Reading specialists, also known as reading teachers, reading coaches, or reading consultants, work in a variety of educational settings to help students improve their reading skills. Student tutoring, literacy program administration, and teacher and librarian support are the three main job functions of reading specialists. Depending on the needs of the specialist’s educational institution, most reading specialist jobs focus on one or two of these functions.
Reading specialist jobs are largely concentrated in the public education system, particularly in the United States. Reading specialists may work in a single school or have responsibilities in multiple schools throughout a district. They usually concentrate on a specific grade level, such as early childhood, elementary, middle, or secondary education. Reading specialist positions can also be found in private schools, reading clinics, and academic tutoring firms. Some specialists specialize in assisting adults in improving their reading skills.
Giving one-on-one or group attention to students who need to improve their reading skills is one type of job for reading specialists. Individualized tutoring and the administration of literacy tests are frequently used to provide this attention. After determining the student’s unique needs, the reading specialist may develop lesson plans, personalized reading lists, or strategies for continued learning outside of the classroom.
Administering literacy programs is another job for a reading specialist. Reading specialists who work in a larger school setting may be in charge of not only assisting students who need to improve their reading skills, but also of assisting average and good readers. Reading programs are the most common form of assistance. The reading specialist will usually create and manage several reading lists and courses for each class, school, or district.
A reading specialist’s third major responsibility is to assist teachers and librarians. Teachers frequently rely on specialists for professional development, training, and specialized support. They may also be able to provide librarians with useful literacy information. A faculty support and development program may also be incorporated into a school’s overall reading program reading specialists.
Although a local school district is still the best place to look for reading specialist jobs, there are other options. Reading specialist jobs are frequently available in private and commercial schools, and they perform the same basic functions as public schools. A reading specialist may also be required in adult education programs. Reading specialist jobs may be available at some reading clinics and tutoring companies.