Wissahickon Charter School is seeking a Reading Specialist for our Fernhill Campus. This is a long-term substitute position that will run through the end of this school year and has schedule flexibility; the exact work hours will be established with the candidate. The Reading Specialist is responsible for supporting students primarily in grades K-3 who are in need of additional literacy intervention. They are also expected to communicate regularly with teachers and parents about those students' growth. The Reading Specialist must be committed to the belief that all students can learn and must be relentless in their efforts to address the wide range of learning styles, needs and interests of Wissahickon Charter School students. The ideal candidate will have experience in and knowledge of the Science of Reading and structured and sequential phonics and phonemic awareness instruction and will thrive in a collaborative work environment. This is an outstanding opportunity to improve the academic and social outcomes of children from across the city of Philadelphia. Key ResponsibilitiesDirect student support (80% ongoing)
- Using research-based Science of Reading best practices, provide small group and individualized literacy support to students in need of intervention.
- Adjust small group and individualized instruction based on progress monitoring data.
- Communicate students' progress toward literacy goals with parents and establish and maintain relationships with families through updates and opportunities for involvement (as needed)
- Collaborate with classroom teachers and supervisor to determine which students will receive literacy support, and work to create a schedule aligned to students' needs & classroom schedules.
Data monitoring and supporting teachers' assessments (20% ongoing)
- Support the assessment team in administering schoolwide reading screener (DIBELS 8th edition) three times per year
- Administer biweekly progress monitoring assessments (DIBELS) to all students receiving reading intervention
- Monitor student performance on internal assessments
- Ensure all relevant teachers can administer and evaluate internal reading assessments accurately and in a timely way
- Maintain frequent communication with administrators and lead teachers regarding data on student literacy growth
General expectations
- Consistently implement WCS' student management practices
- Exemplify WCS' CARES values in all interactions with students, families and colleagues
- Seek out and be receptive to feedback from the supervisor and peers
- Stays current on professional resources; disseminates resources to individuals and groups; helps facilitate conversations re: resources.
- Participate in all professional development, team planning and data analysis meetings
- Assume other duties as assigned
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree required; Master's degree preferred
- Current certification as a reading specialist in Pennsylvania strongly preferred
- Teaching experience in an urban setting; preference for individuals with experience teaching grades K-3
- Knowledge of Science of Reading and familiarity with Pennsylvania and Common Core Standards
- In-depth understanding of literacy teaching best practices for grades K through 3
- Experience assessing student progress toward achievement of benchmarks
- Strong instructional and management skills, with a record of increasing student growth in reading and writing
- Receptiveness to feedback, positive attitude, and a desire to continuously improve
- Flexible and able to adjust instructional strategies in order to reach goals
- High level of personal organization, planning, and follow-through
- Strong oral and written communication skills and the ability to effectively communicate with students, families, supervisors and colleagues
- Collaborative work style; including maturity, humility, and a sense of humor
- Belief in Wissahickon Charter Schools' mission and environmental education model, and the belief that all children can learn and succeed
How to ApplyTo be considered, visit our website at and click on the Apply Now button. Please note that a cover letter and resume are required.Wissahickon Charter School is committed to hiring a diverse staff and encourages those from traditionally under-represented backgrounds to apply. Wissahickon Charter School does not discriminate in hiring or employment, or in the administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, or other programs.