2026-2027 K-8 Reading Specialists

Job Title: Reading Specialist (K-8)

Supervisor: Principal and Director of Curriculum & Instruction

Salary: $69,977-$116,771

Job Classification: Exempt

Contract Length: 11-months (220 days) 

Job Summary

The Reading Specialist provides school-level instructional leadership and support in service of the Virginia Literacy Act (VLA) in partnership with school leaders, division support staff, and classroom teachers. The Reading Specialist works collaboratively with teachers, interventionists, and administrators to plan and implement quality English Language Arts (ELA) instruction grounded in the science of reading and evidence-based, tiered interventions for students needing differentiated support. Responsibilities include overseeing literacy assessments and screeners, monitoring individualized student reading plans, facilitating professional learning, analyzing student data to inform instruction, and fostering strong family and academic engagement partnerships.

Essential Duties

Instructional Coaching & Support: Collaborates with individual teachers or grade-level teams through co-planning, demonstration teaching, co-teaching, and non-evaluative coaching observations to improve student reading outcomes.

VLA Alignment & Curriculum Implementation: Supports teachers' understanding and delivery of evidence-based literacy curricula fully aligned with the Virginia Literacy Act (VLA), Virginia Standards of Learning (SOL), Curriculum Frameworks, and science of reading.

Assessment & Intervention Coordination: Coordinates and oversees student literacy interventions; assists teachers in creating, administering, and interpreting approved literacy screeners, progress monitoring tools, and formative assessments.

Student Reading Plans: Develops, implements, and monitors progress on individualized student reading plans/learning plans for students identified as needing additional literacy support, maintaining close collaboration with families and teachers.

Data-Driven Decision Making: Establishes systems for collecting and analyzing literacy data, leading school-based data protocols to guide instruction, interventions, and tiered support.

Professional Learning & Staff Development: Plans, facilitates, and participates in building- and district-level professional learning aligned with SOL standards, evidence-based literacy instruction, and school improvement plans.

Family & Academic Engagement Activities: Creates communication pathways (newsletters/websites), structured systems for parent-teacher discussions, and academic programs and family workshops to empower parents and support student learning.

Program & Personnel Supervision Oversight: Guides, monitors, and evaluates the effectiveness of reading intervention/tutoring personnel (e.g., literacy tutors), programs, and supplemental ELA resources.

Technology & Extended Learning Integration: Models and integrates appropriate technology in literacy instruction and supports extended-day, summer, or academic enrichment initiatives.

Performs other related duties as assigned.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Advanced knowledge of English/Reading concepts, research-based methodologies, and evidence-based literacy instruction.

Comprehensive understanding of the Virginia Literacy Act (VLA), Virginia Standards of Learning (SOL), NCTE standards, and school/division strategic improvement plans.

Proven ability to analyze student data, select targeted reading interventions, monitor progress over time, and adjust instructional strategies accordingly.

Strong leadership, organizational, and interpersonal skills necessary to collaborate effectively with teachers, administrators, support staff, and families.

Proficiency in integrating instructional technology and digital resources into ELA instruction.

Job Specifications

Minimum Qualifications

License: Virginia Postgraduate Professional License with an endorsement as a Reading Specialist (or eligibility for Virginia endorsement as a Reading Specialist) is required.

Education: Master's degree from an approved English/Reading Specialist program.

Experience: Minimum of five (5) years of successful full-time classroom teaching experience in a public school setting, preferably across multiple grade levels where the teaching of reading was a primary responsibility. Prior experience leading professional development and active participation in evidence-based literacy training preferred.

Working Conditions & Physical Demands

Duties are performed in a standard school/office environment with no unusual physical demands. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities, who are otherwise qualified, to perform essential functions.