Literacy Support Specialist - Summer Day Camp

As a Literacy Support Specialist at the City of Fort Worth Park & Recreation, your key responsibilities include planning and teaching reading instruction classes, developing engaging activities that promote literacy skills, monitoring students' progress, and ensuring that the instructional content adheres to the program guidelines. You will also be involved in tracking educational outcomes, collaborating with other staff, and adapting your teaching methods to meet the diverse needs of campers.

To qualify for the Literacy Support Specialist position at the City of Fort Worth, candidates must hold a Bachelor’s degree in education or a related field and possess at least six months of teaching experience in reading instruction or elementary education. A certification in the specialty area is required, along with a valid Texas Driver's License. Preferred qualifications include three years of classroom experience and familiarity with reading programs such as Lexia Core5 Reading®.

The daily schedule for a Literacy Support Specialist at the City of Fort Worth during the Summer Day Camp varies by program. The Camp Fort Worth program operates from June 9 to August 1, between 7:30 a.m. and 6:00 p.m., while the Mobile Recreation program runs from June 9 to July 25, typically from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Each role can encompass up to 30 hours a week, allowing you to design and conduct fun and engaging literacy activities at designated community centers.

Working as a Literacy Support Specialist at the City of Fort Worth provides various benefits including a competitive pay rate of $35.00/hour, the opportunity to impact the lives of young learners, professional development through orientation and training sessions, and the satisfaction of creating a fun and educational environment. Additionally, there is an incentive program that rewards staff for completion of assignments with up to $300 based on days worked.

The Literacy Support Specialist plays a crucial role in the literacy program at the City of Fort Worth. You will deliver structured reading instruction using best practices, engage students through innovative teaching methods, and provide individual support to help campers achieve their literacy goals. By actively participating in assessing and improving literacy outcomes, you help create a positive learning environment that motivates children to read and build essential skills.

In addressing the diverse learning needs of children, I would employ differentiated instruction tailored to their specific strengths and challenges. This may include using various teaching methods, such as visual aids, hands-on activities, and technology tools like Lexia Core5 Reading® to engage all learners effectively. Understanding each child's unique learning style is vital to fostering a supportive and inclusive environment.

In my teaching experience, I have utilized a multitude of literacy strategies, focusing on phonological awareness, vocabulary building, and comprehension skills. For instance, I incorporate read-aloud sessions, interactive storytelling, and games that reinforce these concepts while making learning enjoyable. I also regularly assess student progress to adapt my teaching methods as needed.

I believe that an engaging learning environment is one where children feel safe, supported, and excited to participate. To achieve this, I prioritize building strong relationships with my students, incorporating interactive and creative activities, and fostering a culture of curiosity. My goal is to create a space where children feel encouraged to express themselves and explore new ideas without hesitation.

Success in literacy instruction can be measured through both qualitative and quantitative assessments. I track student progress using formative assessments like reading fluency checks and comprehension quizzes, alongside observing their engagement during class activities. I also value feedback from students to understand their learning experiences better and adjust my strategies to enhance their performance.

Once, while teaching a group with varying literacy skills, I noticed that traditional methods weren't engaging all the students. I adapted my approach by incorporating more visual aids and interactive activities, such as games and group discussions. The outcome was a noticeable improvement in engagement and comprehension, with students showing increased enthusiasm for the reading assignments.

Collaboration is essential in my teaching style, as it leverages the strengths of multiple perspectives to enhance the educational experience. I actively collaborate with fellow educators, parents, and support staff to align our educational approaches and share resources. This teamwork helps me to implement comprehensive strategies that cater to all students' needs effectively.

In the event of a disruptive student, I would first address the behavior calmly and privately, understanding the underlying cause. I would reinforce positive behavior by setting clear expectations and providing incentives for good conduct. If necessary, I would collaborate with support staff or parents to craft tailored strategies to help the student engage more positively during instruction.

To motivate reluctant readers, I implement engaging activities that align with their interests, such as themed reading sessions or incorporating technology and game-based learning. It's important to create a safe space where students feel free to explore books without pressure. Building their confidence through praise and celebrating small achievements significantly boosts their willingness to read more often.

An effective literacy program encompasses well-structured instruction tailored to the needs of students, evidence-based teaching strategies, and regular assessments to monitor progress. It should also involve parental engagement and provide a variety of reading materials that cater to diverse interests and skill levels to nurture a love for reading.

I am deeply passionate about education and believe that fostering a love for reading is essential for a child's development. Working as a Literacy Support Specialist at the City of Fort Worth empowers me to make a tangible difference in the lives of young learners while being part of a collaborative community focused on professional growth and enriching educational experiences.