• This posting will close at 5:00 pm on Monday, December 9, 2024
• This position is temporary for the remainder of the 2024-2025 school year
• Location:  Neil Armstrong Middle School
• FTE:  1.0 
• Start date:  January 6, 2025
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) Preferred

Job Title: TEACHER LITERACY SPECIALIST - MIDDLE SCHOOL

POSITION SUMMARY 

The Literacy Specialist promotes and develops successful reading instruction for students and performs related duties in accordance with District Policies and terms of the teacher contract.The Literacy Specialist works in partnership with 7th and 8th grade English Language Arts Teachers to coach and support in existing reading intervention classes. The Literacy Specialist is responsible for group and individual instruction of reading for students who meet district and state guidelines. The Literacy Specialist also maintains a cooperative attitude with staff, parents,and students. The Literacy Specialist reports to the Principal and/or Designated Administrator and does not supervise any employees.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Implement a variety of assessment instruments to determine eligibility and instructional needs of students in reading
• Provide pre- and post-assessment data to program supervisor
• Provide a variety of situational appropriate instructional techniques and methods
• Promote high levels of achievement in relation to individual abilities
• Use techniques and methodologies appropriate to student abilities
• Use current and relevant subject matter
• Act as an instructional leader in the area of reading
• Coordinate and develop the schools’ reading program based on guidelines established by the District and state and federal governments
• Demonstrate a strong working knowledge of Structured Literacy
• Exhibit a high level of experience and knowledge of dyslexia
• Demonstrate an understanding of Dual Language programming and best practices
• Provide information to teachers about best practices in the area of reading
• Assist mainstream teachers in the location and preparation of reading materials
• Assist with developing services and learning opportunities for teachers and instructional assistants
• Knowledge of MTSS and how it can most effectively provide multi-layers of support to kids
• Plan family involvement activities in coordination with principal
• Collaborate with teachers on the use of assessment data to plan instruction; analyze school literacy data and plan for future literacy needs
• Demonstrate knowledge of and ability to use research-based principles of effective instruction
• Organize instruction using learning objectives with clearly defined student outcomes
• Employ teaching strategies congruent with planned student outcomes
• Select teaching strategies emphasizing involvement
• Monitor student learning and pace instruction accordingly
• Develop and maintain a classroom environment conducive to effective student learning
• Develop classroom expectations by use of STOIC/CHAMPS and implement strategies with all students
• Communicate goals and academic expectations to students
• Provide for the health and safety of students in all instructional settings
• Prepare effectively for class
• Prepare daily lesson plans
• Provide instruction based on District approved curriculum and standards
• Provide instruction predicated on course goals and objectives
• Develop and maintain positive interpersonal relationships
• Model personal behaviors of honesty, fairness, courtesy and consideration
• Maintain a cooperative relationship with administration staff, students and parents
• Communicate with parents, counselors and students
• Communicate with classified, licensed and administrative staff
• Instruct and direct assigned instructional assistants to maximize delivery of instructional services
• Provide documentation of student progress
• Provide timely and accurate feedback/documentation to students and parents
• Maintain appropriate records of student performance
• Keep parents and teachers informed through written and oral communication
• Build motivation and interest in learning
• Exhibit personal interest and encourage student interest in the subject area
• Maintain a current awareness of literature/activities in reading
• Maintain an ongoing personal program of professional growth and development
• Develop and implement annually an approved plan for professional growth and development
• Identify and request to attend professional workshop activities intended to increase the teacher’s instructional effectiveness
• Participate in District sponsored inservice and additional offerings appropriate to assignment
• Perform other related duties as assigned by the principal and/or superintendent
• Perform duties in accordance with District policy and terms set forth in the negotiated agreement
• Assist in the enforcement of school and District rules and policies
• Assume a share of responsibility for non-classroom student activities with the assigned workday

OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES  

• Maintain consistent and predictable attendance to meet the requirements of the position
• Perform other duties as assigned

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS  

Education and Experience Required

• A minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in an appropriate field of education

Skills

• Maintain integrity of confidential information relating to students, staff, or district patrons

Knowledge

• Knowledge of age appropriate teaching methods, state curriculum framework, education code

Abilities

• Demonstrates command of oral and written English language
• Ability to work collaboratively and establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers
• Ability to effectively work and communicate with students, parents, and school personnel from diverse cultures or backgrounds in English, Spanish, or other languages related to the job 
• Ability to work harmoniously with others
• Ability to drive to other program sites and meetings

Licenses, Certifications, Bonding, and/or Testing Required

• Holds an appropriate license from Teacher Standards and Practices Commission in the State of Oregon and a reading endorsement.

 PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS 

1. In an eight-hour day employee may: 

• Stand/Walk [  ] None [  ] 1-4 hrs [  ] 4-6 hrs [X] 6-8 hrs
• Sit [  ] None [  ] 1-3 hrs [  ] 3-5 hrs [X] 5-8 hrs 
• Drive [  ] None [X] 1-3 hrs [  ] 3-5 hrs [   ] 5-8 hrs 

2. Employee may use hands for repetitive: 

• [X] Single Grasping [X] Pushing and Pulling [X] Fine Manipulation 

3. Employee may use feet for repetitive movement as in operating foot controls: 

• [X] Yes [  ] No 

4. Employee may need to: 

• Bend [X] Frequently [  ] Occasionally [  ] Not at all 
• Squat [X] Frequently [  ] Occasionally [  ] Not at all 
• Climb Stairs [  ] Frequently [X] Occasionally [  ] Not at all 
• Lift [  ] Frequently [X] Occasionally [  ] Not at all 

5. Lifting: 

• [  ]  Sedentary Work: Lifting 10 pounds occasionally with frequent sitting and occasional standing/walking. 
• [  ]  Light Work: Lifting 20 pounds occasionally with occasional sitting and frequent standing/walking.
• [X] Medium Work: Lifting 50 occasionally, 25 pounds frequently with occasional sitting and frequent standing/walking.
• [  ]  Medium Heavy Work: Lifting 75 pounds occasionally, 35 pounds frequently with occasional sitting and frequent standing/walking.
• [  ]  Heavy Work: Lifting 100 pounds occasionally, 50 pounds frequently with occasional sitting and frequent standing/walking. 

The Forest Grove School District is an equal opportunity employer and provides services to the public on an equal opportunity basis and does not discriminate in employment or the provision of public services on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender expression, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, political affiliation or belief, citizenship or marital status.

Persons having questions about equal opportunity and nondiscrimination should contact the Director of Human Resources at the Forest Grove School District, 503-359-2414.