About Our Academy

Ivywood Classical Academy is a tuition-free public school that educates students using the virtues-based and rigorous classical education tradition. The classical curriculum is time-tested, research-based, and is proven to develop children into thoughtful, caring, educated, freethinking young adults. The curriculum emphasizes an education in the humanities, sciences, and arts, and integrates Spanish and Latin language to promote depth in learning.

Ivywood strives to produce students of high moral character who understand the world and what it means to be a contributing member of society. We place a strong focus on the why behind our lessons, which fosters a love for learning and inspires wonder in our students. Ivywood Classical Academy is a proud Hillsdale College Barney Charter School Initiative (BCSI) Member School.

A successful candidate for this position has:

• An unwavering belief that students need an intentional and consistent focus on virtue.
• A love for children and a strong desire to cultivate the wonder and joy of learning everyday.
• An ability to be a subject-matter expert, and share your love of the liberal arts tradition.
• An ability to build relationships with students, parents, and colleagues.
• A desire to foster a tight-knit community in and out of the classroom.

About the role

• The reading interventionist will work directly with struggling readers in grades K-8 to provide targeted interventions and support that promote reading growth and achievement. This position requires a deep understanding of the Science of Reading and the ability to utilize data-driven strategies to guide instruction. The reading interventionist will collaborate closely with teachers, parents, and other stakeholders to ensure effective communication and a holistic approach to improving reading outcomes. This is an in-person position that requires the interventionist to work directly with students regularly.

What you'll do

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provide targeted reading interventions: Identify students struggling with reading skills by analyzing benchmark assessments, including but not limited to NWEA. Utilize progress monitoring assessments to develop and implement personalized intervention plans to address specific needs and improve reading abilities. If a student is in grades K-3, utilize Individualized Reading Improvement Plans (IRIPs) for documentation.
• Utilize the Science of Reading: Stay up-to-date with current research and best practices in reading instruction, particularly the Science of Reading. Apply evidence-based strategies and methodologies to ensure effective intervention and support for struggling readers.
• Collaborate with teachers and parents: Maintain open and regular communication with classroom teachers to align intervention strategies with classroom instruction. Collaborate with teachers and parents to develop and implement individualized plans for students, and regularly provide progress updates to ensure a coordinated effort to support students’ reading progress.
• Monitor and track progress: Use various assessment tools, including, but not limited to Acadience data, to monitor students’ reading growth and achievement. Collect and analyze data to evaluate the effectiveness of interventions and make adjustments as necessary.
• Participate in Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) and other professional development opportunities: Engage in PLCS and professional development opportunities to stay informed about the latest research, instructional strategies, and resources related to reading intervention. Collaborate with colleagues to share insights and best practices, with the ultimate goal of improving academic outcomes for struggling readers.
• Maintain documentation: Keep accurate records of intervention sessions, assessments, and student progress within an assigned system or document to ensure compliance. Ensure the data is regularly updated and shared with appropriate stakeholders, including students, teachers, parents, and school administrators.
• Conduct assessments: Administer a range of formal and informal assessments to identify students’ specific reading difficulties, including but not limited to phonological awareness, decoding, fluency, comprehension, and vocabulary. Use assessment results to inform intervention plans and target areas for improvement.
• Plan and deliver small-group instruction: Design and implement small-group instruction sessions targeting specific reading skills and strategies. Use various approved research-based intervention curricula and instructional materials to engage students with foundational literacy skills and promote reading comprehension and fluency.
• Provide individualized support: Work individually with students who require intensive intervention to address their unique reading challenges. Work with the literacy coach to develop personalized reading plans and implement one-on-one instruction to support their progress.
• Collaborate with specialists: Coordinate and collaborate with other specialized instructional staff, such as special education teachers, speech-language pathologists, and literacy coaches. Share insights, strategies, and progress updates to ensure a cohesive and comprehensive approach to support struggling readers.
• Monitor and adjust interventions: Regularly assess and monitor the effectiveness of interventions by tracking students’ progress and adjusting instructional strategies as needed. Use ongoing data analysis to make informed decisions and modifications to intervention plans.
• Support inclusive practices: Collaborate with general education teachers to implement inclusive practices that support struggling readers within the general classroom setting. Provide guidance and resources to promote differentiated instruction and accommodations for students with reading difficulties.
• Cultivate confidence and promote engagement: Cultivate confidence and promote engagement with reading by selecting engaging and age-appropriate texts, fostering positive reading experiences, and incorporating strategies to improve reading motivation and engagement.
• Participate in multidisciplinary meetings: Attend meetings with parents, teachers, and other support staff to discuss students’ progress, share insights, and contribute to the development of individualized education plans (IEPs) or other intervention plans.
• Stay current with professional literature: Continuously update knowledge of research, best practices, and resources related to reading intervention. Stay informed about the latest trends and advancements in literacy instruction to enhance the effectiveness of interventions.
• Support transition and continuity of services: Collaborate with teachers and parents to ensure a smooth transition for students moving between grade levels or changing intervention programs. Provide necessary information, resources, and recommendations to support continuity of reading support and progress.
• Serve as a role model and champion for literacy: Champion the literacy plan and reading curriculum to increase fidelity in implementation. Promote character development through one’s actions as a role model, always holding oneself to the highest standard of professional excellence.
• Support seamless school operations: Assist with student supervision during transitions, arrival, dismissal, and other times as requested by the school leader. Participate in school improvement and community-building activities.

Qualifications

• Proven experience working with struggling readers, preferably in a K-8 school setting.
• In-depth knowledge of the science of reading and evidence-based reading instruction practices.
• Ability to develop and implement personalized intervention plans based on individual student needs.
• Ability to use technology as an instructional tool in the classroom as a means of analyzing academic achievement data and as a tool to aid effective communications.

Desired Requirements:

• Excellent verbal and written expression using proper grammar and vocabulary.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills to effectively collaborate with teachers, parents, and other stakeholders.
• Commitment to ongoing professional development and staying up-to-date with best practices in reading intervention.

Ivywood Classical Academy is part of the Choice Schools Community. As a comprehensive education service provider, Choice Schools offers a student-centered approach to tailored school operations support. Much like a superintendent's office, Choice Schools provides invaluable assistance in various crucial areas, including instruction, professional development, curriculum, human resources, finance, compliance, communications, and enrollment. By being a part of the Choice Schools Classical Model, Ivywood is a vibrant community of learning, comprised of multiple other outstanding environmental schools within the state. The Classical Model will provide you with the support and collaboration of a large district while serving at a tight-knit community school in your area.