Student Reading Specialist

Job Summary

Holy Family Catholic School is seeking a Student Reading Specialist for the 2026-2027 school year. The Student Reading Specialist fulfills the mission of the Catholic school by assisting the faculty and administration to provide academic reading support for targeted students that have been identified by the Student Success Team. The Student Reading Specialist reports to the principal and has decision-making responsibilities within the framework of school policies, philosophy, organization, and curriculum in consultation with the principal.

Ministerial Character 

Catholic schools in the Diocese of Austin are canonically obedient to the Bishop and assist him in fulfilling his ministry and canonical obligations.  Pastors, presidents, and principals serve as leaders of the schools to make Christ's mission present and enduring in the schools.  In order to fulfill Christ's mission, the school leaders employ suitable, chosen collaborators, sharing with them Christ's mission and entrusting to them various responsibilities.

Positions employed at Holy Family help extend the ministry of the School leaders in particular ways as outlined in the job description.  The employee in this position is closely connected to and assists the School leaders in the performance of their ministry and, therefore, engages in ministry for the Church.

Essential job functions

• Supports and upholds the philosophy of Catholic education and the mission of the school
• Acts as a witness to Gospel values by modeling the teachings of the Catholic Church
• Supports and adheres to the Code of Conduct and policies and procedures of the school and Diocese
• Maintains confidentiality regarding school matters
• Develops reading instruction to support students based on their targeted and identified needs;
• Instructs small groups of students. 
• Coaches students on techniques and skills to improve literacy
• Collaborates with student success team to determine how to best support the student
• Monitors progress for each student and shares progress monitoring with team and family
• Meet with the students success team as appropriate
• Provides support to students to ensure they are placed in an appropriate learning environment and through schedules direct services that reinforce classroom curriculum
• Analyzes readiness and benchmark testing for students in caseload
• Maintains current and accurate records, including student accommodations, according to school policies
• Is knowledgeable about students in caseload
• Demonstrates professionalism in conduct, demeanor, and work habits
• Meets staff development guidelines as set forth by the Diocese/local administration
• Maintains a work schedule that maximizes availability to the school, students and staff
• Possesses excellent teaching skills and the ability to support students in caseload
• Exhibits outstanding organization and time management skills for managing several groups
• Displays highly effective communication skills geared to various age groups
• Possesses the ability to make decisions based on factual evidence and observation
• Continues personal growth through association membership in professional organizations

Minimum qualifications

Education: 

• Bachelor's degree in education from an accredited university; 
• Licensed reading therapist (C.A.L.T., W.D.T., etc.) or licensed reading practitioner (C.A.L.P., W.D.P,, etc.) preferred 

Experience:

• At least three years teaching experience preferred

Certifications and Training:

• Must meet the minimum requirements for teaching field as set forth by the Diocese and TCCED.
• Must submit an Ethics and Integrity in Ministry (EIM) Application for Ministry within the first week of employment, participate in an EIM Basic abuse prevention training workshop within 60 days of submitting a complete Application for Ministry, and maintain EIM compliance during the entire term of employment.
• Must meet staff development guidelines as set forth by the Diocese and school administration
• Must complete Religion Certification Part 1 within two years of the date of hire, completing a minimum of 25 hours per year.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of the basic teachings of the Catholic Church
• Knowledge of child development, learning, and behavior
• Skill in handling multiple tasks simultaneously
• Skill in pacing and differentiating instruction
• Skill in motivating and engaging students in the learning process
• Skill in organizing and relating information in an understandable format
• Skill in using job-appropriate technology
• Skill in critical thinking and planning
• Skill in demonstrating professionalism in conduct, demeanor, and work habits
• Skill in collaborating with peers to enhance the work environment and support instructional planning
• Ability to maintain confidentiality regarding school matters
• Ability to communicate effectively in both written and verbal format
• Ability to work well with others in the school community
• Ability to conference with parents upon request and respond to messages in a timely manner
• Ability to respond to individual learning needs

Employee Certification

All employees must adhere to the Catholic Schools Standards of Conduct, the Diocese of Austin EIM policies, and the social, ethical, and moral teachings of the Roman Catholic Church as interpreted by the Bishop of Austin. Texas is an “at-will” employment state. Letters of employment are not contracts, nor do they bind the employer or the employee to a predetermined time or guarantee of employment.