Reading Specialist for Specialized School for Children with Dyslexia

Star School and Learning Center aims to provide an innovative, evidence-based, multi-sensory education, grounded in the Science of Reading, for cognitively skilled students with dyslexia and related language-based learning differences. South Shore Stars invites applications for the following position:

• Hold a Massachusetts Teaching Specialist License in Reading and hold an SEI endorsement
• Knowledgeable advocate for Equitable Literacy, including research on the Science of Reading
• Experience and demonstrated expertise as a teacher of Literacy
• Demonstrated success working with teachers and administrators as a professional development provider, team leader, and/or facilitator
• Previous experience in education working with children with dyslexia
• Successful completion of a Criminal Record Check (C.O.R.I.) and fingerprint check
• Expertise in team teaching and collaborative curriculum planning
• Experience and willingness to evaluate, screen, and perform testing to monitor literacy growth, inform lesson planning, and support the admissions process for potential students
• Current authorization to work in the U.S.

• Certification in Orton Gillingham preferred or willing to obtain certification.
• Certification in Lindamood Bell preferred or willing to obtain certification.

The Reading Specialist will work collaboratively with colleagues to consult, coach, and evaluate best instructional strategies for reading, writing, and literacy skills. The individual will provide direct explicit reading interventions and instruction for students that diagnostically support student growth. The specialist will analyze various forms of data to best inform instruction utilizing evidence-based practices and carefully monitor student responses to protocols to continuously evaluate progress.

• Provide colleagues with evidence-based tools for instruction.
• Participate in planning with the Principal, administrators, speech and language pathologist, collaterals, and the classroom teachers to design appropriate academic supports to meet student needs.
• Assist in administering appropriate benchmark screening, progress monitoring and assessment of students.
• Meet with Principal and classroom teachers/staff to share observations of student performance and progress.
• Maintain a database for tracking and assessing interventions and student progress.
• Attend data meetings to analyze student data and progress.
• Provide direct services within the classroom and/or small group settings.
• Collaborate with colleagues to improve curriculum and instructional effectiveness for all students.
• Participate in professional growth opportunities.
• Meet weekly during common planning time to map out lessons and strategies.
• Consistently champion and model practices that are culturally and linguistically affirming for peers and teachers and students.
• Actively participate in and support the work of the Leadership Team to continually develop and implement the instructional vision, measure progress toward school goals, as well as develop and deploy school-wide systems and structures to support student learning.
• Inspire school-wide systems and structures to support student learning.
• Model and reinforce the consistent implementation of the instructional vision through best practices, including co-teaching, peer observation, task analysis, and co-facilitation of professional learning.

• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with school personnel and students.
• Communicate clearly and concisely in both oral and written form.
• Use appropriate tiered intervention programs in reading and writing to instruct at risk students.
• Ensure those strategies used support Star curriculum goals.
• Always maintain student confidentiality at work and after hours.

• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Strong organizational and planning skills.
• Ability to work effectively with individuals and groups.
• Knowledge of curriculum and instructional best practices.

• Ability to work in a normal classroom and school building environment.
• Ability to move freely about the building to perform duties with students and teachers.
• Ability to utilize computers and other administrative technologies appropriate to the position.

Our Vision: Stars School and Learning Center aims to provide an innovative, evidence-based, multi-sensory education, grounded in the Science of Reading, for cognitively skilled students with dyslexia and related language-based learning differences. It is our desire to collaboratively create a path to success that will promote self-efficacy, resiliency, and future academic opportunities for all children regardless of prior learning experiences, demographics, or academic history. We seek to encircle our students and their families with resources that celebrate neurodiversity and build upon assets, positively impacting the trajectory of our students’ lives.

It is the policy of South Shore Stars to not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, creed/religion, sex, gender identity, ethnicity, sexual orientation, mental or physical disability, age, ancestry, marital status, homelessness, special need, proficiency in the English language or academic achievement or any other consideration made unlawful by any federal, state or local laws or regulations.

• Please submit Resume, Letter of Intent, 3 Professional References and MA Licensure to: Michelle Anderson, HR Manager South Shore Stars manderson@southhorestars.org
• At least 5 year(s) of relevant experience preferred.
• Master’s degree preferred.
• Reading Specialist License.
• Certification in Orton Gillingham preferred or willing to obtain certification.
• Certification in Lindamood Bell preferred or willing to obtain certification.
• Citizenship, residency or work visa required.

Michelle Anderson, HR Manager South Shore Stars manderson@southhoreStars.org