Location: Dual Language Academy
DEFINITION: The Literacy Specialist provides and leads literacy instruction and assessment, school-wide, through a combination of intervention, coaching and implementing the evidence-based practices found in the HUSD Literacy Plan.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
Direct Instruction of Students:
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Provides direct instruction to students identified as eligible for reading services in individual, small group and/or full classroom settings.- Uses identified needs to guide learning process towards student achievement of District’s literacy goals
- Establishes clear objectives for all lessons, units and projects using formal and informal assessment data obtained from students.
- Uses a variety of instructional techniques and literacy materials consistent with the standards and the needs and capabilities of the individuals or student groups involved.
- Creates a classroom environment that is conducive to learning and appropriate to the maturity and interests of the students.
Literacy Leader:
- Work cooperatively and collaboratively with other professionals in planning instruction to meet the needs of diverse learners.
- Provide leadership for the District’s literacy
- Provide professional development by training, coaching and supporting teachers and aides with literacy programs and instructional practices.
- Ensure accurate and appropriate record keeping and
- Demonstrate instructional leadership and
- Provides curriculum support and training for all teachers and continuous staff development that supports the District’s initiatives.
- Models and coaches instructional methods in a variety of settings (whole group and small group) and provides follow-up support.
- Collaborates with and coaches teachers on the use of assessment data to plan instruction; analyzes school literacy data and plans for future literacy needs.
- Participates in vertical and horizontal collaborative instructional
- Assists with the planning and delivery of parent workshops and informational sessions involving
- Uses approaches to literacy that closes the achievement/access gap, accelerates and sustain student achievement in part, through implementation of standards-based instruction.
- Addresses issues of race/ethnicity, language, culture and underserved student population as they impact literacy and education.
- Establishes ways for developing, implementing, and maintaining parent/community interaction and building student voice in literacy and education.
- Facilitates literacy dialogues/meetings
- Perform non-instructional duties including curriculum and instruction development, student supervision, assessment, and consultation activities.
EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS:
Knowledge Of:
- Principles, theories, methods, techniques, and strategies pertaining to teaching and instruction of elementary grade students in the area of reading;
- Child growth and development and behavior characteristics of the elementary grade child;
- Educational curriculum and instructional goals and objectives, and the educational trends and research findings pertaining to early childhood educational programming;
- Behavior management and behavior shaping strategies, techniques and methods, and conflict resolution procedures;
- Socio-economic and cultural background differences of the general school
Ability To:
- Plan, organize, develop, and conduct a comprehensive reading intervention program for students who are behind grade level
- Serve as a literacy leader on site by engaging in coaching conversations, lesson observations, development and delivery of professional development.
- Collaborate with other Literacy Specialists on site and across the District
- Understand the developmental levels of a reader and accurately diagnose and prescribe the appropriate reading supports for the student and the teacher.
- Follow safety procedures and written and verbal instructions;
- Work effectively with staff, students and public;
- Make independent decisions;
- Work autonomously;
- Organize task, set priorities and meet deadlines, manage multiple tasks;
- Demonstrate good judgment and good problem-solving skills;
- Direct and instruct others;
- Respond appropriately to evaluation and changes in work
EDUCATION:
Possession of a Baccalaureate or higher degree with emphasis in elementary education, instructional technology, a subject matter field commonly taught in the elementary grades, or closely related field areas.
CREDENTIAL:
- General Elementary, General Primary, Standard Elementary or Multiple CLAD, BCLAD, SADAIE certification is required
EXPERIENCE/OTHER REQUIREMENTS:
- Must possess a Reading Certificate and/or Reading and Literacy Added Authorization or Specialist Credential and/or three years experience teaching reading in grades K-3
- LETRS Certificate of Mastery desired or LETRS program in progress desired
PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING CONDITIONS:
The physical requirements indicated below are examples of the physical aspects that this position must perform in carrying out the essential functions of the position.
Physical Demands: Sit, stand, reach, look down, turn neck (frequently); walk, bend, stoop, squat, push, pull, climb stairs, reach above shoulders (occasionally); kneel, crawl, lay down, use foot controls (infrequently); lift/carry items to 10 pounds (frequently), to 25 pounds (occasionally) and 26 – 90 pounds (students, in emergencies); grasp/manipulate materials and supplies (frequently); use seeing, hearing and speaking (continuously).
Working Conditions: Indoor classrooms, outdoor school yard and grounds. Exposure to: student and playground noise, communicable diseases, unruly students, air conditioning, seasonal temperatures, dust, wind, pesticides and possible smog.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable a person with a disability to perform the essential functions of the position.
COMPENSATION:
Teacher Salary Schedule
