Lower School Reading Specialist – Part-Time Position

THE PARK SCHOOL OF BALTIMORE

LOWER SCHOOL READING SPECIALIST – PART-TIME POSITION

FALL 2026

Devoted to intellectual inquiry, a collaborative spirit of learning, and an appreciation for the diversity of human experience, The Park School of Baltimore is a community founded on positive expectations of our students and respect for individual differences.

We cultivate children’s innate curiosity by nurturing their interests and engaging them as active participants in their own education.

We support young people in becoming confident questioners and responsible citizens of the world. ~The Park School Mission

The Park School is a non-sectarian, independent, gender inclusive day school of 803 students from Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 12. Founded in 1912 as one of the early progressive schools, The Park School continues to practice a distinct educational philosophy. The core values today, as in 1912, are a belief in children’s capacity to love learning, to grow academically and emotionally when inspired by highly qualified, caring teachers, and to develop self-discipline, confidence, and creative problem-solving skills through deep exploration and constant challenge. At every grade level, from Pre-Kindergarten through Upper School, Park actively encourages questioning and conversation as essential elements of the learning process. The school

philosophy emphasizes a belief in positive expectations and expects that students, as they mature, will take increasing responsibility for their own learning.

The Position:

The Park School seeks a part-time Lower School Reading Specialist to join the Lower School Student Support Team, which includes the Lower School Principal, Lower School Assistant Principal, the Lower School Counselor, and the Lower School Coordinator of Academic Services. The Reading Specialist is responsible for assessing students and collaborating with teachers by providing resources, instructional strategies, and guidance. The Reading Specialist provides academic support to students individually and in small groups and communicates regularly with parents and outside professionals. This position reports to the Lower School Principal.

About Park’s Lower School:

Park’s Lower School is committed to progressive principles of education. Respect for children and confidence in their natural capacity to learn — and to enjoy learning — are key. The program at all grade levels centers on experiential learning within an integrated curriculum. Our approach emphasizes open-ended inquiry and problem solving, collaborative projects, and exposure to a wide range of learning activities and materials, anchored by a focus on essential understandings and attention to basic skills.

The Lower School at Park includes Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 5, with an enrollment of 275 students and 40+ faculty. Support personnel include a Lower School Principal, Assistant Principal, Learning Resource Teacher, Counselor, and Math Specialist. Special area teachers provide instruction in art, music, physical education, Spanish, library, technology, and science.

Responsibilities:
• Provide direct student support.
• Collaborate with teachers regarding the implementation of learning plans in the classroom.

Qualifications:
• Master’s degree in Special Education or related field.
• At least 5 years experience as a learning specialist or in a related field.
• Experience working with neurodiverse students, Pre-K–5th Grade age preferred.
• Possess a strong knowledge base of neurodiverse learners, especially dyslexia, speech and language challenges, dysgraphia, and dyscalculia.
• General knowledge of neurodiverse learning styles and experience using learning profiles and educational diagnoses to guide instructional support.
• Knowledge of assistive technology, online resources, and apps that support executive functioning and academic success.
• Passionate about Park’s progressive mission, and an advocate for diversity work and the promotion of health and wellness.
• Orientation to progressive philosophy and teaching methods.
• Must have the ability to form relationships based on a high degree of trust with all types of people and help those in the most challenging of situations: the students, the faculty, the parents, and administration.
• Must be highly organized, an excellent communicator, and able to respond promptly to student issues and faculty needs.
• Demonstrated ability to work with students from diverse backgrounds.
• Exceptional interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Experience with Orton Gillingham and Orton-Gillingham-based programs (e.g., Wilson Reading) and literacy curricula (e.g. UFLI).
• Candidates from diverse backgrounds or who have experience in cultural competency work are strongly encouraged to apply.

Salary:

Park’s job requirements differ, with some positions requiring no experience, while others require years of expertise. Our salary range is from $51,500 to $82,500 and is based on factors such as years of experience, qualifications, full-or part-time status, and schedule. If selected for the role, your salary will be determined by your experience and qualifications. Our compensation package also includes a number of benefits.

Benefits:

Park offers eligible employees a range of benefits, including a 403(b) retirement plan with employer matching contributions; medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees and their eligible dependents; Health Savings Accounts and Flexible Spending Accounts; disability and parental leave; and paid time off. An Employee Assistance Program and other wellness resources are available to all employees.

This position is expected to be part-time. Benefits eligibility depends on scheduled hours and employment classification. Employees working at or above applicable eligibility thresholds (for example, 0.5 FTE for certain health benefits) may qualify for some of the benefits described above, in accordance with plan terms and school policy.

Certain benefits, including tuition remission, are available only to employees in benefits-eligible full-time roles who meet applicable service requirements.

Specific compensation and benefits eligibility will be confirmed at the time of offer.

Application Process:

Interested candidates are asked to send a letter of interest, personal statement, résumé, and completed employment application ( found here ) via email or US mail. Please also indicate whether there are any special circumstances that will affect the timing of your search, availability for interviews, and decisions for the coming year.

Contact:

Priscilla Morales, Associate Head of School

The Park School of Baltimore

2425 Old Court Road

Baltimore, MD 21208

academicresources@parkschool.net

The Park School of Baltimore does not discriminate against employees or applicants for employment on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, religion, ancestry, gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, or any physical or mental disability unrelated to a reasonable performance of an employee’s duties.