Reading Specialist

The NorthStar Foundation focuses on the critical, unmet needs of North Omaha’s young men, beginning in third grade, with the goal of helping them grow into healthy, educated, employed contributors to the community. NorthStar is the only single sex, male afterschool program in Greater Omaha. NorthStar serves 3rd – 12th grade boys.

NorthStar is seeking a team player with an optimistic outlook to work directly in academic program delivery, curriculum development, staff training, and integration of technology into the after-school program. A high priority is given to the implementation of reading intervention and literacy skill development. The Reading Specialist is a front line, youth builder role within the organization and will report to the Director of Education.

Essential Job Functions include the following, and other duties may be assigned:
Provide the strategies and support to facilitate effective instructional and behavioral practices, related to the specific needs of each child, based on a Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS) framework.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Develop research-based reading lessons for students in grades 3-5 who qualify for reading intervention services.

• Work collaboratively with the school-wide MTSS team on the appropriate use of data in making educational decisions.

• Facilitate the coordination of school-wide and individual student benchmarking and progress monitoring data using Fast Bridge Assessment System.

• Maintain an accurate database of students in the reading program.

• Assist building administration in reviewing data to develop building level professional development which supports MTSS.

• Manage students receiving instructional interventions.

• Oversee the reading volunteers, including their training and the preparation of all necessary instructional materials.

• Oversee the NorthStar Boys Reading Clubs.

• Oversee the NorthStar library by maintaining high-interest books with a wide range of reading levels.

• Oversee the secondary IXL reading program and other literacy activities.

OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Work collaboratively with building administration to plan expenditures of program funds.

• Exhibit dependability and punctuality in assigned duties.

• Strive to improve professional competence.

• Display appropriate personal and professional traits that exhibit a positive role model for students.

• Take all necessary and reasonable precautions to protect students, equipment, materials, and facilities.

• Share pertinent information with building administration and leadership.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Appropriate teacher certification

• Master’s degree preferred in Reading, Elementary Education, English as a Second Language, or Special Education preferred.

• Leadership and organizational qualities, which include the ability to facilitate teams, communicate collaboratively, train and lead others, and coordinate data.

• Working knowledge and understanding of the Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS) process, at-risk supports, and literacy development.

• Minimum three (3) years of successful classroom teaching experience, preferably in the teaching of reading.

• Understanding of urban education; experience working with a high concentration of FRL students.

• Ability to develop positive relationships with parents and students.

• Ability to handle multiple tasks efficiently and to organize work to meet proper deadlines.

• Knowledge of OPS schools and curriculum preferred.

• Proficient with Microsoft Office suite (Word, Excel, Outlook), and Apple product lines.

• Ability to effectively interact with sensitivity and responsiveness to cultural differences present in the organization’s service population, both individually and in groups.

• Must work well with others and interface with all organization departments.

Physical and Environmental Conditions:

Duties are generally performed in an indoor setting. Must be able to climb, stoop, kneel, crouch, reach and handle objects. Must be able to stand, walk, and sit for several hours daily.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required for personnel so classified. This job description is not an employment agreement or contract. Management has the exclusive right to alter this job description at any time without notice.