Reading Specialist at Maya Angelou Academy (DoC) SY 25 - 26

The Organization

Maya empowers opportunity and justice-involved youth to transform the trajectory of their lives. We do this by engaging each of our scholars in a restorative, relevant school experience that prioritizes personalized academic support, well-being, and preparation for the post-Maya pathway of their choice. With an education in our network of schools, our scholars will do more than succeed — they will thrive!

If you are interested in learning more about See Forever, please visit our website at www.seeforever.org.

Site Description

The Maya Angelou Academy at the DC Department of Corrections is an alternative school that serves incarcerated men and women aged 18-22 with individualized education plans. Located within the Central Treatment Facility, the school also supports students housed in the Central Detention Facility. Designed to meet the unique needs of justice-involved students requiring special education, the academy provides educational opportunities regardless of their academic history or current standing.

Position Overview

The Reading Specialist will provide expert attention to the needs of students in the area of reading and writing and support teachers in the implementation of effective reading and writing instruction.

Responsibilities

Specific responsibilities will include, but not be limited to:

• Use data to identify students in need of literacy intervention
• Provide supplemental instruction to struggling readers in the form of individual or small group intervention
• Collect and analyze data to evaluate and further develop action plans in response to determined student literacy needs
• Continuously monitor the progress of students, both formally and informally, in order to adjust instruction and student grouping
• Maintain frequent communication with school administrators regarding data on student literacy growth
• Provide resources, organize and lead professional development workshops, and offer ongoing training to school staff on evidence-based literacy practice
• Use scaffolding techniques to improve students' reading, as well as help teachers become comfortable in implementing evidence-based instructional practice
• Coordinate and help administer the various literacy screening, progress monitoring, and diagnostic assessments;
• Assist in the analysis of school-wide literacy strengths and weaknesses, and formulate plans to improve student achievement in reading and teaching effectiveness
• Serve as a resource to content area teachers in identifying reading needs, adapting instructional techniques, and selecting appropriate materials for their disciplines
• Promote interest in reading by initiating and coordinating reading incentive programs
• Keeps abreast of developments, research, and new technology in the field
• Performs any other related duties as assigned by the school principal or other appropriate administrators
• In collaboration with the classroom teacher, provide assistance as requested, such as:

• • Participating in parent conferences
  • Answering parent concerns in formal and informal settings to encourage support for their child’s reading/language arts development
  • Serve as a resource to promote parental support of the reading/language arts program goals

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in English, reading, education, or related field (required)
• Must have or be eligible for certification by OSSE in the appropriate content area within one (1) year of employment (required)
• 3+ years of elementary/secondary urban classroom experience
• 2+ years as a reading specialist, literacy coach, or related position
• Experience working with incarcerated or opportunity youth (preferred)
• Familiarity with research-based instructional strategies

The Touchstone

At the Maya Angelou Schools, the key to our success is rooted in building trusting, respectful and nurturing relationships with each other. We strive to create safe spaces for all to be able to reach their limitless potential. We are at our best when we work together to ensure the unique needs of our community are met. We empower each other to grow successfully so we can see forever! This is how we live the Maya Way, even when no one is watching.

Salary and Benefits

Maya Angelou Schools and See Forever Foundation salaries are comparable to those of other public charter schools in the District of Columbia area. In addition, we offer a robust benefits plan, including health care coverage, HSA/FSA and dependent care accounts, voluntary dental and vision, employer-paid short-term and long-term disability options, commuter benefits, a 401k retirement savings plan with employer contribution offered after 1 year of service, along with the opportunity to positively impact students with a broad range of experiences and backgrounds.

See Forever is an equal-opportunity employer. We believe a diverse staff is a better, more effective staff.