Reading Specialist Teacher, District-Wide

Position Title: Reading Specialist Teacher, District-Wide

Assignment Location: District-Wide

Hours per Day: 8.0

Schedule: 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, following the assigned school calendar

Anticipated Start Date: August 20, 2024

Assignment Length: 2024-2025 school year, continuing contract

Salary: Per the teacher contract
 

POSITION OVERVIEW:

Under the supervision of the Director of Teaching and Learning, the reading specialist teacher for Intermediate School District 917 provides coaching and professional development in the area of literacy to increase student outcome, identifies literacy needs with individual students and across the district, develops a culture of literacy and assists in selecting and implementing literacy curriculum. In this role, one helps model and encourage respect, communication, and competency during student work tasks and during socialization. Professionalism, empathy, and a non-judgmental approach are essential when working with students receiving special education services to ensure their safety and growth and to help them understand and exhibit appropriate behaviors at school and in the community. The reading specialist teacher will be stepping into a team environment daily, where collaboration, communication, and adaptability are key to the success of the individual, the team, and the success of the students. The teacher role is performed following District policy and State/Federal Laws.
 

RESPONSIBILITIES:
 

• Collaborates with and guides teachers on reading instruction.
• Models literacy lessons in classrooms.
• Shares reading strategies and activities.
• Trains licensed and non-licensed staff on literacy programs.
• Assists in planning and leading the district professional development.
• Conducts Literacy Classroom Visits.
• Assess students in literacy.
• Manages district assessment platform.
• Participates on District Curriculum Selection Committees.
• Recommends curriculum to principals.
• Manages and support district asset manager system.
• Manages “Get Caught Reading” program.
• Participates on various district and site level teams.
• Other duties, as assigned.

 
QUALIFICATIONS:
 

1. A Master’s degree with coursework in reading/education or related field, and a current teaching license from the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE)/the Professional Educators Licensing and Standards Board (PELSB) as a Reading Specialist.
2. Would like to have someone who is licensed in reading and special education with teaching experience.
3. Willingness and ability to work with students receiving a high-level of special education services.
4. Thorough knowledge of education principles, practices and procedures; thorough knowledge of the principles and methodology of effective teaching, specifically the science of reading, literacy curriculum, and literacy assessment.
5. Ability to understand developmental appropriateness of materials and behavior.
6. Good oral, written, and interpersonal communication that is maintained during high-stress and crisis situations.
7. Basic computer and email skills. Proficient in core educational subject areas.

 
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
 

1. Frequently requires exertion of up to 10 pounds of force, standing, speaking, hearing, sitting, walking, lifting, and repetitive motions.
2. Occasionally requires exertion of up to 50 pounds of force, stooping, kneeling, crawling, and crouching.
3. Work has standard vision requirements.
4. Ability to tolerate sudden jarring movement.
5. Work occasionally requires exposure to outdoor weather conditions and exposure to bloodborne pathogens and may require wearing of personal protective equipment.
6. Locations are generally moderately noisy.

DISTRICT PROFILE:

Intermediate School District 917 provides special education, career & technical education (CTE), and/or alternative learning for nine member districts in the south metro.  Our programs are located in more than 20 sites throughout the south metro, including Dakota County Technical College (DCTC) where our district office is located.  We focus on being purposeful, personalized partners within our community as we model an innovative culture with diverse pathways serving students and families through equitable practices with highly trained staff.  The culture of ISD 917 is built on the core values of collaboration, empathy, innovation, stewardship, communication, integrity, personalization, equity, and diversity.  Our programs are designed to provide high quality, equitable, and specialized programming to meet the needs of all students.  We serve students from birth through age 21 in a variety of special education programs located in multiple sites.  Our CTE programs are all located at DCTC, and our alternative learning program (Dakota County Area Learning School (DCALS) has two locations, one co-located in DCTC in Rosemount and one in West St. Paul.  At ISD 917, we belong to each other, and no one is invisible.  
 
Mission  (= Our Core Purpose)
In partnership with member districts, Intermediate School District 917 provides high quality, equitable, and specialized programming to meet the needs of all students.
 
Vision (= What We Intend to Create)
Intermediate School District 917 models an innovative culture with diverse pathways serving students and families through equitable practices with highly trained staff.
 
Core Values (= Drivers of Our Words and Actions)

• Collaboration: Working together to achieve more collectively.
• Empathy:  Considering and respecting the perspective and needs of member districts, students, families and staff.
• Innovation:  Ongoing improvement of programs and services.
• Stewardship:  Managing financial and human resources carefully and responsibly.
• Communication:  Multi-dimensional, transparent conversation focused on sharing information and creating a positive learning and working environment. 
• Integrity:  Aligning our actions with our values and beliefs.
• Personalization:  Building on the strengths and addressing the unique needs of individual students.
• Equity:  Intentionally providing opportunities while removing barriers at all levels of the organization.
• Diversity:  Appreciating and valuing everyone’s unique selves.

 
Strategic Directions (= Focus of Our Improvement Efforts)

• Increase student achievement and engagement
• Support and lead staff through continuous improvement
• Deepen engagement of stakeholders through quality, equitable communication practices
• Increase social-emotional learning and skills for students and staff
• Increase support for ALL through inclusive practices

 
District Motto
Purposeful. Personalized. Partners.
 
For more information on Special Education Services, click here
 
And for more information on  Secondary Services, click here
 
Application Procedure: Can be completed at https://www.applitrack.com/isd917/onlineapp/
 
District 917’s Website: http://www.isd917.org/
 

jessica.huss@isd917.org

Intermediate School District 917 is an equal opportunity employer