] Office of Human Resources - Montgomery County Public Schools

OFFICE OF HUMAN RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT → CLASSIFICATION → TEACHER, READING SPECIALIST

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Teacher, Reading Specialist

MONTGOMERY COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS CLASS DESCRIPTION
OFFICIAL TITLE: Teacher, Reading Specialist CODE: 1033 SQ/OQ: Not Applicable
WORKING TITLE: Teacher, Reading Specialist GRADE: BD MONTHS: 10
SUMMARY DESCRIPTION OF CLASSIFICATION: The reading teacher supports students as they construct meaning in reading. Under the direction of the principal, the reading teacher provides services to administrators, counselors, teachers, and parents. In addition, the reading teacher uses both informal and standardized measures to diagnose the strengths and needs of individual students and/or groups of students. The reading teacher teaches basic and developmental reading.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATION STANDARDS
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: Knowledge of MCPS goals and guidelines and current professional research in order to coordinate and evaluate all schoolwide reading services. Thorough knowledge of educational process; background in content area desirable. Ability to assume responsibility as approved by the principal and in conjunction with other school leaders (i.e., resource teachers, counselors) in initiating and providing reading services that are consistent with the needs of all students.Ability to articulate a schoolwide reading program to staff, students, parents, feeder and receiving schools. Ability to provide in-school training in reading and language arts to school staff. Ability to serve as a schoolwide resource. Ability to work effectively with principal, staff and parents. Skillsin written and oral communication, human relations, organization and management. Completion of MCPS Teacher Test.
EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE: Master's degree or equivalent of post-baccalaureate graduate credits in reading. Advanced Professional Certificate. Three years teaching and/or clinical experience, preferably at the level of assignment. Eligible for Maryland reading specialist certification. Experience in administering, analyzing, and interpreting standardized tests. Other combinations of education, training, and experience which provide the knowledge, abilities and skills necessary to perform effectively in the position may be considered.
CERTIFICATE AND LICENSE REQUIREMENTS: Master's degree or equivalent of post-baccalaureate graduate credits in reading; Advanced Professional Certificate; Maryland reading specialist certification.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS: (Special requirements such as lifting heavy objects and frequent climbing.) As required by the duties and responsibilities of the job.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: (Frequent overtime or night work required, etc.) Required to attend school meetings, programs and activities outside the instructional day as mandated by the MCEA agreement.
OVERTIME ELIGIBLE: No

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

I. Consultative Services:
A. Plan and coordinate reading program with principal
1. Identify strengths and needs in the schoolwide program.
2. Help content area teachers develop, maintain and evaluate ongoing reading program for each student.
3. Assist counselors in grouping and scheduling students (e.g., skills, honors, gifted/talented).
4. Assist in recommending, selecting, and ordering reading materials (content area, media).
5. Articulate with feeder and receiving schools regarding reading programs and student achievement.
6. Serve on the Educational Management Team (EMT) and on the School Admissions. Review and Dismissal Committee (SARD) when reading issues are involved.
7. Participate as a member of the school instructional council on reading program matters.
8. Help develop ongoing assessment measures and interpret standardized test scores in relation to school objectives.
9. Inform faculty of new materials and current trends in reading.
10. Serve as a resource to content area teachers in identifying reading needs, adapting instructional techniques, and selecting appropriate materials for their disciplines.
11. Meet regularly with the central office coordinator.
12. Consult with parents and teachers regarding student progress in reading.

B. Staff Development
1. Identify and demonstrate instructional strategies and materials appropriate for varied student needs and content areas.
2. Assist in planning, organizing, and conducting reading/language arts in-service programs.

II. Direct Services
A. Work with students individually, or in groups
1. Developmental Reading
2. Gifted/Honors
3. Intervention programs
B. Work with content area teachers using varied methods to teach reading strategies to all students.
1. Team teaching
2. Demonstration teaching
3. Planning
C. Promote an interest in reading by initiating and coordinating reading incentive programs.

III. Diagnostic-Prescriptive
A. Provide assessment services
B. Interpret test scores
C. Plan appropriate programs based on evaluation

IV. Performs other related duties as required and as assigned by the principal.
Class Established: 11/87
Date(s) Revised: 10/88, 12/88, 11/89, 5/94
Last Reviewed: 6/09

This description may be changed at any time.