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Reading Specialist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Reading Specialist Reports To: Building Administrators/ Curriculum Director Position Goal: Provide reading instruction to identified students that will assist students in mastering the ready skills ...

Reading Specialist Reports To: Building Administrators/ Curriculum Director Position Goal: Provide reading instruction to identified students that will assist students in mastering the ready skills ...

Hold a NJ Reading Specialist Certificate * Demonstrate excellent leadership, organizational and communication skills and the ability to motivate and instruct students. * Demonstrate knowledge and ...

Reading Specialist

Salem, NJ · On-site

$95K/yr

READING SPECIALIST QUALIFICATIONS: 1. Hold a master's degree in a reading specialty. 2. Valid New Jersey Certificate as a teacher and reading specialist. 3. At least five (5) years of experience in ...

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Reading Specialist information

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$21K

$58.4K

$84.5K

How much do reading specialist jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for reading specialist in the United States is $58,429.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $47,000.00 and $68,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Reading Specialist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Reading Specialist, you need a solid background in literacy instruction, assessment strategies, and a relevant teaching license or certification, often with a master's degree in reading or literacy education. Familiarity with literacy intervention programs, diagnostic assessment tools, and educational technology for reading instruction is typically required. Strong communication, patience, and the ability to collaborate with teachers, students, and parents distinguish top performers in this role. These skills are crucial for effectively supporting diverse learners and improving reading outcomes across student populations.

Does a reading specialist make more than a teacher?

Reading specialists often earn higher salaries than general classroom teachers due to specialized training and certification requirements. Their expertise in literacy instruction and intervention can lead to higher pay, especially in districts that value reading intervention skills. However, salary differences vary by location, experience, and school district policies.

What is the role of a reading specialist?

A reading specialist is an educator who focuses on improving students' reading skills, often working with struggling readers to develop literacy through assessments, targeted instruction, and intervention strategies. They typically hold specialized certifications and work in schools or educational settings to support literacy development.

What jobs can a reading specialist do?

A reading specialist primarily works in educational settings to improve students' literacy skills, often as a teacher, reading coach, or literacy interventionist. They may also work in curriculum development, educational consulting, or as tutors, utilizing skills in assessment, instruction, and reading strategies.

How long does it take to be a reading specialist?

Becoming a reading specialist typically requires earning a master's degree in education or reading, which generally takes about 1 to 2 years of full-time study after completing a bachelor's degree. Additionally, candidates often need to gain teaching experience and obtain state certification or licensure in reading or literacy instruction.

What Is a Reading Specialist?

A reading specialist works mainly with young children having trouble with reading, both one-on-one and in groups. K-6 is the most common age group to work with, but there are coaches for older students and adults as well. As a reading specialist, you are trained to improve reading skills to the appropriate grade level and use various teaching strategies to improve comprehension while making the process enjoyable for students. Responsibilities include assessing current reading skill level, identifying the areas that need improvement, and creating plans and goals to ensure the student makes the desired progress.

What are reading specialists?

Reading specialists are educators who are trained to help students improve their reading skills. They work with children who struggle with reading, providing targeted instruction and interventions based on each student's needs. Reading specialists often collaborate with classroom teachers to develop effective reading strategies and may also assess students to identify reading difficulties. Their goal is to help all students become confident, proficient readers.

How does a Reading Specialist typically collaborate with classroom teachers to support student literacy development?

Reading Specialists often work closely with classroom teachers by co-planning lessons, analyzing assessment data, and providing targeted instructional strategies to address students’ literacy needs. They may conduct small group or one-on-one interventions and offer professional development or coaching to teachers. Effective collaboration ensures that literacy support is integrated throughout the school day, helping all students progress. This partnership is vital for addressing diverse student needs and fostering a school-wide culture of literacy.

What is the difference between Reading Specialist vs Literacy Coach?

AspectReading SpecialistLiteracy Coach
CredentialsTeaching certification, reading endorsementsTeaching certification, literacy training
Work EnvironmentClassroom, school-basedSchool-wide, professional development settings
Primary FocusSupporting student reading skillsSupporting teacher instruction and curriculum
Employer & IndustrySchools, districtsSchools, districts, educational organizations

While both roles focus on literacy, a Reading Specialist primarily works directly with students to improve reading skills, whereas a Literacy Coach supports teachers in implementing effective literacy instruction across classrooms.

