Reading Specialist Eligibility Application 2026-2027

Job Summary

The Reading Specialist role requires particular expertise in the area of reading instruction.  The reading specialist will support teachers and students in meeting the individual needs of students in the area of reading.  It is expected that the specialist will work collaboratively with District leadership, Principals and Teachers to identify and implement effective strategies for student achievement.  They will have further responsibility of understanding and assisting in implementing current methodologies, effective instructional strategies, and facilitating reading related professional development.

Essential Functions

• Implement and monitor a plan for reading support;
• Provide small group (pull-out) reading instruction before, during, and/or after school to students in need of remediation;
• Provide push-in reading intervention;
• Provide one-on-one coaching for teachers in the area of reading;
• Facilitate small group/grade group professional development;
• Model, co-plan, co-deliver reading instruction;
• Assist classroom teachers by providing them with additional strategies for those students who have been identified for additional instruction;
• Work with the classroom teacher to monitor student progress.

PLEASE NOTE: Salary is commensurate with experience in education and educational attainment.  Both prior experience and educational degree must go through the District's verification process in order for final salary to be confirmed.  

Disclaimer: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification.  They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified.

Nondiscrimination: The School District of Philadelphia provides to all persons equal access to all categories of employment in this District, regardless of race, color, age, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, ancestry, national origin or handicap/disability, gender identity, or genetic information. Please refer to Board Policy 104 for further information regarding the District's commitment to Nondiscrimination in Employment Practices.

Minimum Requirements

• Master’s degree in Reading for an accredited college or university;
• Five (5) years of full-time, paid, professional appointed classroom or site-based teaching experience in a specific content area;
• Experience supporting teachers and students in improving reading achievement

Certificates/Licenses

• Possession of a valid Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Reading Specialist PK-12 certificate; OR
• Presentation of an original, signed letter from the Certification Officer of an accredited college or university verifying current enrollment in an approved certification program in order to be eligible for an Emergency Permit. 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities 

Demonstrated knowledge of:

• Five (5) essential components of literacy instruction;
• Effective reading strategies

Demonstrated ability to:

• Plan and administer effective district-wide and school-specific professional development;
• Review students’ reading data to develop individualized remediation plans;
• Support teachers in understanding effective reading instruction;
• Establish and maintain working relationships