructional methodologies.
Participate actively in Individualized Education Program (IEP) and 504 Plan meetings, providing expert analysis of reading-related disabilities and recommending appropriate goals and accommodations.
Cultivate a positive, nurturing, and risk-free learning environment that builds student confidence, fosters a genuine love of reading, and promotes academic growth.
Assist in the administration and analysis of universal screening assessments to proactively identify students who may be at risk for reading difficulties.
Evaluate, select, and recommend high-quality instructional materials, decodable texts, digital literacy tools, and intervention programs that align with our school's literacy vision.
Lead and develop professional development workshops and training sessions for faculty and staff on effective literacy instruction, assessment practices, and data analysis.
Manage and organize a robust inventory of literacy resources, ensuring materials are accessible to teachers and aligned with student needs.
Provide direct support and guidance to paraprofessionals or teaching assistants who assist in the delivery of reading intervention services.
Coordinate and promote school-wide literacy events, such as family literacy nights, author visits, and reading challenges, to build a strong culture of reading throughout the community.
Create and distribute regular, easy-to-understand progress reports for teachers, administrators, and parents to ensure all stakeholders are informed of student growth.
Manage a flexible schedule that includes a combination of pull-out intervention services and push-in classroom support, adapting to the evolving needs of students and teachers.

Secondary Functions

Support ad-hoc data requests and exploratory data analysis for school improvement planning.
Contribute to the organization's broader academic strategy and school improvement roadmap.
Collaborate with other school departments (e.g., Special Education, ESL) to translate student needs into cohesive support plans.
Participate in sprint planning and agile ceremonies within the academic intervention team.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Deep knowledge of the Science of Reading and its application in instruction.
Expertise in administering and analyzing reading assessments (e.g., DIBELS, Acadience, Fountas & Pinnell, NWEA MAP, i-Ready).
Certification or extensive training in structured literacy programs (e.g., Orton-Gillingham, Wilson Reading System, LETRS).
Proficiency in Data Analysis to drive instructional decision-making and group students effectively.
Experience with Response to Intervention (RTI) and Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) frameworks.
Skill in designing and adapting curriculum to meet diverse learner needs.
Competency in developing and contributing to Individualized Education Programs (IEP).
Ability to effectively implement Differentiated Instruction strategies in small-group settings.
Strong understanding of the five pillars of reading: phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension.
Familiarity with integrating instructional technology and literacy software/apps to enhance learning.
Knowledge of language development and its impact on literacy acquisition.

Soft Skills

Patience and Empathy: Ability to connect with and motivate struggling learners.
Exceptional Communication: Clear and compassionate communication with students, parents, and colleagues.
Collaboration and Teamwork: A proven track record of working effectively with teaching teams.
Problem-Solving: Creative and analytical approach to overcoming student learning challenges.
Organizational Skills: Meticulous record-keeping and management of schedules and resources.
Adaptability: Flexibility to adjust instruction and schedules based on student needs and data.
Mentoring and Coaching: Ability to guide and support fellow educators in literacy instruction.
Growth Mindset: A commitment to continuous professional learning and improvement.
Interpersonal Skills: Building strong, trusting relationships with all members of the school community.
Resilience: Maintaining a positive and persistent attitude in the face of challenges.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education, Special Education, or a closely related field.
Valid State Teaching License/Certification.

Preferred Education:

Master's Degree in Reading, Literacy Education, or Curriculum & Instruction.
Reading Specialist or Literacy Coach certification/endorsement.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Education
Literacy Studies
Special Education
English

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 3-5+ years of successful classroom teaching experience with a strong focus on literacy instruction.

Preferred: 2+ years of direct experience in a role such as a Reading Interventionist, Title I Reading Teacher, or Literacy Coach. Experience working with diverse student populations, including students with disabilities and English language learners.