DEARBORN ACADEMYReading SpecialistStart Date: Aug 21, 20262026-2027 10 month, full-time positionDearborn Academy, one of New Englands leading 766 approved therapeutic day schools, is seeking a Reading Specialist. Dearborn enrolls up to sixty students in grades 3-12 who have emotional and/or specific learning disabilities. Our rich academic program, which includes diversified student support and explicit instruction, combined with our strong clinical component, allows students who have been unsuccessful in previous school settings to achieve substantial gains.The Reading Specialist is a unique position at Dearborn combining instruction and intervention. As a member of the learning center team, the Reading Specialist will be responsible for leading small group instruction in reading and collaborating with core academic teachers to support the implementation of reading services and supports within core classes.
The Reading Specialist must model Dearborn Academys values of generosity and curiosity and be flexible in order to meet the needs of students and their families. They are a team player with highly developed instructional and organizational skills and the ability to interact with a diverse group of people. The successful candidate for this challenging and rewarding position will have the following qualities and experience: Experienced in teaching students with diverse learning styles and social/emotional disabilitiesExperienced with leading and supporting 1:1, small group, and inclusion classes using a strengths-based, highly structured, multi-sensory approach Well-organized and able to create a classroom environment supportive of learning and exploring Experienced in writing, presenting, and implementing IEPsStrong writer and communicatorCollaborative team memberAble to synthesize data, various viewpoints, and informationAble to approach difficult situations or interpersonal dynamics with a solution-focused, strengths-based mindsetDemonstrated compassion, curiosity, and kindness towards students, families, and staffBelief that students who demonstrate unexpected behaviors have gaps in their skills, with a drive to identify these gaps, and then teach to the skill areas to address these gapsAbility to maintain a manner consistent with the agency commitment to honest, direct communication between all members of our staff, faculty and administration as an essential feature of creating a positive working and learning environment for our studentsDemonstrated respect for working on a diverse team and promoting an atmosphere that values this diversityHold a DESE License in Moderate Disabilities 5-12 Responsibilities: Curriculum and Instruction-Design and implement instruction for 1:1 and small group classes (for reading remediation, Dearborn predominantly uses the Wilson Reading System)Complete assessments and collect data regarding student progress and gaps for information sharing and tracking (team meetings, quarterly progress reports and annual IEPs)Create routines that allow for development and practice of students executive function skills.Integrate assistive technology and multi-modal learning into academic instruction in accordance with school goals and student IEPs.Provide ongoing assessment of students to determine progress and to gather data for quarterly reporting.Work on a collaborative team to consistently review data and internal/external reports in order to support students in developing and improving their academic and social skills.Ensure supervision of students at all times.Supervise an assistant teacher.Communication and SupervisionCollaborate with clinical staff in developing approaches for individual students and for the class that reflects their clinical and social emotional needs.Work cooperatively and openly communicate with all staff to maximize students' success.Attend all required school meetings (e.g., staff meetings, in-services trainings, emergency meetings, etc.).Attend IEP and other meetings with families and collaterals and participate in a way that positively reflects the school's goals of putting students and families first.Write educational plans, quarterly progress reports, and other reports, as needed, in a timely fashion and professional manner.Establish a productive relationship with families that includes sharing of information and regular positive contact.Participate actively in weekly supervision. Community Engagement: Maintain a trauma informed, organized, welcoming classroom that celebrates the diversity of the student body, current curriculum, and students' achievements.Participate/support school-wide activities such as field day, celebrations, clubs, etc.Develop and maintain a safe relationship with students.Maintain a manner consistent with the agency commitment to honest, direct communication between all members of our staff, faculty and administration as an essential feature of creating a positive working and learning environment for our students.Demonstrate respect for diversity among our staff and student body.
Promote an atmosphere that values this diversity.Complete other duties as assigned.Salary Range: $60,000-72,000Qualifications: Bachelors Degree requiredMasters Degree in Education or a related field preferredLicense in Reading Specialist preferredLicense in Moderate Disabilities 5-12 preferred Experience in a school environment preferredExcellent relational skills with students, parents, and providersDearborn provides a supportive team environment with a competitive wage/benefit program. If interested, please apply by providing a cover letter, resume, and three references to: Alison Mehan, LICSWDirector of Curriculum and
[email protected] 781-641-5992 ext 3035--------------------------------------Equal Opportunity EmployerDearborn Academy and its parent organization, Schools for Children, adheres to a policy of nondiscrimination which extends to students, families, staff, and individuals with whom it does business. No person shall be discriminated against, nor denied equal rights and opportunities, on account of race, color, age, sex, gender identity, religion, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, pregnancy or pregnancy-related condition, marital status, military status, or homelessness.Dearborn Academy is an equal opportunity employer, committed to diversity in our workplace.
