Job Description
Position Information
Position
Reading Program Lead (Kindergarten to Grade 5)
Job Purpose
Lead a joyful, structured and evidence-based reading programme anchored in Oxford Reading Tree, complementing the Balanced Literacy Curriculum and building confident, thoughtful readers across Nursery to Grade 2, with phased progression up to Grade 5.
Key Roles & Responsibilities
1. Reading Program Leadership & Implementation
- Lead the reading program with Oxford Reading Tree as the core framework from Nursery to Grade 2, with phased progression up to Grade 5.
- Work with the Head of School to develop grade-wise reading goals, themes, book lists and reading experiences.
- Ensure alignment with the Balanced Literacy Curriculum and strengthen storytelling, vocabulary, comprehension, questioning and expression.
- Map reading levels to benchmarks and place children in suitable reading bands.
2. Classroom Libraries & Library Integration
- Ensure classroom libraries are attractive, accessible, age-appropriate, well-used and aligned to grade-level reading goals.
- Ensure library lessons are joyful and interactive through storytelling, picture reading, prediction, questioning, retelling, role play, book talks and reflection.
3. Reading Culture, Events & Student Voice
- Plan and lead Reading Week, book fairs, author visits, storytelling sessions, book character day, dramatization, puppet shows and poetry recitation.
- Integrate Readathon, DEAR time, buddy reading, read-with-a-parent sessions, book talks, JAM/public speaking and presentation opportunities.
- Document and showcase reading celebrations through displays, photographs, newsletters, student reflections and school communication channels.
4. Assessment, Monitoring & Intervention
- Conduct baseline, mid-year and endline assessments to track reading levels, listening skills, vocabulary, fluency, comprehension, expression and engagement.
- Maintain a structured reading progress tracker/dashboard for every child.
- Analyze data to identify reading gaps; plan targeted support and enrichment for advanced readers.
- Collaborate with class teachers, Special Educator and Counsellor wherever differentiated support is required.
5. Teacher Development & Instructional Support
- Conduct demonstration read-aloud sessions and support teachers in designing meaningful book-based conversations.
- Conduct classroom observations of reading blocks and provide structured feedback for improvement.
- Ensure teachers are inducted and trained in ORT, reading routines, classroom library use and programme expectations
6. Parent Engagement, Documentation & Operational Readiness
- Plan and conduct parent workshops to help parents support reading habits at home.
- Prepare periodic leadership updates on implementation, progress, impact and areas for improvement.
- Review lesson plans, PPTs, worksheets, digital tools, ORT resources and activity materials in advance.
- Attend department/grade meetings, trainings and PLDs; contribute to school programmes, Foundation events, assemblies and co-curricular activities.
Recruiting Points
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Education / English / Early Childhood Education / Child Development.
- Certification in early literacy programs (preferred).
Experience
- 2 years experience working with young children (Nursery to Grade 5).
- Experience conducting storytelling or read-aloud sessions for young children
- Experience in a school library, classroom library, reading intervention, or literacy support role
- Familiarity with early literacy practices, reading levels, and book selection for primary children
- Experience in planning reading events, book displays, or literacy celebrations
Skills
- Strong love for children's literature and reading promotion
- Excellent storytelling and read-aloud skills
- Good spoken English and the ability to communicate warmly with children
- Understanding of age-appropriate reading needs from Nursery to Grade 5
- Ability to organize books, records, displays, and library systems efficiently
- Ability to engage young children in an interactive and joyful manner
- Basic documentation and reporting skills
- Collaborative mindset and willingness to work closely with teachers
- Ability to make the library an active learning space, not just a storage space for books
Disposition
- Warm and child-friendly
- Expressive and enthusiastic
- Organized and dependable
- Creative and resourceful
- Patient and observant
- Passionate about literacy and reading development
- Professional, proactive, and responsible
