1st-4th Literacy Specialist

Description

Hillel Day School is a vibrant and joyful, early childhood-through-eighth grade Jewish day school in Farmington Hills, Michigan. Hillel is committed to embracing an authentic and rigorous education for the modern learner. Teachers at Hillel enjoy fostering an academic culture of innovation, collaboration, and creativity where learning is lasting and infectious.

Position Description:

The Literacy Specialist is a full-time employee managing a caseload of approximately 30 students and reports to the Director of Student Services. This staff person works closely with the Leadership Team and the 1st through 4th grade faculty.

The Literacy Specialist supports early elementary school students with developing early literacy skills; provides individual and small group instruction as appropriate; follows an MTSS framework; and serves as a resource for staff and families alike.

This position will start on Monday, August 18, 2025 for Professional Development.

Requirements

Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide one-on-one and small-group support/instruction for students, both in push-in and pull-out environments.
• Recognize signs of learning challenges and identify students in need of intervention.
• Assist classroom teachers in the differentiation of instruction to ensure effective delivery of content to a variety of learners. Regularly meet with classroom teachers for this collaboration and planning.
• Develop Learning Plans, with measurable goals and objectives.
• Regularly collect data to accurately monitor, assess, and report student achievement and progress. This includes the leading of universal screenings.
• Provide individualized instruction to students that require the highest level of intervention. Utilize scientifically research-based interventions to promote growth.
• Attend Parent-Teacher Conferences to discuss pupil progress with parents, for students on caseload and to collaboratively present, with classroom teachers, on students supported in the general classroom.
• Communicate, and meet, with families to discuss the progress of their children and build trusting relationships with families.
• Oversee and ensure the implementation of classroom accommodations.
• Support teaching staff by offering resources, assistance, advice, and training to enable faculty to better meet the needs of all learners.
• Assume an active role in Student Problem Solving and Planning (SPSP) meetings.
• Coordinate with outside specialists when necessary, regarding Psychoeducational evaluations, and collaborate with tutors. Read and summarize all Psychoeducational evaluations.
• Perform other duties as determined by the Director of Student Services.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Special Education or related field. Master’s degree in Special Education preferred.
• At least three years of experience, as a Learning Specialist, or in a related role such as Resource Room Teacher.
• Independent school experience preferred.
• Familiarity with legal responsibilities of independent schools related to IEPs, Nonpublic Service Plans, and 504 plans.
• Preferred knowledge of The Science of Reading, Orton Gillingham, University of Florida Literacy Institute (UFLI), Heggerty, etc.
• Ability to effectively collaborate with faculty, staff, leadership, and parents.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail required.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing.
• Positive attitude, flexible approach, team-centered, and strong values needed.