MailReading Teacher
Deadline:January 6, 2026District/Organization:Grand Rapids Public SchoolsPosition/Type:Teacher, full timeSalary:44,916-74,296
Position DetailsTo perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the essential job functions satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the primary job functions herein described. Since every duty associated with this position may not be described herein, employees may be required to perform duties not specifically spelled out in the job description, but which may be reasonably considered to be incidental in the performing of their duties just as though they were written out in this job description.
GRPS MISSION: Our mission is to ensure that all students are educated, self-directed and productive members of society.
Teacher – Reading
Department: Instruction
Bargaining Unit:Grand Rapids Education Association (GREA)
Salary:Determined by the collective bargaining agreement and a comprehensive benefits package
Direct Supervisor: Principal
JOB SUMMARY
The teacher will be responsible for providing technical expertise in reading instruction. The teacher will be responsible for ensuring that researched-based best practices are implemented in the appropriate grade levels. This will include conducting model/demonstration lessons in all classrooms, coaching and assisting teachers, designing lessons for teachers, and providing regular ongoing training in reading methods for all staff. The teacher will be responsible for testing students, diagnosing reading, problems working with students and recommending effective intervention strategies. Because of the difference between these positions and those of classroom teachers, these positions will require a 40-hour workweek in a flexible schedule to meet the needs of the school, staff and parents.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
Essential functions under the Americans with Disabilities Act may include any of the following duties, knowledge, and skills. This list is illustrative only and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and duties performed by employees in this position. Regular on time and in person attendance is an essential function of this job. Other essential functions may include, but are not limited to the following:
- Serve as a model and coach for all teachers and others (tutors, paraprofessionals, etc.) involved in implementing the program, fostering a climate of learning and support among teachers.
- Model effective instructional strategies and assessment techniques in all classrooms
- Assess and diagnose reading problems in students. Recommend effective intervention strategies.
- Work with identified emerging readers with researched-based intervention methods (e.g., Orton-Gillingham, Project Success, etc.)
- Plan and consult with teachers.
- Use a planning log for dialogue sessions with classroom teachers and Special Education staff to help maintain the focus on effective communication, evidence of professional growth, and instructional needs.
- Evaluate school-based reading progress.
- Make school and classroom decisions based on continuous progress monitoring of student and teacher data.
- Participate in quality professional development experiences such as workshops, study groups, action research and other opportunities developed by the district and grant, related to the five essential components of reading instruction. (The district will offer training opportunities that focus on the reading program, implementation, and student monitoring).
- Offer specialized literacy assistance for struggling readers.
- Regularly inform parents of progress using established school and district communication tools. (Reading First schools).
- With the principal, facilitate services of Michigan’s Reading First Facilitator. (Reading First schools).
- Attend LETRS training as scheduled by the grant. Dates will be announced – probably late summer and during school year. (Reading First schools).
- Attend all support meetings for the Reading Specialists.
QUALIFICATIONS
Education and Experience:
- Master’s degree in Reading or Language Arts, or
- State of Michigan certification appropriate to the grade level in Reading or Language Arts, or
- At least two years of successful experience in a GRPS Title I or II Reading Specialist or Shared Time Reading position.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Demonstrate knowledge of current best practices in reading theory and practice.
- Have a minimum of 4 years’ experience as a successful primary classroom teacher.
- Have experience as a building teacher-leader.
- Bilingual preferred (in building with high bilingual populations).
- Be skilled in the assessment and diagnosis of student reading difficulties. Be familiar in the use of a range of diagnostic reading assessments.
ADA REQUIREMENTS
The physical demands, work environment factors, and mental functions described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to stand, walk, sit, use hands to finger, handle, or feel, reach with hands and arms, climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl, talk, and hear (in a quiet or noisy environment). The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 40 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision and ability to adjust/focus.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. Work is performed indoors although there will be required outdoor activities. The employee is directly responsible for the safety, well-being, and work output of students.
MENTAL FUNCTIONS
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to compare, analyze, communicate both orally and in writing, copy, coordinate, instruct, compute, synthesize, evaluate, use interpersonal skills, compile, and negotiate.
Non-Discrimination
The Grand Rapids Public Schools will not discriminateagainst any person based on race, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity and expression, height, weight, color, religion, national origin, age, marital status, pregnancy, disability, veteran, or military status.
Americans with Disabilities Act accommodations: Assistance with the application process may be requested through the Human Resources Department at (616) 819-2022or humanresources@grps.org.
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Freqently Asked Questions
Reading, MI, shows moderate demand for reading teachers, with public schools like Grand Rapids Public Schools seeking specialists skilled in evidence-based literacy methods. Competition tends to rise during school year start times, so early application is recommended to improve chances in this localized teaching market.
Michigan favors candidates with state certification in reading or language arts aligned to grade levels. A master’s degree in reading or demonstrated success as a reading specialist can significantly enhance eligibility, especially for roles within districts like Grand Rapids Public Schools.
Mastering diagnostic assessments for reading difficulties and intervention programs like Orton-Gillingham are highly valued. Additionally, bilingual abilities are a plus in bilingual-population schools, alongside strong coaching and collaborative skills to support fellow educators.
Unlike typical classroom teachers, Reading Teachers often work on coaching, modeling lessons, and conducting assessments school-wide. Their schedule may be more flexible and extensive, focusing on literacy interventions and ongoing professional development targeted at improving reading outcomes across grades.
Within Michigan Association Of Intermediate School Administrators, Reading Teachers can transition into literacy coaching, curriculum development, or administrative roles by deepening expertise in literacy research, engaging in leadership training, and gaining experience in district-wide instructional support.
Yes, the organization provides professional development opportunities like LETRS training and collaborative meetings. These initiatives enable Reading Teachers to stay current with research-based strategies and maintain a supportive network within the district.
Reading Teachers in this area typically earn between $44,916 and $74,296 annually, aligning with Grand Rapids Public Schools’ collective bargaining agreements. This salary range is competitive locally, reflecting the specialized skill set and responsibilities required for effective literacy instruction.
Commuters should factor in the rural-suburban mix of Reading, MI, where public transit options are limited. Driving times can vary, so proximity to schools and flexible scheduling options offered by some districts may impact daily travel convenience.
Hiring is most active in late winter to early summer, coinciding with school district budgeting and staffing cycles. Candidates interested in summer reading teacher jobs should monitor postings around these periods for optimal application timing.
This position emphasizes technical literacy coaching and district-wide training, requiring flexible scheduling and 40-hour workweeks to meet diverse instructional needs. The role’s integration with grant-funded programs like Reading First showcases a commitment to research-supported interventions uncommon in typical teaching jobs.
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