Beth Israel Lahey Health·Rowley, Massachusetts
The Reading Specialist provides direct literacy instruction and intervention services to students in grades 7-12 while collaborating with staff to develop and implement individualized education programs. They are responsible for monitoring student progress, conducting assessments, and ensuring compliance with state and federal special education regulations.
When you join the growing BILH team, you're not just taking a job, you’re making a difference in people’s lives.
Under the guidance of the Education Director and Program Director, the Reading Specialist provides direct reading instruction and intervention services to students in grades 7 through 12. This work follows the regulations set by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). The Reading Specialist collaborates with general education teachers, special education staff, administrators, and families to deliver evidence-based reading instruction, assess student progress, and create individualized intervention plans. These plans aim to foster academic success across all content areas, ensuring that students can access the curriculum and meet their individualized education program (IEP) goals. Essential Functions/Key Responsibilities: Instruction & Classroom Support: Provide direct reading instruction and intervention services in accordance with students’ IEPs. Conduct literacy assessments and analyze student performance data to identify areas of need. Use evidence-based instructional strategies to support students’ academic, behavioral, social, and communication needs. Differentiate instruction and modify curriculum to ensure accessibility for diverse learners. Use progress-monitoring tools, assessments, and data to inform instruction and adjust interventions. Develop and implement individualized and small-group intervention plans. Monitor student progress and maintain accurate records of assessment and intervention outcomes. Collaborate with classroom teachers to integrate literacy strategies across the curriculum. Contribute to the Individualized Education Program (IEP) and participate in meetings. Support students in developing reading comprehension, vocabulary, fluency, decoding, and written language skills. Assist teachers in selecting and implementing evidence-based literacy practices. Communicate regularly with families regarding student progress and recommendations. Stay current with research-based instructional practices and professional development opportunities. IEP Development & Compliance: Participate in evaluations, reevaluations, and eligibility determinations. Conduct literacy assessments and analyze student performance data to identify areas of need. Write high-quality IEPs, including present levels of performance, measurable goals, accommodations, modifications, and service delivery. Maintain compliance with all timelines and procedural requirements under IDEA and Massachusetts Special Education Regulations (603 CMR 28.00). Maintain accurate records, documentation, and progress reports. Collaboration & Communication Work collaboratively with general and special education teachers to support inclusion and co-teaching models. Consult with related service providers (e.g., SLP, OT, PT, BCBA, school psychologist) to coordinate student support. Communicate regularly with families regarding student progress, services, and concerns. · Participate in team meetings, IEP meetings, and professional learning communities. Behavior & Social-Emotional Support: Implement student empowerment plans and positive behavioral supports. Create a safe, structured, and inclusive classroom environment. · Support students in developing social-emotional and self-advocacy skills. Professional Responsibilities · Maintain confidentiality and adhere to ethical and legal standards in special education. · Participate in required DESE professional development, including training in restraint prevention, inclusive practices, and mandated reporting. Engage in continuous professional learning to stay current with special education best practices. Attends staff meetings, and serve on committees as required. Selects, stores, orders, issues, and inventories classroom equipment, materials, and supplies. Other related duties as assigned. Speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations; listens and gets clarification; responds well to questions; demonstrates group presentation skills; participates in meetings. Writes clearly and informatively; edits work for spelling and grammar; varies writing style to meet needs. Ability to respond to common inquiries or complaints from consumers, regulatory agencies, or other service providers. Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts and draw valid conclusions.
& EDUCATION: Required Master's Degree in Reading, Literacy Education, Special Education, or a related field. Valid Massachusetts Reading Specialist License (All Levels) or eligibility for licensure. Experience working with middle and/or high school students. Knowledge of evidence-based literacy interventions and assessment tools. Knowledge of IDEA, Section 504, and Massachusetts Special Education Regulations. Strong communication, collaboration, and organizational skills. Preferred Training in Structured Literacy approaches, including Wilson Reading System, Orton-Gillingham, Fundations, UFLI, or similar programs. Experience supporting students with learning disabilities, dyslexia, and other language-based learning differences. Experience analyzing assessment data and developing intervention plans. Experience with IEP development software (e.g., Aspen, Frontline/ESPED). Experience in inclusive, sub-separate, resource room, or therapeutic classroom settings. Training in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), de-escalation strategies, or assistive technology. Computer literate in standard desktop applications such as Windows, Word, and Excel A valid driver’s license in good standing is required.
Candidates must hold a Master's degree in Reading, Literacy, or Special Education and possess a valid Massachusetts Reading Specialist License. Experience working with middle or high school students and knowledge of evidence-based literacy interventions are required.
Market context
Reading specialist roles in Massachusetts are often tied to schoolwide literacy support, intervention, and student progress monitoring, especially in middle and high school settings. These positions are competitive because employers typically look for a master’s degree, a valid Massachusetts Reading Specialist License, and experience with evidence-based interventions; on this platform, job requirements and benefits are AI-summarized from the original posting, saving candidates research time. If you are considering applying, confirm your license status and be ready to describe specific literacy intervention experience with older students.