Reading Specialist
Occupations:
Special Education Teachers, All OtherSpecial Education Teachers, Elementary SchoolSpecial Education Teachers, Secondary SchoolSpecial Education Teachers, Middle SchoolSpecial Education Teachers, KindergartenIndustries:
Elementary and Secondary SchoolsResidential Intellectual and Developmental Disability, Mental Health, and Substance Abuse FacilitiesOther Residential Care FacilitiesVocational Rehabilitation ServicesBusiness Schools and Computer and Management TrainingStars School and Learning CenterWeymouth, MassachusettsStars School and Learning Center, a Massachusetts DESE-approved Chapter 766 private therapeutic day school, is seeking a highly qualified and passionate Reading Specialist to join our growing team. Stars School serves students in grades 1–8 with diagnosed dyslexia and language-based learning disabilities (LBLD).Our program is built around explicit, structured literacy instruction, strong clinical support, and individualized programming designed to help students who have struggled in traditional educational settings achieve meaningful academic and social-emotional success.The ideal candidate must possess a strong background in Orton-Gillingham methodology and structured literacy instruction, with experience supporting students with dyslexia and language-based learning disabilities in a highly supportive, small-group setting.Position OverviewThe Reading Specialist will provide direct literacy instruction and intervention to students through individualized and small-group instruction while collaborating closely with classroom teachers, clinical staff, and administrators. This position plays a central role in supporting Stars School’s mission of delivering evidence-based, multisensory instruction embedded throughout the school day.The successful candidate will demonstrate flexibility, collaboration, strong instructional practices, and a deep commitment to helping students develop confidence and independence as learners.QualificationsThe successful candidate will possess:Strong background and training in Orton-Gillingham methodology and structured literacy instruction (required)Experience working with students with dyslexia and language-based learning disabilitiesExperience delivering 1:1 and small-group literacy intervention using a multisensory, highly structured approachUnderstanding of executive functioning challenges and strategies to support students in real-time instructionExperience writing and implementing IEPs and progress reportsStrong communication, collaboration, and organizational skillsAbility to analyze assessment data to drive instruction and monitor student growthDemonstrated compassion, patience, and professionalism when working with students and familiesAbility to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team environmentCommitment to creating a structured, welcoming, and supportive classroom cultureResponsibilitiesCurriculum and InstructionDesign and implement individualized and small-group literacy instruction using Orton-Gillingham and structured literacy methodologiesDeliver explicit, systematic reading intervention targeting decoding, encoding, fluency, comprehension, and written language skillsConduct literacy assessments and ongoing progress monitoringUtilize student performance data to adjust instruction and support student growthSupport the integration of executive functioning strategies within literacy instructionCollaborate with classroom teachers to support literacy instruction across content areasIntegrate assistive technology and multisensory instructional techniques into lessonsMaintain structured routines and instructional consistency that support student successSupervise instructional assistants as assignedCollaboration and CommunicationCollaborate with clinical staff, related service providers, and teachers to support students’ academic and social-emotional needsAttend and participate in IEP meetings, team meetings, and professional development activitiesWrite educational plans, quarterly progress reports, and related documentation in a timely and professional mannerMaintain consistent and positive communication with familiesParticipate actively in supervision and collaborative problem-solvingSchool CommunityFoster a positive, respectful, and inclusive classroom environmentSupport school-wide activities, field trips, and community-building eventsBuild strong, supportive relationships with studentsDemonstrate professionalism, teamwork, and flexibility within a growing educational programPerform other duties as assigned by administrationQualificationsBachelor’s Degree requiredMaster’s Degree in Education, Reading, Special Education, or related field preferredMassachusetts DESE licensure in Reading Specialist and/or Moderate Disabilities preferredOrton-Gillingham certification or formal OG training requiredExperience in a therapeutic or special education school setting preferredSalary RangeCommensurate with experience and training