Reading Specialist
Not Disclosed•Full-TimeOn-site
location_on5836, Station Street, East Liberty, Pittsburgh, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, 15206, United States
The Reading Specialist serves as the strategic leader for school-age literacy and services for 'striving' and 'rising' readers at the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh (CLP). This role exists to bridge the gap between formal education and the library's informal learning environment, ensuring that K-12 students, families, and educators in Pittsburgh have access to high-quality literacy support.
You will act as a content specialist, expanding and refining how library staff utilize structured literacy in their services. The position focuses on developing a strategic vision that addresses reading inequities, particularly those disproportionately impacting Black and Brown students in the city. By collaborating with community stakeholders, you will co-design services that bring together formal education, family engagement, and community organizations to foster a supportive network for student growth.
In this day-to-day capacity, you will lead staff in fostering connections with guardians and parents, recognizing them as a child's first and most important teachers. You will adapt formal education skills to the library setting, creating text-dependent literacy activities that drive student learning. The role requires a deep commitment to equity, utilizing research-based methods and culturally relevant resources to meet the diverse needs of Pittsburgh's youth.
You will work within the Office of Programmatic Services, reporting to the Library Administrator for Children's and Teen Services. This position is integral to the library's mission of supporting the city's youth and families. You will collaborate closely with librarians, library services associates, and location supervisors to support student literacy development and enhance staff practice in reading and writing. The role also involves leading systemwide collaborative work through project teams and committees to bring services to life.
To apply for this position, please submit a resume and cover letter by June 8, 2026. The hiring supervisor for this role is Erin Zambataro, Library Administrator, Children's and Teen Services.
The Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh is dedicated to creating an inclusive environment where all community members feel welcome. We actively seek to address reading inequities and are committed to integrating shared practices in equity, diversity, and inclusion into our leadership approaches and library services. We believe that diverse perspectives strengthen our ability to serve Pittsburgh's youth, families, and educators effectively.
Work model: On-site
5836, Station Street, East Liberty, Pittsburgh, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, 15206, United States
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Reading Specialist (PK–12) certification or equivalent preparation. Experience in facilitating professional development opportunities, including coaching.
RFK Community Alliance • Lancaster, Massachusetts
Mastery Schools • Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Mastery Schools • Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Skills: Structured Literacy, Science Of Reading, Literacy Instruction, Multi-Tiered Systems Of Support, Phonics, Fluency, Vocabulary, Comprehension, Reading Specialist Certification, Project Management.
Education: Master's degree in Reading, Literacy Education, Curriculum & Instruction required.
Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh operates as a major public library system within the Libraries industry, based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Since its establishment in 1895 by philanthropist Andrew Carnegie, the organization functions as a public trust funded primarily through community sources, including the Allegheny County Regional Asset District, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and the City of Pittsburgh, with government funding comprising approximately 90% of its annual operating budget. The institution serves the regional population by advancing knowledge and fostering lifelong learning through a diverse array of critical services. These offerings include early learning programs for children, job search assistance, and public access to computers and the Internet, all designed to support educational attainment, economic development, and cultural enrichment. As one of the largest public libraries in Pennsylvania, the Library welcomes more than 2 million visitors annually and circulates 3.4 million items each year. This high level of engagement marks it as the most visited asset in the region, reinforcing its role as a cornerstone for community growth and educational access.
Browse more roles: All Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh jobs, teaching jobs on Recrutus.
Experience
5+ yrs (Senior)
Education
Master's degree in Reading, Literacy Education, Curriculum & Instruction required
Job Type
Full-Time