Learning Specialist/Reading Specialist - Parkdale Elementary School - 1.0 FTE

This is a regular position and will begin with the 2026/27 school year in August.

Application Process:

Current District Regular and Temporary (temporary through June 30, 2026) Employees:

Submit your interest letter in TalentEd/Applicant Tracking.

External Applicants (Including Substitutes and District Coaches):

Submit an electronic application through TalentEd/Applicant Tracking (link on District website or click here

• Include a letter of interest, addressed to Nate Parson, Parkdale Elementary Principal;
• Three (3) recent letters of reference;
• Current resume;
• Copy of License or proof of licensure.
  Note: Official college transcripts will be required upon hire.

Job Purpose Statement :

Learning Specialist (Special Education Teacher)

The “Teacher - Special Education” is done for the purpose of facilitating Special Education student success in academics, interpersonal skills and activities of daily living through implementing District approved curriculum; documenting teaching and student progress/activities, outcomes; addressing specific needs of students; providing a safe and optimal learning environment, ensuring compliance with all state and federal due process guidelines regarding the screening, placement, and maintenance of students on an Individualized Education Plan (IEP); placement and maintenance of students on an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) and providing feedback to students, parents and administration regarding student progress, expectations, goals, etc.

The ideal candidate will work to create a vibrant learning community for students receiving special education support. Establish positive relationships with students, parents, and staff. Educate the whole child academically, socially, emotionally, and physically. Flexibly provide instruction to students either in the general education setting or in a special education setting depending on the individual needs of the student. Use a variety of assessments to understand student learning to inform instruction and annual goals. Demonstrate a commitment to improving instructional practices, creating more inclusive cultures, and increasing student voice. Collaborate with general education teachers, instructional assistants, teaching specialists, administration, and parents to create and implement cohesive individualized educational plans. Communicate progress around student learning.

Reading Specialist

The "Reading Specialist" promotes and develops successful reading instruction for students and performs related duties in accordance with District policies and terms of the teacher contract. The reading specialist is responsible for group and individual instruction of reading for students to meet state and federal guidelines, and consistently measures and evaluates student progress. The reading specialist supervises and develops lessons for instructional assistants. The reading specialist is also responsible for partnering with families through collaboration, communication, and education.

Essential Job Functions (Learning Specialist)

• Adapts lessons for the purpose of implementing the IEP goals and meeting the special needs of students.
• Evaluate student’s abilities and performance (e.g. behavioral, motor development, communication academic, vocational etc.) for the purpose of establishing eligibility under Individuals with Disabilities Act (I.D.E.A) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, setting educational goals, determining placement and evaluating student progress.
• Collaborates with school personnel, agencies and community agencies (e.g. social service agencies, caretakers, etc.) for the purpose of developing and modifying the program to maximize the quality of student outcomes.
• Develops and maintains Individualized Education Plans (IEP) on each student served for the purpose of compliance with IDEA and state regulations.
• Directs instructional assistants, volunteers and/or student aides for the purpose of providing an effective school program and addressing the needs of individual students.
• Instructs students with individualized special needs for the purpose of developing appropriate academic, interpersonal and daily living skills through a defined course of study.
• Manages student behavior for the purpose of providing a safe and an optimal learning environment.
• Maintains consistent and predictable attendance to meet the requirements of the district and the needs of the position.
• Convenes, chairs and documents the activity of the Multidisciplinary Team (MDT), IEP team and Placement Team for the purpose of providing a free, appropriate public education to the student and maintaining compliance with IDEA and state regulations.
• Creates and maintains student special education files in accordance with district direction for the purpose of maintaining compliance with IDEA and state regulations.
• Prepares teaching materials and reports (e.g. grades, attendance, anecdotal records, etc.) for the purpose of implementing lesson plans and providing documentation of teacher and student progress.
• Reports incidents (e.g. fights, suspected child abuse, suspected substance abuse, etc.) for the purpose of maintaining personal safety of students, providing a positive learning environment and following district and/or school policies.

Essential Job Functions (Reading Specialist)

