• Application
• Resume
• 2 Letters of Recommendation
• Credential

LITERACY SPECIALIST

DEFINITION: Under the direction of the Director of Literacy, the Literacy Specialist provides and leads literacy instruction and assessment, school-wide, through a combination of intervention, coaching and implementing the evidence based practices found in the HUSD Literacy Plan. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

    Direct Instruction of Students: 

• Provides direct instruction to students identified as eligible for reading services in individual, small group and/or full classroom settings. 
• Uses identified needs to guide learning process towards student achievement of District’s literacy goals.
• Establishes clear objectives for all lessons, units and projects using formal and informal assessment data obtained from students. 
• Uses a variety of instructional techniques and literacy materials consistent with the standards and the needs and capabilities of the individuals or student groups involved. 
• Creates a classroom environment that is conducive to learning and appropriate to the maturity and interests of the students. 

    Literacy Leader: 

• Work cooperatively and collaboratively with other professionals in planning instruction to meet the needs of diverse learners. 
• Provide leadership for the District’s literacy program. 
• Provide professional development by training, coaching and supporting teachers and aides with literacy programs and instructional practices. 
• Ensure accurate and appropriate record keeping and reporting. 
• Demonstrate instructional leadership and professionalism. 
• Provides curriculum support and training for all teachers and continuous staff development that supports the District’s initiatives. 
• Models and coaches instructional methods in a variety of settings (whole group and small group) and provides follow-up support. 
• Collaborates with and coaches teachers on the use of assessment data to plan instruction; analyzes school literacy data and plans for future literacy needs. 
• Participates in vertical and horizontal collaborative instructional planning. 
• Assists with the planning and delivery of parent workshops and informational sessions involving literacy. 
• Uses approaches to literacy that closes the achievement/access gap, accelerates and sustain student achievement in part, through implementation of standards-based instruction. 
• Addresses issues of race/ethnicity, language, culture and underserved student population as they impact literacy and education. 
• Establishes ways for developing, implementing, and maintaining parent/community interaction and building student voice in literacy and education. 
• Facilitates literacy dialogues/meetings.
• Perform non-instructional duties including curriculum and instruction development, student supervision, assessment, and consultation activities. 

EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS:

     Knowledge Of:

• Principles, theories, methods, techniques, and strategies pertaining to teaching and instruction of elementary grade students in the area of reading;
• Child growth and development and behavior characteristics of the elementary grade child;
• Educational curriculum and instructional goals and objectives, and the educational trends and research findings pertaining to early childhood educational programming;
• Behavior management and behavior shaping strategies, techniques and methods, and conflict resolution procedures;
• Socio-economic and cultural background differences of the general school population.

     Ability To:

• Plan, organize, develop, and conduct a comprehensive reading intervention program for students who are behind grade level
• Serve as a literacy leader on site by engaging in coaching conversations, lesson observations, development and delivery of professional development. 
• Collaborate with other Literacy Specialists on site and across the District
• Understand the developmental levels of a reader and accurately diagnose and prescribe the appropriate reading supports for the student and the teacher. 
• Follow safety procedures and written and verbal instructions;
• Work effectively with staff, students and public;
• Make independent decisions;
• Work autonomously;
• Organize task, set priorities and meet deadlines, manage multiple tasks;
• Demonstrate good judgment and good problem-solving skills;
• Direct and instruct others;
• Respond appropriately to evaluation and changes in the work setting.

EDUCATION:

• Possession of a Baccalaureate or higher degree with emphasis in elementary education, instructional technology, and a subject matter field commonly taught in the elementary grades, or closely related field areas.

CREDENTIAL:

• General Elementary, General Primary, Standard Elementary or Multiple Subject, CLAD, BCLAD, SDAIE certification is required.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

• Must possess a Reading Certificate AND/OR have a minimum of three (3) years experience teaching reading in grades K-3.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING CONDITIONS:

The physical requirements indicated below are examples of the physical aspects that this position must perform in carrying out the essential functions of the position.

Physical Demands: Sit, stand, reach, look down, turn neck (frequently); walk, bend, stoop, squat, push, pull, climb stairs, reach above shoulders (occasionally); kneel, crawl, lay down, use foot controls (infrequently); lift/carry items to 10 pounds (frequently), to 25 pounds (occasionally) and 26 – 90 pounds (students, in emergencies); grasp/manipulate materials and supplies (frequently); use seeing, hearing and speaking (continuously).

Working Conditions:  Indoor classrooms, outdoor school yard and grounds.  Exposure to: student and playground noise, communicable diseases, unruly students, air conditioning, seasonal temperatures, dust, wind, pesticides and possible smog.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable a person with a disability to perform the essential functions of the position.

COMPENSATION: Teacher Salary Schedule

Non-Discrimination Policy:

The Hemet Unified School District (District) is committed to providing equal opportunity for all individuals in District programs and activities. District programs, activities, and practices shall be free from unlawful discrimination, including discrimination against an individual or group based on race, color, ancestry, nationality, national origin, immigration status, ethnic group identification, ethnicity, age, religion, marital status, pregnancy, parental status, physical or mental disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, or genetic information; a perception of one or more of such characteristics; or association with a person or group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics.

For all complaints concerning students, employees, and programs please contact:

Dr. Carol Tomeo, Director, Title IX, Compliance & Resolution

1791 W. Acacia Avenue

Hemet, CA 92545

(951) 765-5100 ext. 2255

For questions concerning Section 504, please contact:

Joshua Workman, Director, Student Support Services

1791 W. Acacia Avenue

Hemet, CA 92545

(951) 765-5100 ext. 3500

For questions concerning educational equity, please contact:

Michael Schanze, Coordinator of Child Welfare & Attendance

and Educational Equity

1791 W. Acacia Avenue

Hemet, CA 92545

(951) 765-5100 ext. 3700

HUSDs nondiscrimination policy and grievance procedures can be located under the District's Board Policy listings at this link.  

To report information about conduct that may constitute discrimination or make a complaint of discrimination under Title IX, please refer to the HUSD website at this link.

California Law Prohibits Workplace Discrimination & Harassment