A Reading Specialist performs complex professional work, providing teaching and/or training services to students in general instruction in one or more subject contents; motivates students to develop skills in assigned subject matters; performs related work as required. Performance expectations include, but are not limited to, the following functions/tasks:

• Maintains and respects confidentiality of student and school personnel information;
• Meets and instructs the students(s) in assigned locations and at the designated times;
• Designs coherent instruction based upon knowledge of subject matter, current instructional practices, students, the community, and curriculum goals;
• Plans effective instruction to achieve desired objectives that reflect the Virginia Standards of Learning and division curriculum guidelines;
• Prepares for classes assigned and shows evidence of lesson preparation upon request of the building administrator(s);
• Diagnoses individual, group, and program needs and plans for the appropriate use of time, materials, and resources to match the ability and needs of all students;
• Evaluates students' progress; provides students with specific evaluative feedback; maintains appropriate records and prepares progress reports;
• Uses a variety of assessment strategies and instruments to make both short-term and long-range instructional decisions to improve student learning;
• Administers standardized tests in accordance with established procedures;
• Identifies and communicates specific student performance expectations; documents student learning gains using appropriate assessment instruments;
• Demonstrates an understanding of curriculum, subject, and current instructional practices;
• Creates learning experiences that make the subject matter meaningful for all students;
• Understands that students differ in their learning styles and differentiates instruction to meet diverse student needs;
• Uses appropriate materials, technology, and resources in a manner that promotes the development of critical thinking, problem solving, and performance skills;
• Selects, evaluates, and refines a variety of teaching methods and instructional strategies for the active engagement of students and improvement of student learning;
• Implements a classroom management policy that fosters a safe and positive environment for all students and staff;
• Ensures the adequate and safe  supervision of students;
• Manages classroom procedures to maximize academic learning time;
• Establishes and maintains positive rapport with students;
• Motivates students to achieve maximum potential;
• Creates a supportive learning environment for all students that encourages social interaction, active engagement in learning, and self-motivation;
• Takes all necessary and reasonable precautions to protect students, equipment, materials, and facilities;
• Reports any pertinent information to the building administrators in case of child endangerment, neglect, or abuse;
• Uses effective verbal, nonverbal, and media communication techniques to foster positive interactions in the classroom;
• Works collaboratively with staff, families, and community resources to support the success of a diverse student population;
• Takes responsibility for and participates in a meaningful and continuous process of professional development;
• Maintains licensure at the state and/or national level; assumes responsibility for professional growth and keeps materials, supplies, and skills up-to-date;
• Works in a collegial and collaborative manner with peers, school personnel, and the community to promote and support student learning;
• Provides service to the profession, the division, and the community;
• Complies with and supports school and division regulations and policies;
• Maintains proper boundaries with students at all times, assuring respect for the ethical and legal duties in the staff-student relationship and the essential duty to serve as a role model;
• Communicates with students, student counselors and parents through conferences and other means;
• Participates in curriculum development, faculty committees, and student activity sponsorship, as requested;
• Prepares course objectives and outline for course of study following curriculum guidelines or requirements of state and school.
• Lectures, demonstrates, and uses audiovisual teaching aids to present subject matter to class.
• Prepares, administers, and corrects tests, and records results.
• Assigns lessons, corrects papers, and hears oral presentations.
• Counsels pupils when adjustment and academic problems arise.
• Discusses pupils' academic and behavioral attitudes and achievements with parents.
• Keeps attendance and grade records as required by school.
• Coordinates class field trips.
• Works cooperatively with the total staff.
• Assumes responsibility for the care of materials, equipment, and facilities.
• Assumes responsibility for a neat, safe environment for students committed to their care.
• Provides a good role model of an educated professional in appearance, demeanor, dress and behavior;
• Assumes responsibilities outside the classroom as they relate to school;
• Models professional, moral, and ethical standards as well as personal integrity in all interactions;
• Models non-discriminatory practices in all activities;
• Performs related duties as assigned by the building administrator(s) in accordance with the school/division policies and practices.

 A reading specialist shall have training in the identification of and the appropriate interventions, accommodations, and teaching techniques for students with dyslexia or a related disorder and shall serve as an advisor on dyslexia and related disorders. Such reading specialist shall have an understanding of the definition of dyslexia and a working knowledge of

(i) techniques to help a student on the continuum of skills with dyslexia;

(ii) dyslexia characteristics that may manifest at different ages and grade levels;

(iii) the basic foundation of the keys to reading, including multisensory, explicit, systemic, and structured reading instruction; and

(iv) appropriate interventions, accommodations, and assistive technology supports for students with dyslexia.

Essential Functions:
● Serves as the school division’s Dyslexia Specialist
● Answer staff and parent questions regarding reading, dyslexia specific
● Provide appropriate suggestions for interventions, accommodations, and assistive technology supports for students with dyslexia
● Identify techniques to assist a student on the continuum of skills with dyslexia
● Develops and conducts professional development for all pertinent staff members regarding instructional strategies and best practices regarding dyslexia and reading instruction
● Share relevant dyslexia information that is provided by VDOE and other resources to all pertinent staff members
● Attend required training/webinars that are set forth from VDOE as the division’s Dyslexia advisor
● Models non-discriminatory practices in all activities
● Performs related tasks as required