Reading Specialist

About PLN

Founded on Skid Row in 1980, Para Los Niños provides education and wraparound support, serving over 10,000 children, youth, and families annually in some of the most underserved areas in Los Angeles. PLN fosters pathways to success by striving for excellence in education, family support, and comprehensive social-emotional, and community-based services.

Through early education, TK-8th grade education, youth workforce services, and family and community services Para Los Niño’s’ model provides a comprehensive, holistic approach to break the cycle of poverty and help children and youth thrive.

Position Overview 

Under the supervision of the principal, the Reading Specialist has two major responsibilities: the Response to Reading Instruction (RTRI) program school-wide; and teaching students with highest priority needs in reading. The Reading Specialist collaborates with administration and the Special Education team to develop, oversee, and monitor the RTRI program to support students in reaching their personalized literacy goals. The Reading Specialist provides professional development to teachers and staff on the implementation of the RTRI program and helps build their capacity as reading teachers by developing a deeper understanding of foundational reading skills, to know common challenges faced by multilingual students, and works to foster evidence-based best practices.The Reading Specialist works extensively with students identified with highest priority literacy needs both during and after-school periods. The Reading Specialist leads Family workshops to support all students and bridge school to home, especially for students with the highest priority needs. The Reading Specialist works to strengthen the school’s overall reading program ensuring that a Multi-tiered System of Support is provided to all students to help them reach proficient reading skills that will contribute to their overall academic growth.

Duties

• Work collaboratively with administration in school-wide data driven instructional decision-making to meet the needs of diverse learners.
• Collaborate to fully develop, evaluate, and continuously improve the RTRI program.
• Coordinate the RTRI program, including organizing schedules and instructional staff.
• Ensure accurate and appropriate record keeping and reporting of staff afterschool work schedules.
• Provide individual literacy assessment and data analysis to determine personalized supports for students with the highest priority literacy needs.
• Deliver systematic instruction and monitors progress of students with highest priority needs, during and after school.
• Support teachers in diagnosing reading strengths and areas of improvement and match these skills with appropriate techniques and instructional materials for classroom instruction.
• Provide professional development and model evidence-based practices to teachers and Instructional Assistants in literacy development and for intervention.
• Work to coach teachers with students facing difficulties in reading.
• Work closely and serve as a resource for teachers, instructional assistants, administrators, and families to support students with difficulties in reading.
• Provide literacy workshops for parents.
• Approximately 80% of the time is prioritized for direct instruction; 20% for administrative tasks.
• Perform other responsibilities as assigned by the supervisor.

Qualifications and Experience Requirements

• Minimum 5 years of experience in the elementary classroom.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in elementary school leading as a literacy specialist.
• Experience in Special Education and/or leading an intervention program preferred.
• Knowledge of research and evidence-based approaches to literacy development challenges, literacy instruction, intervention, and assessment, especially with diverse populations such as English Learners and students with Special Needs. 
• Ability to use diagnostic data to tailor instruction to meet the needs of the students.
• Ability to guide and train teachers in effective reading techniques and strategies.
• Experience coaching and collaborating with teachers.
• Experience planning for and facilitating professional development workshops for teachers.
• Familiarity and experience with small group guided and strategy instruction in reading and writing.
• Experience teaching the Wilson Reading Program, Lindamood-Bell for Reading & Comprehension, Orton-Gillingham Approach or another comparable program.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and flexible, responsive work style.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and human relations skills.

Education and Certification Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree.
• Holds a valid California Reading Specialist Credential.

Physical Requirements

To perform this job the individual must be able to carry out all essential functions satisfactorily.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individual with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job. 

• Approximately 50% of time is spent sitting, while frequently required to walk, stand and bend.
• Must be able to speak and hear well. 
• Good vision is imperative. 
• Occasionally required to stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. 
• Employee will be required to lift and/or move up to 25 pounds without assistance.

Expectations for All Para Los Niños Staff

Candidates for employment at a Para Los Niños, regardless of position, will consistently demonstrate the following:

• Unwavering belief in and commitment to fulfill the mission of Para Los Niños.
• Deep commitment to the success of all PLN students and families.
• Commitment to excellence and high standards -- for self, students, and colleagues.
• Continuous learning by engaging in reflection, self-assessment, and individual professional development.
• Use of data to inform decisions and drive continuous improvement.
• Ability to thrive as a member of a collaborative team.
• Self-motivation and initiative with solutions-oriented disposition.
• Belief in and ability to develop respectful relationships with parents and children marked by sensitivity to the students’ cultural and socioeconomic characteristics.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to effectively handle challenging situations.
• Comfort with basic Microsoft Office applications and a curiosity and propensity to push own adoption of new technology and approaches.
• Regular, punctual attendance and professional appearance.

Para Los Niños is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer

It is the established policy of Para Los Niños (PLN) to provide equal employment and advancement opportunities to all qualified applicants and employees without discrimination with regard to race, religious belief (including dress or grooming practices), color, sex, sex stereotype, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions (including breast feeding), age, national origin (including possessing a driver’s license issued under Vehicle Code § 12801.9), ancestry, sexual orientation, gender identification and expression, transgender status, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic characteristics, genetic information, family care, marital status, enrollment in any public assistance program, status as military, a veteran or qualified disabled veteran, status as an unpaid intern or volunteer, or any other classification protected by law. PLN also prohibits discrimination based on the perception that anyone has any of those characteristics or is associated with a person who has or is perceived as having any of those characteristics.