Reading Specialist

JOB DESCRIPTION READING SPECIALISTContract Period: Academic-year position, 186 days, salaried, exemptSupervisor: Associate Dean of Academics, EnglishRemuneration: 5 class periods and a duty each semesterQualifications: NH Licensure as a Reading Specialist or eligibleProfile of a Pinkerton TeacherA Pinkerton teacher's most important role is in the classroom, and they strive to engage students in a student-centered learning environment. The development of this culture allows students to make meaning of the content and transfer their knowledge to new situations and real-life applications. Teachers should be facilitators of learning, coaching students to become independent and critical thinkers. Teachers are supported in their professional learning towards growth in all areas and are encouraged to use various techniques in their instruction and assessment. Fostering a positive, challenging, and supportive environment is essential to the academic and social-emotional development of our students. Pinkerton's Vision for Instruction is utilized to guide a teacher's practice.As a member of a department and the school community, a Pinkerton teacher must display a collaborative attitude. The growth and progress of a department and the Pinkerton community depend on the involvement and engagement of the faculty members in supporting the department and school goals. Teachers' creation of a positive atmosphere in the school community reinforces learning as a lifelong activity. The modeling of Pinkerton's goals of courtesy, respect, and responsibility can be demonstrated through a teacher's relationships with students, staff, and parents.Pinkerton Academy asks all faculty members to exhibit the highest degree of professionalism in all situations, whether they are actively instructing, performing professional duties, or representing the Academy in another capacity. It is imperative that a teacher maintain their certification, meet their commitments as outlined by the Employee Handbook and individual contracts, and uphold all school policies. If a teacher finds themselves in disagreement with any school policy, they can voice that disagreement within the processes outlined in the Employee Handbook. Pinkerton Academy faculty are dedicated to showing respect for others, their opinions, and their assignments. All faculty need to demonstrate integrity, sound judgment, and an ongoing commitment to their professional duties and growth, their students, and the Pinkerton community.Essential Skills and Abilities of a Pinkerton TeacherClassroomImplements effective instructional practices to meet the needs of the learnersPlans lessons and unitsCo-teaches reading strand classes as assigned by the department head, including ongoing, consistent collaboration and communication with co-teachersAssesses student progress, provides feedback promptly, and alters instruction based on that feedbackCommunicates and adheres to clear grading procedures aligned with department policyMonitors and documents the progress of students and issues reports when appropriateMaintains accurate student records and data, including grades and attendanceUtilizes appropriate and available resources (technology, professional growth opportunities, collaboration)Communicates proactively with students and all other stakeholders regarding student progressProvides support and remediation for students outside of class timeAssesses reading comprehension skills of incoming freshmen and at the end of their sophomore year, to analyze results to direct reading initiatives, and assesses teacher-identified students as needed DepartmentModels a variety of reading strategies to students in English courses and other content-area courses throughout the schoolProvides resources, level-appropriate materials, training, and consultation to English and other content-area teachers in the area of readingExhibits enthusiasm, cooperation, and professionalism concerning department responsibilitiesEngages and participates in department meetings, professional learning communities, and common planningDisplays professional growth in relation to individual, department, and school initiativesCollaborates and shares expertise or areas of professional growth with colleagues, such as providing reading workshops for all teachersCollaborates with the department head to provide direct instruction to students and materials for teachers to demonstrate test-taking strategies in the classroom, especially for SAT preparation.Communicates effectively and respectfully with department membersCommunicates with sending schools regarding present and future reading initiativesParticipates in Curriculum planningInventory and budgetingGeneral supervisionProfessional growthDepartmental responsibilitiesDisplays ProfessionalismAppropriate conduct and behaviorPunctualityCare of equipment and facilitiesReliabilityAppropriate management techniques School and CommunityPromotes schoolwide literacyConsults with teachers, case coordinators, and school counselors who have questions pertaining to reading issues/concerns of individual studentsDisplays respect for all members of the school communityParticipates fully in commitments beyond the role in the classroom (i.e. assigned duty period,campus supervision, chaperoning, co-curricular, and extra-curricular activities)Promotes progress of the school community by engaging in committees that enact changeEngages in other school functions as a representative of the department and the school (i.e. course night, graduation, freshman field day, open house)Supports student involvement and engagement outside of the classroom