Special Education Reading Specialist

Special Education Reading Specialist

The Special Education Reading Specialist provides district-wide leadership in the design and delivery of high-level reading interventions for students with disabilities in grades K–8. This position is responsible for directly implementing research-based reading strategies, conducting comprehensive assessments, and training special education staff to implement prescribed interventions with fidelity. The Special Education Reading Specialist must possess deep knowledge of literacy development across age groups, extensive experience with diagnostic tools, and a rich understanding of how to support diverse learners through targeted, inclusive reading instruction.

Essential Responsibilities:

• Deliver structured, evidence-based reading instruction to students with disabilities across all K–8 schools.
• Conduct diagnostic, curriculum-based, and standardized reading assessments to identify skill deficits and guide instruction.
• Interpret assessment data to develop individualized intervention plans aligned with student needs and IEP goals.
• Train and coach special education staff—including teachers, educational technicians, and related service providers—on intervention strategies, progress monitoring, and instructional fidelity.
• Provide expert guidance on implementing interventions for a wide range of learners, including students with dyslexia, executive functioning needs, language-based disabilities, and behavioral challenges.
• Collaborate with school-based teams to align reading goals with district curriculum, MTSS frameworks, and individualized education plans.
• Participate in IEP meetings as a literacy expert and ensure reading goals and services reflect best practices in reading instruction.
• Support implementation of district reading curricula, screeners, and progress monitoring tools.
• Provide district-level professional development and ongoing instructional coaching in effective reading practices.
• Maintain documentation and records aligned with local, state, and federal requirements.

Qualifications:

• Valid Maine teaching certification in Special Education (e.g., 282, 286, or 093 endorsement preferred).
• Certification or substantial training in structured literacy programs (e.g., Orton-Gillingham, Wilson, Sonday, LETRS, etc.).
• Demonstrated experience in conducting a wide range of literacy assessments and evaluations, including diagnostic and progress-monitoring tools.
• Minimum of three (3) years of experience teaching students with disabilities, including work across a range of grade levels and ability profiles.
• In-depth knowledge of reading intervention strategies for all types of learners, with a history of successfully supporting students from early elementary through middle school.
• Strong interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to lead professional learning, build instructional capacity, and collaborate across school teams.
• Proficiency in analyzing student data and aligning it with targeted, individualized reading instruction.
• Demonstrated commitment to equity, inclusion, and meeting the diverse needs of all learners.

Work Year:
According to the Collective Bargaining Agreement.

Evaluation:
Performance will be evaluated in accordance with district policy and professional standards according to the Collective Bargaining Agreement.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY: Saco School Department is committed to promoting diversity, multiculturalism and inclusion. We encourage qualified applicants regardless of race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age or veteran status.