What cities are hiring for Reading Specialist jobs? Cities with the most Reading Specialist job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Reading Specialist jobs? The most popular types of Reading Specialist jobs are:
What states have the most Reading Specialist jobs? States with the most job openings for Reading Specialist jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Reading Specialist jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Reading Specialist jobs are:
What are popular job titles related to Reading Specialist jobs? For Reading Specialist jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Reading Specialist job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 24% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 90% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $58,429 per year, or $28.1 per hour.
Reading Specialist

Full-time

Posted 16 days ago


Reading School District (Pennsylvania) rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

76th of 615 rated elementary and secondary schools


Job description

Position Type:
Middle School Teaching/Reading Specialist
Date Posted:
12/28/2022
Location:
Reading School DistrictPosition Title: Reading Specialist
Reports To: Building Administrators/ Curriculum Director
Position Goal: Provide reading instruction to identified students that will assist students in mastering the ready skills and strategies appropriate to age, grade level and individual capacity. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Other duties may be assigned.
The essential functions of this position include, but are not limited to the following fundamental duties:
  1. Implements the Reading School District reading initiatives
  2. Conducts diagnostic assessments to determine the reading abilities of all students
  3. Plans and implements the remedial reading program
  4. Interprets student needs and progress in reading remediation for the classroom teachers and the parents
  5. Recommends the use of varied instructional materials, including text books, reference units, kits, trade books, audiovisual aides, and the like
  6. Conducts in-service workshops and demonstrations pertinent to methods and materials appropriate to various levels of reading instruction
  7. Confers with parents concerning individual students having special reading problems or requiring special remedial help, and with parents requesting such a conference
  8. Interprets, as appropriate, test results and statistical data concerning reading
  9. Devises and maintains such records and reports as are necessary to the successful execution of the job
  10. Performs other duties as assigned by the Superintendent or his/her designee. This job description does not constitute an exhaustive list of responsibilities and management may revise it at any time.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: None
QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE: Prior classroom teaching experience; Prior experience with all areas of curriculum.
CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS: Pennsylvania Teaching Certificate; Instructional II Certificate; Reading Specialist Certificate
LANGUAGE SKILLS:
  1. Skill in both oral and written communication
  2. Ability to present information in one-on-one and group situations for students
MATHEMATICAL SKILLS:
  1. Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals
  2. Ability to create and maintain a school budget

REASONING ABILITY:
  1. Good knowledge of procedures, practices, materials, and equipment required to provide appropriate learning activities with students
  2. Ability to develop and maintain required records and reports
  3. Ability to establish and maintain an effective working relationship with staff

OTHER SKILLS and ABILITIES:
  1. Ability to work as a member of a team
  2. Must be courteous and able to deal with parents, students and staff effectively
  3. Must be cooperative, congenial and service-oriented
  4. Ability to work in an environment with frequent interruptions
  5. Ability to maintain personal self-control and a sense of humor in stressful situations

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to walk and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand and sit. The employee is occasionally required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects and reach with hands and arms. Specific vision abilities required by this position include close vision, distance vision, and depth perception. The position requires the employee to work some extended hours.
WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet but may be moderate to loud at times. The employee is required to interact with the parents and staff during and after the normal workday. The position requires the individual to meet multiple demands from several people and exhibit good human relation skills including tact and patience. The employee is directly responsible for the safety, well being of students.
EVALUATION: The employee will be formally supervised and evaluated with regard to his/her duties on a regular basis by the Building Principal.
The position holder must be able to perform the essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodation. It is the responsibility of the employee to inform the school district administrator designated as immediate supervisor of the position, of any and all reasonable accommodations that will be required. The information contained in this job description is for compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (A.D.A.) and is not an exhaustive list of the duties performed for this position. Additional duties are performed by the individuals currently holding this position and additional duties may be assigned.
The Reading School District is an equal opportunity employment, educational and service organization.

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