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What does a Reading Specialist do?

Photo of Brenna Goyette
Brenna Goyette
Certified Professional Resume Writer, Career Expert

Published 3 min read

A reading specialist is a teacher who has specialized training in teaching reading. They work with students who are struggling with reading, and help them improve their skills.

Reading Specialist job duties include:

  • Assess students’ reading level and needs.
  • Develop and implement reading plans.
  • Work with students one-on-one or in small groups.
  • Help students improve their reading skills.
  • Encourage students to read more often.
  • Select books and materials for students to read.
  • Keep track of student progress.
  • Meet with parents to discuss student progress.
  • Attend professional development workshops.

Reading Specialist Job Requirements

Reading specialists are teachers who have specialized training in teaching reading. They typically have a master's degree in reading or a related field, and they may also be certified as reading specialists. Many reading specialists have years of experience teaching reading in the classroom.

Reading Specialist Skills

  • Fluency
  • Phonics
  • Vocabulary
  • Comprehension
  • Decoding
  • Encoding
  • Word Recognition
  • Reading Aloud
  • Silent Reading
  • Scanning
  • Skimming

Related: Top Reading Specialist Skills: Definition and Examples

How to become a Reading Specialist

There are many ways to become a reading specialist. One way is to get a degree in education with a focus on reading. Another way is to get a degree in library science with a focus on children's literature. There are also many certification programs available that can help you become a reading specialist.

The most important thing for becoming a reading specialist is to have a passion for reading. You must also be able to understand the different ways that people learn to read. It is also important to be familiar with the different types of reading materials and resources that are available.

Once you have the necessary education and training, you can begin working as a reading specialist in a variety of settings. You can work in schools, libraries, or other organizations that serve children and families. You can also work as a private tutor or consultant.

No matter what path you take to become a reading specialist, you will need to continuously update your skills and knowledge. Keep up with the latest research on reading instruction and assessment. Be sure to stay current on new technologies and resources that can help you in your work. And always be willing to share your expertise with others who are interested in becoming reading specialists themselves.

Related: Reading Specialist Resume Example

Related: Reading Specialist Interview Questions (With Example Answers)

Editorial staff

Photo of Brenna Goyette, Editor

Editor

Brenna Goyette

Expert Verified

Brenna is a certified professional resume writer, career expert, and the content manager of the ResumeCat team. She has a background in corporate recruiting and human resources and has been writing resumes for over 10 years. Brenna has experience in recruiting for tech, finance, and marketing roles and has a passion for helping people find their dream jobs. She creates expert resources to help job seekers write the best resumes and cover letters, land the job, and succeed in the workplace.

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