Learning Support Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Position Overview:
The Literacy Specialist ensures that effective and efficient literacy interventions and support systems are in place to help all students achieve appropriate grade-level reading skills in their classrooms. The specialist will also assist in creating systems that support quality literacy instruction. The Literacy Specialist will report to the Director of Learning Support.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities:

COACHING AND SUPPORT

• Use the most up-to-date knowledge in the field to collaborate with the Academic Team, including the Associate Head of School, Academic Coaches, Lead Teachers, Assistants, and Learning Support Specialists, to support the use of Montessori materials and methodology to drive literacy outcomes for children at all levels, particularly those with lagging skills. 

• Train members of the Academic Team in foundational, agreed-upon structured literacy strategies. This includes instructional coaches, teachers, classroom assistants, and learning support specialists. 

• Work with classroom and learning support teams (during Professional Development, office hours, and other meeting times as required and assigned) to interpret individual student literacy assessment scores and determine support strategies as needed. 

• Hold office hours to collaborate with teachers, providing coaching, feedback, and guidance as they create classroom plans for differentiated instruction, including accommodations and learning extensions as necessary.

• Provide and support professional development in literacy for faculty.

TEACHING AND PRACTICE

• Have or develop a clear understanding of the Montessori philosophy in practice, in particular when it comes to literacy materials and implementation.

• Work with identified children, individually or in small groups, to strengthen literacy skills.

• Prepare materials and lessons that meet the needs and interests of the children, are appropriate to their development, are based on Montessori philosophy and practice, best educational practices, and the agreed-upon school-wide structured literacy model, and utilize strategies from that model.

• Communicate clearly and accurately with children, conveying expectations and managing student behavior in a positive, respectful, and effective manner.

• Keep literacy support materials in good condition, maintain and grow the reader set library, and order new materials as needed.

• Promote the values contained in the school's mission statement.

• Create an emotional climate that is warm and comfortable, in which children feel safe and nurtured, and facilitate a cooperative learning community.

• Maintain confidentiality in respect to students and families.

• Create, facilitate and present parent education workshops on a regular basis.

• Design and present professional development to faculty and staff.

PROFESSIONAL/PERSONAL GROWTH

• Keep up-to-date on current research on best practices for reading instruction.

• Set and accomplish realistic and meaningful annual goals in consultation with the Director of Learning Support.

• Perform other duties and responsibilities as required, assigned, or requested.

• Bachelor's Degree required, Master's Degree in related field preferred.
• Five-plus years of experience facilitating targeted small-group literacy intervention with primary and elementary-aged students.
• Three-plus years of experience coaching and supporting Academic Teams.
• The following active certifications or willingness to be trained upon hire: 

  • Orton-Gillingham Reading Training

  • Wilson Language Training

  • DIBELS training

• Experience working with diverse populations of students, parents, and families

• Montessori training/experience preferred

• Experience teaching and coaching adults

• Demonstrated ability to effectively communicate, verbal and written, with children and adults

• Advanced understanding of a child's physical, social, and emotional development

• Demonstrated ability to provide a high level of support and assistance with measurable results; including a proficiency in working with current educational technologies and techniques

• Commitment to collaborating with a larger team of like-minded professionals

• Proficiency in Google Drive 

Pay Information: The salary range for this position is $65,000 - $75,000 based on skills and experience.

Near North Montessori offers a variety of benefits which include:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision options

• Short Term & Long Term Disability

• EAP Program

• Flexible Paid Time off

• Professional Development Opportunities

Near North Montessori believes that each individual is entitled to equal employment opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, ancestry, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under federal, state, or local anti-discrimination laws. The School's equal employment opportunity practices extend to recruitment, hiring, selection, compensation, benefits, transfer, conditions, and privileges of employment.