Reading specialists support better reading in educational organizations through tutoring, administering literacy programs, and supporting teachers and librarians. They work in public and private schools, reading clinics, and academic advising companies, and may focus on a particular grade level or helping adults improve their reading skills.
Reading specialists, also known as reading teachers, reading coaches, or reading consultants, support the advancement of better reading in various educational organizations. Reading specialists are trained in three main roles: tutoring, administering literacy programs, and supporting teachers and librarians. Most specialist reading jobs focus on one or two of these functions, depending on the particular needs of the specialist’s educational institution.
Generally speaking, specialist reading jobs are concentrated in the public education system, especially for specialists in the United States. Reading specialists may work in a single school or they may have responsibilities for schools across an entire district. They usually focus on a particular grade level, such as early childhood, elementary, middle, or high school. Other areas where specialist reading jobs can be found are in private schools, reading clinics, and academic advising companies. Some experts focus on helping adults improve their reading skills.
One type of work for reading specialists is to give individual or group attention to students who need to improve their reading. This attention usually takes the form of one-on-one tutoring and often involves administering literacy tests. Once the reading specialist determines the student’s individual needs, he or she can create lesson plans, personalized reading lists, or strategies for continued learning outside of the classroom.
Another job specializing in reading is administering literacy programs. Reading specialists who practice in a wider school setting can be responsible not only for helping students who need to improve their reading, but also for supporting average and good readers. This support usually takes the form of reading programs. The reading specialist will usually form and administer multiple reading lists and courses throughout the class, school, or district.
The third important job for a reading specialist is to help teachers and librarians. Specialists are often called on to provide professional development, training and specialist support to teachers. They can also provide librarians with useful information about literacy. Reading specialists may also work with a faculty development and support program within a school’s overall reading program.
While the best place to find skilled reading job opportunities is still in a local school district, there are other opportunities. Private and commercial schools often offer specialized reading jobs with the same basic functions as public schools. Adult education programs may also require the services of a reading specialist. Some reading clinics and tutoring companies may also offer specialized reading jobs.
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