Reading Specialist
\r\nLocation: Sky Crossing Elementary School
\r\nFTE: .40
\r\nInterim Position
\r\nStart Date: 7/27/2026
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Purpose Statement
\r\nThe job of Reading Specialist - Elementary is done for the purpose/s of providing support to the instructional process by serving as an elementary school teacher with specific responsibility for supervising students within the classroom and other assigned areas; developing lesson plans and delivering group and individual student instruction within established curriculum guidelines; collaborating with other teachers, other professional staff, and administrators in addressing instructional and/or classroom issues; and responding to a wide range of inquiries from students' parents or guardians regarding instructional program and student progress.
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This job reports to Site Administrator
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Essential Functions
\r\nCompiles school literacy plan and data three times a year for Move on When Reading and submits these documents to the state department.
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Attends reading specialist meetings and works with school administration to update teachers’ literacy practices, plan intervention and data discussions, and inform teachers of district and state literacy initiatives and laws.
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Administers developmental testing programs and/or subject specific assessments, etc. for the purpose of assessing student competency levels and/or developing individual learning plans.
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Advises parents and/or legal guardians of student progress for the purpose of communicating expectations; student's achievements; developing methods for improvement and/or reinforcing classroom goals in the home environment.
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Assesses student progress towards objectives, expectations, and/or goals for the purpose of providing feedback to students, parents and administration.
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Collaborates with instructional staff, other school personnel, parents and a variety of community resources for the purpose of improving the overall quality of student outcomes, achieving established classroom objectives in support of the school improvement plan.
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Counsels students for the purpose of improving performance, health status, problem solving techniques and a variety of personal issues.
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Demonstrates pedagogical approaches that engage learners for the purpose of providing an effective program that addresses individual student requirements.
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Differentiates academic work for the purpose of providing students with instructional materials that address individualized learning within established lesson plans.
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Directs instructional assistants for the purpose of providing an effective reading and addressing the needs of individual students.
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Facilitates student learning for the purpose of achieving success in academic, interpersonal and daily living skills through a defined lesson plans.
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Instructs students for the purpose of improving their success in Reading through a defined course of study.
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Manages student behavior for the purpose of providing a safe and optimal learning environment.
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Monitors students in a variety of educational environments (e.g. classroom, hallways, etc.) for the purpose of providing a safe and positive learning environment.
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Organizes age appropriate indoor and outdoor activities for the purpose of ensuring student participation in learning activities.
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Participate in the reviewing of data and instructional practices.
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Participates in a variety of meetings (e.g. staff, district, etc.) for the purpose of conveying and/or gathering information required to perform functions.
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Prepares a variety of written materials (e.g. grades, attendance, anecdotal records, etc.) for the purpose of documenting student progress and meeting mandated requirements.
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Reports health and safety issues to assigned administrator and appropriate agencies (e.g. fights, suspected child or substance abuse, inappropriate social behaviors, etc.) for the purpose of maintaining students personal safety, a positive learning environment and complying with regulatory requirements and established guidelines.
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Responds to emergency situations for the purpose of resolving immediate safety concerns and/or directing to appropriate personnel for resolution.
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Responds to inquires from a variety of sources (e.g. other teachers, parents, administrators, etc.) for the purpose of resolving issues, providing information and/or direction.
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Other Functions
\r\nServes as the Dyslexia Training Designee (DTD) to provide support to all educators, in instructional practices and interventions to support all readers, including those that may show characteristics of dyslexia.
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Performs other related duties, as assigned, for the purpose of ensuring the efficient and effective functioning of the work unit.
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Job Requirements: Minimum Qualifications
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Skills, Knowledge and Abilities
\r\nSKILLS are required to perform multiple, highly complex, technical tasks with a need to periodically upgrade skills in order to meet changing job conditions. Specific skill based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: applying assessment instruments; operating standard office equipment including using pertinent software applications; teaching Arizona State recognized standards; preparing and maintaining accurate records.
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KNOWLEDGE is required to perform Reading interventions; read technical information, compose a variety of documents, and/or facilitate group discussions; and analyze situations to define issues and draw conclusions. Specific knowledge based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: appropriate codes, policies, regulations and/or laws; age appropriate activities; lesson plan requirements; stages of child development; behavioral management strategies.
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ABILITY is required to schedule activities, meetings, and/or events; gather, collate, and/or classify data; and use job- related equipment. Flexibility is required to work with others in a wide variety of circumstances; work with data utilizing defined but different processes; and operate equipment using standardized methods. Ability is also required to work with a diversity of individuals and/or groups; work with a variety of data; and utilize specific, job-related equipment. Problem solving is required to analyze issues and create action plans. Problem solving with data frequently requires independent interpretation of guidelines; and problem solving with equipment is moderate. Specific ability based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: establishing and maintaining constructive relationships; adapting to changing work priorities; maintaining confidentiality; exhibiting tact and patience; working flexible hours.
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Responsibility
\r\nResponsibilities include: working under limited supervision using standardized practices and/or methods; directing other persons within a small work unit; utilization of resources from other work units is often required to perform the job's functions. There is some opportunity to significantly impact the organization’s services.
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Work Environment
\r\nThe usual and customary methods of performing the job's functions require the following physical demands: occasional lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling, significant stooping, kneeling, crouching, and/or crawling and significant fine finger dexterity. Generally the job requires 10% sitting, 40% walking, and 50% standing. The job is performed under some temperature extremes and under conditions with some exposure to risk of injury and/or illness.
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Experience: Job related experience is desired.
\r\nEducation: Bachelors degree in job-related area.
\r\nEquivalency:
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Required Testing Certificates and Licenses
\r\nArizona Teaching Certificate
\r\nAppropriately Certified in Core Content Area
\r\nSEI Endorsement Required
\r\nReading Endorsement Required
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Continuing Educ./Training
\r\nDTD must complete required training per state statute.
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Clearances
\r\nCriminal Background Clearance
\r\nValid Arizona IVP Fingerprint Clearance Card
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FLSA Status - Exempt
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Paradise Valley Unified School District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex or disability, in admission or access to, or treatment or employment in its programs and activities. Any person having inquiries concerning the School's compliance with the regulations implementing Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title VI), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Section 504), Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA), or Title II of the Genetic Information NonDiscrimination Act of 2008 (GINA) may contact the Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources.
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