Special Education Teacher: Reading Specialist
Pay Range: $70,000 - $80,000 per year
RFK Community Alliance has an exciting opportunity for a
Special Education Teacher: Reading Specialist in Lancaster, MA
Role Summary: The Reading Specialist is an instructional role dedicated to improving student literacy outcomes through evidence-based practices. You will provide intensive, data-driven interventions to students, coach classroom teachers on structured literacy approaches, and lead the analysis of school- and student-level literacy data.
Key Responsibilities
1. Targeted Intervention & Instruction
- Provide direct, small-group instruction to students using research-based interventions (e.g., Orton-Gillingham, Wilson, or similar Structured Literacy program)
- Focus instruction on the Five Pillars of Reading (phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension)
- Adapt instruction for diverse learners, particularly students with disabilities
2. Assessment & Data Leadership
- Coordinate administration of universal literacy screenings and progress monitoring assessment
- Maintain progress-monitoring data to track student growth and adjust intervention intensity as needed
- Support data meetings with grade-level teams to interpret results and design interventions
3. Coaching & Job-Embedded Professional Learning
- Model evidence-based literacy lessons and instructional practices within K-8 classrooms
- Assist teachers as they implement the Massachusetts ELA/Literacy Curriculum Frameworks through a variety of curricular resources
- Provide "on-the-spot" coaching to teachers on differentiating instruction for phonics and word study
4. Compliance & Collaboration
- Participate in IEP meetings as a subject matter expert for students with reading-based disabilities
- Communicate regularly with families and educators regarding student progress and provide strategies for classroom- and home-based literacy supports
Required Qualifications:
Licensure: Valid Massachusetts Special Education Teaching License
Education: Master's degree in education-related field from an accredited institution
Experience: At least one year of experience teaching under a valid educator license
Preferred Qualifications:
Licensure: Valid Massachusetts Specialist Teacher: Reading (All Levels) license
Experience: At least one year of experience teaching under a valid MA Initial or Professional license
Education: Master's Degree in Reading, Literacy, or Education from an accredited institution
- Structured Literacy Certification: Completion of an IDA-accredited program (e.g., Wilson Level 1, Orton-Gillingham Associate Level)
Skills & Competencies
- Science of Reading Expertise: Deep understanding of the science of reading and the neurological basis of dyslexia
- Literacy Intervention and Knowledge: Familiarity with the DESE Mass Literacy guide and evidence-based early literacy practices
- Data Literacy: Proficiency with data management platforms and visually representing data
- Analytical Thinking: Ability to look at reading scores and identify and target specific skill gaps
- Relational Leadership: Ability to coach adult peers with empathy and professional respect
Who We Are
RFK Community Alliance provides high-quality care and support to people and families facing complicated challenges. As a multi-service agency, we offer a wide range of programs serving a variety of needs across all ages, from infants to seniors. We are team players when it comes to caring. We work with the people we serve, their families, schools, and other community partners to develop a network of support. We provide opportunities to build skills and confidence. We nurture strength, determination, and resilience.
How We Promote Equity, Cultivate Leaders, and Grow Together
At RFK Community Alliance, we're dedicated to a culture where everyone can show up to work as their full authentic selves. Diversity and inclusion doesn't happen by accident, it's by design. Together we are the designers. We believe that a diverse and inclusive workplace makes our organization stronger. We care about including diverse perspectives and experiences throughout every level. Which is why we're committed to honoring, celebrating, and fostering diversity and inclusion on our team, in our clientele and within our community. Our team must reflect our community and vice versa. We value, respect, and support all types of diversity across all identities including, but not limited to, ethnicity, race, gender, LGBTQIA, age religion and abilities. We take responsibility for the community we're creating here at RFK Community Alliance, and we're here to contribute to the progression of our society to a more inclusive and equitable one.
Why You'll Love Us
In addition to being a part of a supportive team, we offer amazing employee benefits, including:
*Health Insurance
*Dental Insurance
*Vision Insurance
*Generous paid time off
*Holiday Pay
*Educational Assistance
*Employer paid life insurance
*Employer paid Short- & Long-Term Disability
*Retirement Plan with generous employer match
*Tuition Reimbursement
*Comprehensive Employee Assistance Program
$2,500 Sign-On Incentive!
This position is eligible for the RFK Community Alliance Sign-On Incentive in the amount of $2,500 in your first year of employment. You will receive $500 after 3 months; $500 after 6 months; $1,500 after 12 months.
To apply for this position please click on Special Education Teacher: Reading Specialist. RFKCA offers a compassionate, inclusive company culture and excellent work environment. RFKCA is deeply committed to the principles of equity, diversity, and inclusiveness. We do not discriminate based on race, color, creed, national origin, religion, age, gender identity, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability. EOE/AA
RFK Community Alliance
dental insurance, life insurance, vision insurance, paid time off, tuition reimbursement, retirement plan
Dec 24, 2025