Reading Specialist Teacher Candidate Pool
Description
ABOUT US
The Howard County Public School System (HCPSS) is one of the leading school systems in Maryland and the nation. To learn more about us and our 2024 -2029 Strategic Plan , please visit our website and our careers page . Join our award-winning workforce and make a difference in the lives of our students!
ABOUT THE APPLICATION PROCESS
Before you begin, please read the job posting below carefully including the Application Requirements specific to this position. Be sure your application reflects experience and education required to meet the minimum and any preferred qualifications listed. Our application guide includes detailed instructions to assist you. Once your application has been submitted, you will not be able to add documentation or make any changes.
Please note that application submission will be available only through 11:59 PM on the date p rior to the indicated end date. If no end date is indicated, the posting will remain open indefinitely .
Job Posting End Date:
Reminder: Current permanent and temporary employees must apply through the Jobs Hub in Workday, not the external career site.
DESCRIPTION
Under the direction of the school principal and/or assistant principal, the Reading Specialist Teacher plans and provides appropriate learning experiences for all students. Reading Specialist Teachers provide an atmosphere and environment conducive to the intellectual, physical, social and emotional development of individuals to ensure success for every student. Reading Specialist Teachers are responsible for developing, selecting, and differentiating instructional plans and materials based on the HCPSS curriculum to meet the needs of all students.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Applicants must meet all qualifications below to be considered for the vacancy.
Meet the licensure requirements for early childhood education, elementary education, special education, or a secondary education area*; and Have three years of effective teaching or clinical experience; and Complete three semester hours of special education coursework ; and Meet one of the following options:
Option I
Hold a master's degree and complete a Maryland-approved program leading to licensure as a reading specialist.
Option II
Hold a master's degree and complete a program leading to licensure as a reading specialist in another state.
Option III
Hold a master's degree or equivalent of 33 post-baccalaureate credits in reading and related areas to include:
15 semester hours of reading coursework with at least one course in each of the following areas:
Foundation or survey course
Diagnosis and correction of reading difficulties
Clinical or laboratory practicum
Assessment or evaluation, or both
Methods of teaching reading to English language learners
Additional coursework selected from at least four of the following areas:
Emergent literacy
Literacy leadership
Content area literacy
Writing
Effective use of technology in the literacy classroom
Early childhood, elementary, or adolescent literacy
Literacy research
Linguistics
*Applicants who meet the requirements for a teaching license in secondary education (i.e., 4-9 and 7-12 grade bands) must also demonstrate proficiency in the knowledge and practices of scientific reading instruction by submitting a passing score (159) on the Praxis 5205 Teaching Reading Elementary licensure assessment.
Certification/Licensure
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Meets the Maryland State Department of Education licensure requirements for a Reading Specialist Endorsement on their current Maryland Licensure.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
The ideal candidate for this role will also possess a combination of the additional qualifications below. If you don’t meet every one of the preferred qualifications, we still encourage you to apply, as we welcome applications from candidates with diverse backgrounds and experiences.
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Three previous years of teaching experience.
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Holds a current Maryland State Department of Education license with a Reading Specialist Endorsement.
ESSENTIAL POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES
The below list is a summary of the functions of the job, not an exhaustive or comprehensive list of all possible job responsibilities, tasks, and duties.
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Plan and implement instructional programs that adhere to system-wide goals and priorities and meet the needs, interests and abilities of students.
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Prepare and document appropriate lesson plans for classes assigned, based upon HCPSS curricula, to achieve instructional objectives.
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Create an instructional environment that is conducive to the intellectual, physical, social and emotional development of students.
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Guide the learning process toward the achievement of curriculum goals.
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Establish learning objectives consistent with student needs, requirements of the HCPSS curriculum framework, and knowledge of human growth and development.
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Create a classroom environment that supports student engagement in the learning process, enabling each student to achieve academic success.
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Provide an instructional program to meet the needs of all students including students with disabilities.
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Refer students for appropriate specialized support as needed.
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Plan for and utilize instructional methods, resources and evaluation techniques that motivate and enable each student to achieve the applicable learning objectives.
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Provide input when necessary to student Individualized Education Programs (IEPs).
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Take all necessary safety precautions to protect students, equipment, materials and facilities.
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Assist the administration in implementing all policies and rules governing student life and conduct.
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Develop reasonable rules of classroom behavior and procedure and maintain order in the classroom in a fair and just manner. Communicate standards, achievements and areas for improvement to students and families.
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Provide timely and meaningful feedback to families and students.
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Make provisions for being available to students and families for education-related purposes outside the instructional day when required or requested to do so under reasonable terms.
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Plan and oversee purposeful assignments for paraeducators, student assistants, and/or classroom volunteers.
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Provide non-evaluative input on paraeducator and/or student assistants’ job performance as requested.
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Establish relationships with administrators, curricular office staff, colleagues, students, families and the school community that reflect recognition of and respect for every individual.
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Appraise his/her own effectiveness and demonstrate successful application of skills and information acquired to increase effectiveness.
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Participate in and share responsibility for the safe and orderly operation of schools.
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Attend staff meetings, district professional learning events and serve on staff committees when required or requested to do so under reasonable terms.
ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
The below list is a summary of the functions of the job, not an exhaustive or comprehensive list of all possible job responsibilities, tasks, and duties.
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Knowledge of the HCPSS curriculum for the grade/content range of the position.
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Provide differentiated instructional techniques that inspire, motivate, and meet the individual educational needs of all students.
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Develop a nurturing atmosphere and educational environment that is conducive to the intellectual, physical, social and emotional development of all students.
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Knowledgeable in effective classroom behavior management strategies.
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Skilled in preparing and implementing lesson plans.
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Skilled in modifying curriculum for special-needs students.
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Skilled in communicating with students, their families, administrators, and other stakeholders.
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Knowledge of and skill in the use of web-based digital tools, such as Google applications.
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Ability to strategically and appropriately integrate technology into the delivery of instruction.