Part-Time Reading Specialist

Part Time Elementary Reading Specialist: Architect of Foundational Literacy Location: Assigned FFSD Elementary School Site Status: 10-Month Academic Calendar | Part-Time Certified Specialist | Non-Exempt (FLSA) Work Schedule: Part-Time Hourly (Schedule coordinated based on building needs; follows the student school-day calendar) Funding Note: This position is paid for 100% by federal funds.

Should funds no longer be available or the district plan changes, the position may be eliminated to meet the needs of the district. The Opportunity: Transforming Futures Through the Science of Reading In Ferguson-Florissant, our "New Chapter" places early literacy at the absolute center of our academic mission. We are seeking a highly skilled, certified Part-Time Elementary Reading Specialist to join our elementary team.

In this vital role, you will work with our youngest scholars who need targeted, explicit support to master the mechanics of reading. Whether you are a veteran educator looking to transition to a part-time schedule or a retired teacher wishing to focus purely on specialized, small-group instruction, your next chapter starts here.

Salary & Compensation Flat Hourly Rate: $45.00 per hour .

Benefits

This is a part-time position and does not include district-paid medical benefits or retirement system contributions.

Role Summary

The Part-Time Elementary Reading Specialist diagnoses specific reading deficits and delivers targeted, evidence-based literacy interventions to individuals or small groups of elementary students. Reporting directly to the Building Principal and working closely with classroom teachers and literacy coaches, you will utilize advanced diagnostic tools and phonics-based instructional strategies to rapidly accelerate reading fluency and comprehension.

Why You'll Succeed (Qualifications) Certified Specialist (Required): Must hold and maintain an active Missouri Reading Specialist Certification (Grades K-12 or K-8 endorsement) issued by DESE. Educationally Prepared: Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education, Reading Instruction, or a closely related field (required for state certification).

Science of Reading Expert: Deep, proven understanding of the science of reading, including phonemic awareness, explicit phonics, word study, oral language development, and fluency. Diagnostic & Analytical Mind: Demonstrated experience using informal reading inventories, running records, and diagnostic assessments to pinpoint precise reading deficits.

The Warm Demander: Outstanding human relations skills, with a genuine warmth, patience, and ability to build rapid, positive rapport with struggling elementary readers. Your Impact (Key Duties) Targeted Literacy Interventions: Plan and deliver intensive, explicit small-group reading interventions that target foundational skills (decoding, phonological awareness, fluency, and comprehension).

Diagnostic Profiling: Administer and interpret specialized reading assessments to identify specific student needs, monitor progress, and dynamically adjust intervention groups. Core Teacher Collaboration: Communicate and collaborate regularly with grade-level classroom teachers to ensure intervention strategies align with and reinforce core ELA instruction.

Literacy Resource Advocacy: Select and utilize high-quality, engaging, and culturally responsive decodable books and multi-sensory tools to spark a love of reading. Positive Learning Environment: Maintain an encouraging, structured space where young scholars feel safe making mistakes and building their reading confidence.

Your Leadership Partners Primary Support: Grade-Level ELA Teachers & Building Literacy Coaches Administrative Evaluator: Building Principal & Assistant Principal The Logistics of Your Success Classification: Part-Time Certified Support | 10-Month Academic Calendar . Work Setting: Structured elementary school environment, utilizing a dedicated reading lab, media center, or classroom intervention space.

Physical Readiness: Comfort sitting for extended periods to work eye-to-eye with young children, reading aloud with expression, and moving around a school building.

Benefits

This is a part-time, non-benefited role. It does not carry district-paid medical insurance or retirement contributions. The FFSD Advantage: Total Flexibility & Professional Focus We don't just hire specialists; we value the precise expertise of our literacy builders. The Ideal Part-Time Balance: Work at a premium hourly rate on a flexible, part-time schedule that allows you to maintain an excellent work-life balance.

The Perfect School Calendar: Your working days map perfectly to the school calendar. Enjoy weekends, evenings, school holidays, and your entire summer completely free. Pure Instruction, Zero Fluff: Focus your energy entirely on diagnostic teaching and helping kids learn to read, without the administrative weight of full-time duty schedules or endless staff meetings.

About Our District The Ferguson-Florissant School District is fiercely committed to the "New Chapter" of equitable academic success. We believe that reading is a civil right and the ultimate equalizer for our elementary scholars. Join our team and be the expert guide who helps our students unlock their full potential and open new doors to their future.

Hiring Timeline Application Deadline: Until Filled Ready to use your diagnostic expertise to build reading breakthroughs on a flexible, rewarding schedule? Apply online to join our specialist team today!