FACULTY MSD - Reading and Language Support Specialist

Introduction

The

Maryland School for the Deaf (MSD) is a diverse, bilingual community who in

partnership with families, provides an equitable and exemplary education in a

nurturing, engaging, and challenging environment to ensure our students achieve

personal excellence and become lifelong learners. As such, we are looking

for dedicated individuals who can join us in the education of the children at

MSD.

LOCATION OF POSITION

MSD, Columbia Campus,

816+ Old Montgomery Road, Ellicott City, MD 21043

Main Purpose of Job

This position will support students and staff at the Columbia Campus to ensure the development and implementation of a bilingual educational program for Deaf students in a language accessible environment as well as the provision of an enriched bicultural environment conducive to the development of the optimal social and emotional growth of Deaf students. This position will support the provision of a language enriched environment through the use of American Sign Language and printed English to meet the varied needs of Deaf students throughout our school birth - 21 with an emphasis on those that need language and literacy intervention and support.

This position provides support to the classroom teachers in utilizing and implementing appropriate reading programs and language acquisition activities, provides support through team teaching and coaching to classroom teachers to promote effective reading and language instruction, and provide information to classroom teachers of best known practices in Reading and language instruction that supports College- and Career-Ready Standards and bilingual education. To provide language and literacy intervention to students through both direct services as well as training and consultation for teachers.

This position will ensure equity and unbiased practices are implemented in the classroom and throughout the system of curriculum and instruction.

POSITION DUTIES

Implement IEP reading and language

services for elementary and middle school students; promote balanced literacy

in all classrooms; conduct initial assessments to determine if students are

eligible for services and write reports with specific recommendations;

coordinate literacy services; provide literacy services to individual students

in or out of the classroom, in small groups or one-on-one with the goal of

improving student’s ASL competencies, reading, and writing; provide support to

classroom teachers in implementing literacy strategies, including utilizing

reading and language acquisition (in conjunction with the ASL Specialist)

programs, including but not limited to, modeling lessons/sessions, coaching and

providing professional development sessions; participate in maintenance of

Bilingual Education concepts and principles throughout the school; improve

professional competence through participation in staff development activities

and other professional growth opportunities; monitor literacy assessments throughout the school.

This position reports to the Director of Curriculum

and Instruction but also works with the English Language Arts & Social

Studies Curriculum & Instruction Specialist, the ASL Specialist, the

Reading Specialists, the Bilingual Specialist, the Director of Student Affairs,

and the Campus Principal.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education: Bachelor Degree with

post-baccalaureate graduate credits in reading education or bilingual

pedagogy.

Candidates must be eligible to apply for or be willing

to obtain certification by the Maryland State Department of Education with the

endorsement of Reading Specialist within a prescribed amount of time.

Fluency in American Sign Language and written English is required.

Knowledge of the Deaf culture, Deaf Education, and ability to teach

students on different levels and with varying educational and language

acquisition backgrounds is required. Knowledge in

identifying and using reading assessment and diagnostic tools is required. Three

years of successful classroom instruction in literacy.

DESIRED OR PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Master's

Degree in Education of the Deaf - Reading or equivalent of post-baccalaureate

graduate credits in reading education or bilingual pedagogy; Five years

teaching experience, knowledge of the Deaf community, and knowledge of ARC

Core framework. Thorough knowledge of bilingual pedagogy. Other

combinations of education, training, and experience which provide the

knowledge, abilities, and skills necessary to perform effectively in the

position may be considered. Reading specialist certification, or equivalent.

Previous experience designing and providing professional development.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

New hires are subject to a criminal background investigation at

their own expense. (Maryland Code, Family Law Article 1, Sections

5-560-568)

Candidates will need to provide three letters of

recommendation.

SELECTION PROCESS

Applications

will be prescreened before candidates are invited to an interview. As an

equal opportunity employer, MSD is committed to recruiting, retaining, and

promoting employees who are reflective of the State's diversity.

BENEFITS

STATE OF MARYLAND BENEFITS



FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS

Online application process is STRONGLY preferred. If online access is not available or if you encounter difficulty, you may submit via mail, e-mail, fax, or deliver in person before the closing date and time. Please include your name and recruitment number on any documentation to ensure timely processing. Resumes will NOT be accepted in lieu of completing the online or paper application. Additional or supplemental information must be submitted by the closing date and time. A copy of your college transcripts must accompany your application. The preferred method to receive transcripts and additional information is for them to be uploaded. Application inquiries or supplemental information can be directed to the following:

Mailing Address: Maryland School for the Deaf Recruitment Department, P. O. Box 8+4, Columbia, MD 21044

E-mail: emily.hicks@msd.edu

Phone: 410-6+6-3031, TTY Users: call via Maryland Relay

Fax: 410-6+6-3084

Individuals from traditionally underserved and underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged to apply. Bilingual applicants are encouraged to apply. As an equal opportunity employer, Maryland is committed to recruiting, retaining, and promoting employees who are reflective of the State's diversity. We thank our Veterans for their service to our country and encourage them to apply.