Reading Specialist K-5 (25-26 SY)

Who We Are

Since its founding in 2010, Challenge Preparatory Charter School (Challenge Prep) has provided students and families with a successful academic program in Far Rockaway, Queens. We currently serve over 1200 scholars from Kindergarten to 12th grade across 3 sites. Our school’s mission is to prepare students from the greater Far Rockaway community to excel academically, to demonstrate mastery of the NY State Learning Standards, and to achieve their career aspirations. Challenge cultivates and supports the intellectual, aesthetic, social, emotional, and ethical development of its students and prepares them to be responsible 21st century citizens. To accomplish its mission, Challenge offers a rigorous instructional program in a safe, supportive, technology-infused and data-enriched and social-emotional learning sequence, authentic field experiences, career counseling, and college coursework. It is understood that we are one organization with multiple sites, and it is expected that all members of the team collaborate to support all of our scholars.

Understanding the Role

Every member of the Instructional Team at Challenge Preparatory Charter School plays a critical role in ensuring our students have the skills and confidence to pursue the paths they choose - college, career, and beyond. Our educators are passionate advocates for their students and their families, working tirelessly to ensure that our students have access to opportunities. We are especially committed to attracting and developing individuals who share the life experiences of our students because we believe the best work we do is grounded in the realities and experiences of our families and students. As Reading Specialist Teacher, you will deliver exceptional small group instruction and assess scholar growth. You are dedicated to constant learning and proactively provide academic and cultural support to your school and team. This position reports to the principal.

Overall Job Goals And Responsibilities

• The staff of CPCS is committed to teaching students the values of scholarship, respect, honesty, courage, and balance in a collaborative technology-infused, inclusive family-like environment. Teachers assist all scholars in their content area classes so they may reach their full potential by focusing on their individual aspirations and strengths. Planning for students of all ability levels, including English Language Learners and students with disabilities is expected so that these students may achieve academic mastery. Additionally, the school will offer opportunities for teachers to participate in the following:
• Coordinate and facilitate school-wide literacy program
• Provide support to teachers and provide strategies to improve instruction that will support literacy growth across the curriculum
• Assists struggling students to improve their literacy skills
• Collaborates with teachers in all departments to promote the learning and implementation of best practices in literacy instruction
• Creates and examines data to measure the success of literacy programs and instruction
• Teach targeted literacy intervention to small groups of students daily using research-based strategies and resources
• Conduct individual and school wide assessments in order to evaluate levels and targeted interventions using diagnostic tools
• Review student achievement and assist with placing students in appropriate reading and writing intervention and support services
• Meet regularly with the classroom teachers to plan literacy instruction that correlates with the individual student’s needs or as requested by the classroom teacher
• Maintain accurate records of student interventions and communicate to parents and families
• Knowledge of the science of reading research and implementation
• Knowledge of effective reading programs and resources
• Helps students develop attitudes, habits, and skills that will enable them to become lifelong readers and learners
• Teaches/models current, innovative methodology and incorporates the NYS Learning Standards in delivering instruction
• Provide group and individual instruction,
• Professional development such as inquiry work, intervisitations, common planning, collaborative conversation
• Collaborate with colleagues to write unit plans and interim assessments; sharing teaching strategies, visiting peer classrooms, analyzing student data, and developing best practice pedagogy that supports literacy and critical thinking skills across all subject areas
• Believe that all students can succeed with ample social-emotional support in and out of the classroom
• Employ a variety of collaborative team-teaching models for ESL students and special needs students
• Apply data gathered through formative and summative assessments to guide instructional plan
• Develop an individual growth plan, which includes professional goals and objectives in collaboration with the Principal and/or Assistant Principal
• Utilize technology such as: PowerSchool, Google Suite, SmartBoards
  
  
  

Who We Seek

• Challenge Preparatory Charter School will consider candidates who can demonstrate:
• Commitment to and alignment with the CPCS mission, vision, program goals, and curriculum
• Effective leadership skills that inspire teamwork and dedication
• Strategic problem-solving skills
• Strong communication skills with students, families, staff, and community members
• Exceptional management and organizational skills
• Positive experience in taking the initiative, assuming accountability and being productive in attaining measurable goals and mission accomplishments
• Ability to plan strategically and effectively, as well as adapting to unforeseen situations
• Ability to create a positive school culture that is welcoming, fun, and conducive to learning
  
  
  

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required
• Master's degree preferred
• NYS certification required
• Highly motivated to teach students from underserved areas and devoted to closing the achievement gap
• Teaching experience in an urban school setting preferred
• The ability to create a classroom setting where students of every academic level experience enjoyment, engagement, and enthusiasm in their learning
• Strong teamwork ethic
• Ability to use data to drive instruction
  
  
  

Benefits And Perks

• Challenge Charter School's staff members receive a competitive salary, paid time off, matching of retirement contributions up to 3%, and more
• Comprehensive benefits package including four health plans to choose from, two dental plans, and vision insurance
• We also offer flexible spending accounts for health, dependent care, and transit
• Flexible and reflective leadership: dedicated to staff development, team cohesion, and shared responsibility for decision-making, development, and team-wide priorities
• Driven and passionate colleagues who contribute to a professional and collaborative work environment
• Opportunities to sit on various committees and participate in initiatives central to key organizational decisions and strategic planning
• Professional development: weekly PD, year-round trainings, and ongoing coaching by professionals
• This is a full-time position commencing mid-August through June
  
  
  

School Sites

Grades K-1: 1279 Redfern Avenue, Far Rockaway, NY 11691

Grades 2-5: 710 Hartman Lane, Far Rockaway, NY 11691

Recruitment Process

Phase I - Phone interview with a member of the elementary team

Phase II - In-person lesson delivery and possible Interview with feedback from the Elementary Leadership Team

Phase III - Final Interview with the Senior Director of Teaching and Learning

Final - Offer and Contract

The salary offer is based on year(s) of classroom teaching experience, educational requirements, and NYSED certification.