Reading Teacher Job Description
The job of a Reading Teacher involves working closely with students to help them achieve reading skills that match their current grade level. Also known as reading specialists, this type of teacher strive to increase the reading capabilities of students through literacy materials, reading programs, a wide variety of resources and collaboration with parents and other teachers.
Education/Experience Requirements for the job of a Reading Teacher: A successful candidate must possess a bachelor’s or master’s degree in reading, literacy and specialized reading. Important studies in this field include teaching techniques, reading and literacy evaluation, reading trends and issues, and reading curricula planning. All reading teachers must also obtain a teaching license and reading specialist certification.
Skills of a Reading Teacher include but are not limited to: Effective written and verbal communication skills, interpersonal relations skills, time management and organizational skills, as well as excellent teaching skills. He/she must also be detail-oriented, observant, patient and creative.
Specific work elements of the job as a Reading Teacher include but are not limited to: Helping students improve reading skills through phoneme segmentation, vocabulary and fluency, comprehension strategies, initial sounds and letter-naming; observing and addressing specific needs of a child; working with other teachers to help those with reading problems; designing interventions based on a child’s learning style or needs; conducting assessments to determine a student’s reading levels; guiding students through reading and writing activities; consulting with parents and recommending at-home reading activities; and coordinating school-wide reading and literacy programs, among others.
