Reading Specialist

THE AMERICAN SCHOOL FOR THE DEAF

ANNOUNCES AN OPENING FOR

LITERACY/READING SPECIALIST

CLOSING DATE: UNTIL FILLED

REV: 3/25/2024

POST: 3/25/2024

The American School for the Deaf (ASD) is the oldest school for the deaf, founded in 1817 by Thomas Hopkins Gallaudet and Laurent Clerc. The American School for the Deaf is committed to serving deaf and hard of hearing infants, youth, and their families in development of intellect and the enhancement of quality of life utilizing specially designed instruction through an American Sign Language and English Bilingual Approach, empowering them to become educated and self-directed life-long learners.

ASD is located in West Hartford, a town recognized as one of the top ten towns for raising families. West Hartford residents value education, evidenced by the high quality of public and private schools. There is also much to do in West Hartford. There is a wide array of parks and recreation. There are pools and hiking trails. There are historic sites to visit as well. If shopping is on the list, then Blue Back Square, located in the center of town, offers many retail stores and a variety of restaurants to satisfy everyone.

SCOPE OF DUTIES

Under the supervision of the principal, provides guidance, coordination, collaboration, and innovation in reading/writing curriculum and instruction to improve student outcomes school wide (Pre K -12).

PRIMARY DUTIES

• Assist principals, supervisors, and administrators in implementing school reading and writing curricula.
• Develop and coordinate reading and language arts programs cooperatively with classroom teachers and supporting paraprofessionals.
• Consult frequently with classroom teachers/paraprofessionals on matters related to reading and writing instruction, providing support and ensuring student success.
• Identify and recommend materials to aid instruction.
• Assist in the evaluation of on-going programs and make recommendations for change.
• Keep school community informed as to the purposes and progress of the language arts programs.
• Perform literacy/reading assessments and evaluations to identify strengths and student needs and design remediation programs for improvement.
• Be responsible for implementing and monitoring remedial reading instruction using evidenced-based, systematic, and multisensory instruction (RTI/SRBI).
• Provide training for teachers to diagnose reading strengths and weaknesses and match these skills with appropriate techniques and materials.
• Provide assistance in selecting and administering valid, reliable reading assessments and screening instruments.
• Assist in differentiating classroom instruction to meet the needs of all students.
• Differentiate literacy/reading curriculum and instruction for the variety of students being served (i.e. students with cochlear implants, learning challenges, intellectual disability).
• Provide continuous and systematic procedures and opportunities for professional growth for classroom teachers (e.g. through demonstration, in-service courses, workshops, seminars, conference reports).
• Provide guidance for paraprofessionals and interns to maximize their effectiveness in meeting the individual learning needs of students in the area of reading and language arts.
• Collect, analyze, and prepare data to assist in the interpretation of scores, the development of IEP objectives, and reporting to administration.
• Provide consultation to parents regarding their student’s literacy achievement.
• Provide workshops for parents and families to promote the understating of language development as it relates to the development of reading and literacy skills, and provide strategies and techniques for enhancing literacy in the home.
• Continue professional growth by attending conferences, seminars, in-services, workshops, and/or advanced professional education to stay current with new developments in the area of reading and language arts.
• Maintain confidentiality of all information for the purpose of protection of students and staff.

• Performs other related duties as assigned.

EDUCATION / SKILLS

• Master’s degree in Deaf Education with valid Connecticut Certificate as Reading Specialist.
• Minimum of three years teaching deaf and hard-of-hearing students.
• Expertise in conducting educational assessments and development of literacy intervention programs.
• Extensive training in, and experience utilizing, research-based methodologies for reading and writing instruction.
• Ability to work effectively with minimal supervision and prioritize responsibilities.
• Exemplary organizational skills. Excellent interpersonal skills with ability to professionally interface with students, staff and administration.
• Must demonstrate a commitment to ongoing education/continuing professional development.

SALARY AND BENEFITS

Outstanding benefits package including Retirement with school matching, group health insurance, and other fringe benefits.

$1000 sign on bonus after one year of service for external hires.

ASD is ALL ways able. If you require an accommodation for applying to this position, please contact the Human Resources Department.

The American School for the Deaf does not discriminate on the basis of an individual's age, ancestry, color, genetic information, learning disability, marital status, past or present history of mental disability, intellectual disability, national origin, physical disability, race, religious creed, sex (including pregnancy, transgender status, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, or civil union status) work place hazards to reproductive systems, and criminal record (in state employment and licensing).

All applicants will be screened, and the most highly qualified applicants will be invited to interview.