• Implement a variety of assessment instruments to determine eligibility and instructional needs of students in reading and math.
• Assists other teachers for the purpose of implementing district curriculum.
• Collect, organize, analyze, and monitor student data.
• Use student data to effectively evaluate the success of the reading program.
• Maintain appropriate and accurate records of student performance.
• Demonstrate knowledge of and ability to use research based principles of effective reading instruction.
• Instructs students (e.g. individually, group sessions, etc.) for the purpose of improving their success in reading and assessing reading concepts and proficiencies through a defined course of study.
• Prepare daily lesson plans for all groups/individuals that address student skill deficits.
• Employ effective instructional strategies, including but not limited to organizing instruction using learning objectives with clearly defined student outcomes, communicating learning goals, selecting teaching strategies emphasizing active student engagement, balancing direct instruction with guided and individual practice, regularly assessing student progress and communicating growth with students.
• Demonstrate knowledge and appropriate use of technology for educator effectiveness (computer/laptop, iPad, Google -email, spreadsheets, etc.).
• Develop and maintain a classroom environment conducive to effective student learning.
• Develop, communicate, and enforce expectations for student behavior and participation.
• Communicate goals and academic expectations to students, and provide feedback on their performance so they can take an active role in their own success.
• Provide for the health and safety of all students in all instructional settings.
• Exhibit personal interest and encourage student interest in reading.
• Communicate effectively and professionally with administration, staff, parents/guardians, and students.
• Provide timely and accurate feedback/documentation of student progress to staff, parents/guardians, students, and program Supervisor.
• Keep staff and parents/guardians informed through written and oral communication.
• Act as an instructional leader in the area of reading, providing information and assistance to staff about best reading practices.
• Assist staff in ordering, organizing, preparing and/or locating reading materials.
• Develop and/or assist in developing professional development opportunities for teachers and instructional assistants, specifically in the area of reading.
• Instruct, direct, supervise, and evaluate assigned instructional assistants to maximize delivery of instructional services and promote student growth.
• Collaborate with parents/guardians to provide enriching educational opportunities for families to increase student success in reading.
• Develop and implement annually an approved plan for professional growth and development.
• Identify and request to attend professional workshop opportunities intended to increase personal/professional knowledge and effectiveness.
• Participate in School and District organized in-service opportunities.
• Maintains consistent and predictable attendance to meet the requirements of the district and the needs of the position.
• Maintain an awareness of current research on effective reading instruction and learning strategies.
• Develop and maintain positive interpersonal relationships.
• Model personal behaviors of honesty, fairness, courtesy, consideration, and integrity.
• Maintain cooperative relationships with administration, staff, colleagues, instructional assistants, parents/guardians and families, and students.

Other Job Functions (both)

• Administers medication, first aid, personal hygiene and/or health care requirements as may be required for the purpose of providing care, treatment and/or monitoring for medical conditions of students.
• Assists other personnel as may be required for the purpose of supporting them in the completion of their work activities.
• Participates in various meetings (e.g. parent conferences, in-service training, site meetings, etc.) for the purpose of receiving and/or providing information and/or meeting credential requirements.
• Updates lob knowledge as needed by participating in inservices and staff development offerings.
• Other related duties as directed.

Job Requirements

• Experience working with students with special needs in a MTSS/special education setting.
• Training and experience developing, working with and implementing IEPs and behavior plans.
• Prior school level special education experience preferred.
• Prior experience teaching at the elementary level preferred, providing reading intervention instruction.
• Experience using a variety of different instructional strategies.
• Experience working with English Language Learners is preferred.
• Bilingual ability in English/Spanish preferred.
• Preference will be given for applicants holding a Reading endorsement.

Skills, Knowledge and/or Abilities Required

• Skills to motivate students, communicate with individuals from varied educational and cultural backgrounds, direct support personnel, evaluate performance, address student health care needs.
• Knowledge of special education disabilities, age appropriate teaching methods, state curriculum framework. Knowledge of of inclusive practices and the ability to plan accordingly.
• Abilities to stand and walk for prolonged periods, perform a variety of specialized and responsible tasks, maintain records, establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with students, parents, and other school personnel, and meet scheduling deadlines. Significant physical abilities include lifting/carrying, stooping/crouching, reaching/handling/fingering, talking/hearing conversations, and near/far visual acuity/depth perception/color vision/field of vision.
• Bilingual English/Spanish skills are preferred but not required.

Licenses Required

• Valid Oregon Teaching License with a Special Education endorsement and a Reading endorsement (or ability and willingness to obtain a Reading endorsement); additional endorsements are desired.

Testing/Background Check Required

Any offer of employment made by Hood River County School District to an external candidate is contingent upon satisfactory results of:

• Drug screening tests for any illegal drug or substance classified in Schedules I through V under the Federal Controlled Substances Act, 21 U.S.C. 811 to 812. This includes, but is not limited to, marijuana , mind-altering substances or narcotic drugs such as hallucinogens, amphetamines, barbiturates, or any other illegal drug or controlled substance, except those federally recognized as legally prescribed by a physician and used as directed.
• Post offer physical abilities assessment.
• Nationwide criminal history verification - a background check for any convictions directly related to the duties and responsibilities of the position. Unless otherwise required by law, only job-related convictions will be considered and will not automatically disqualify the applicant from employment.

The salary range for the 2026/27 school year is listed below.

HOOD RIVER COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER. Reasonable accommodations for the application and interview process will be provided upon request and as required in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Disabled persons may contact Hood River County School District at ... for additional information or assistance. Speech or hearing-impaired persons may contact Hood River County School District for assistance through the Oregon Telecommunications Relay Service by dialing ....