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Henrico County Public Schools

Reading Specialist

Reading Specialist

Elementary General Statement of Duties

This is a 220 day contract.  The candidate must possess a comprehensive knowledge of reading acquisition and pedagogy, learning theory, and best practices for effective Tier I, II, and III instruction.  Candidates must demonstrate abilities to 

  • provide school-level leadership in the areas of reading and language arts, 

  • work collaboratively with all members of the school and division team, 

  • provide support to teachers in planning and delivering instruction, 

  • analyze student performance data and create action plans, and 

  • deliver high quality instruction to meet individual and group needs.  

Coaching is also a key component of this position.  Candidates should demonstrate an understanding of adult learning and instructional coaching best-practices that use state standards, division curriculum, and student data to increase student achievement. 

Essential Duties

  • Provide daily leadership and support for elementary literacy instruction through coaching, participation on school action teams, collaboration with school leadership, and direct work with teachers

  • Support teachers in the implementation of all facets of literacy instruction through the use of coaching strategies, including but not limited to participating in coaching cycles, modeling of instruction, co-teaching, and collaborative planning

  • Assist teachers in the use of data to identify student needs, form groups, select resources, and inform instruction

  • Participate in collaborative planning to support the implementation of the HCPS Instructional Model, use of aligned curriculum, and integration of best-practices in literacy instruction

  • Assist teachers with the selection of instructional materials that adhere to the HPCS aligned curriculum, stimulate learning, and meet the needs of all students in a learner-centered classroom

  • Collaborate with school leadership to identify literacy needs based upon data, develop school literacy goals that address the need, and implement a plan to achieve the literacy goals

  • Use school data to design professional learning experiences for teachers that support literacy instruction, address school goals, and align with HCPS Instructional Model

  • Oversee and coordinate literacy intervention as outlined in the Virginia Literacy Act, including providing support for school-based reading facilitators and collaborating with teachers to develop student reading plans

  • Communicate with other staff (exceptional education, LIEP, gifted, etc.) to support learning for all students

  • Collaborate with division literacy coaches and the ELA specialist, including attending monthly literacy team meetings

  • Assist with the creation of family engagement events and school-wide initiatives that promote literacy 

  • Maintain an inventory of reading and writing materials and oversee the organization of text in a bookroom

  • Stay abreast of current educational trends and best practices as these relate to classroom instruction, effective schools, and student achievement

  • Use expertise as a reading specialist to deliver small group instruction, as needed

  • Support the continued implementation of the HCPS LifeReady Literacy Plan

  • Perform other duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications

  • Must hold a current, active teaching license issued by the Virginia Department of Education

  • Reading Specialist endorsement (or proof of enrollment in a Reading Specialist program) is required

  • A minimum of three years of teaching experience required

  • Experience in grades K through 5 is preferred

  • Master's degree preferred

Middle General Statement of Duties

This is a 220 day contract. This position requires knowledge and skills in the instruction of reading and writing to provide foundational literacy instruction for middle school students. The reading specialist will collaborate with teachers, division literacy coaches, and administrators to make data based instructional decisions. The reading specialist’s responsibilities include lesson planning and daily instruction of students using interventions based on the Science of Reading. Candidates must possess the ability to plan, organize, and provide instruction that impacts student achievement.

Essential Duties

  • Balance a class load and reading instruction for middle school students.

  • Provide daily instruction to small groups of students in the Foundations of Literacy course.

  • Engage in ongoing professional learning.

  • Assess students’ literacy needs.

  • Analyze student data to make instructional decisions.

  • Monitor students’ progress and use of digital tools related to intervention.

  • Collaborate with teachers to support school-wide reading programs and the Division Literacy Plan.

  • Incorporate and model appropriate use of technology to support instruction and student learning.

  • Maintain a professional manner when interacting with all stakeholders.

  • Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

  • A Master's Degree in Reading is required.

  • Minimum of five years of successful classroom teaching experience is required.

  • Possess a comprehensive understanding of reading instruction including decoding, composing, and comprehension.

  • Possess knowledge of literacy assessments and the ability to use assessment data to create instructional goals for students receiving intervention.

  • Demonstrate the ability to plan and deliver interventions that support foundational literacy skills using the Science of Reading.

  • Work collaboratively with team members.

  • LETRS training is preferred.

  • Previous reading specialist experience is preferred.