Carlthorp School, an independent K-6 school located in Santa Monica, is seeking a Long-Term Substitute Reading Specialist to join our vibrant learning community for the fall and early winter term. This full-time position will support our K-3 literacy instruction and our student support team.

Position Dates: September 22, 2025 – March 6, 2025

We are seeking an educator who is experienced, warm, collaborative, and passionate about early literacy instruction. The ideal candidate will bring deep knowledge of phonics and reading intervention and be eager to work in a dynamic school environment committed to supporting all learners.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Teach reading groups in grades K-3 using research-based instructional practices.
• Provide small group pull-out instruction for targeted reading intervention and skill building.
• Deliver individualized reading support in coordination with the learning specialist.
• Support push-in literacy instruction during K-3 reading and writing blocks.
• Collaborate with homeroom teachers to strengthen implementation of Wilson Fundations and other core curriculum.
• Participate in student support meetings and assist with documentation of student progress.
• Attend and provide professional development on best practices in early reading instruction and literacy development.
• Check in with grade teams weekly on curriculum.
• Coordinate with homeroom teachers to pull students who need additional 1:1 reading intervention and support.

Qualifications

• Reading Specialist Credential and/or Master’s in Reading Instruction or Literacy Education preferred.
• Minimum of 5 years of classroom or specialist experience working with K-3 students.
• Deep understanding of foundational literacy skills, phonemic awareness, and structured literacy approaches.
• Familiarity with Wilson Fundations or similar phonics programs is highly preferred.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team and in partnership with classroom teachers and administrators.
• Strong communication, organizational, and instructional planning skills.
• Commitment to fostering a joyful and inclusive learning environment.
  

This is a full-time temporary position with standard school-day hours. Evening and weekend hours may be required.

How to Apply: Interested candidates should email a resume and brief letter of interest to resume@carlthorp.org. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. We look forward to hearing from thoughtful educators who are excited to support early readers and be part of a dedicated, student-centered team.

About Carlthorp School

Welcome to Carlthorp School! From our all-school morning assembly to our rich and varied after-school offerings, Carlthorp School reaches out to its extended family in a thoughtful and meaningful way every day. Dedicated to the academic, social, and emotional growth of children, our highly qualified faculty and staff create a nurturing environment that inspires children to become life-long learners. Rigorous academics, including foreign language, are balanced with music, art, drama, service learning, and physical education. Accelerated classes challenge the gifted, and specialists make learning fun for everyone. Traditionally academic in approach within a warm and secure setting, Carlthorp School’s philosophy stresses our Code of Conduct and the cohesiveness of all constituents of the School’s family. Students live by the “Code,” which becomes a permanent part of their being. All children strive to do their personal best, inside school and out. Carlthorp School graduates are prepared to face the rigors of secondary school and the challenges of life. Not only are they talented critical thinkers and speakers, they are also good citizens who are responsible, respectful, and kind.

Connections working at Carlthorp School