Expected Annual Pay (Texas)
$60,000
Average salary range
Job Title
Reading Specialist
Job Outlook (Texas)
+14%
Employment growth
Level of Education Required
Most reading specialists hold a master's degree in reading, literacy education, curriculum and instruction, reading education, or a related field.
Minimum requirement
Credentials or Licenses Required
Reading specialists in Texas typically hold a valid Texas teaching certificate and may earn a Texas Reading Specialist Certification or other literacy-related credentials depending on their role and employer requirements.
Licenses / Certificates
Work Experience Typically Required
Most reading specialists have several years of classroom teaching experience before moving into literacy intervention and support roles. Experience teaching reading, analyzing student assessment data, providing targeted interventions, and collaborating with educators and families is commonly preferred.
Related experience needed
What is this role responsible for day to day?
A reading specialist supports students who struggle with reading by providing targeted instruction and guidance. Your day would focus on improving literacy outcomes and supporting teachers and families. You might:
- Assess students’ reading skills and identify learning gaps
- Provide small‑group or one‑on‑one reading intervention
- Develop and adapt literacy instruction plans
- Support teachers with evidence‑based reading strategies
- Track progress and adjust interventions as needed
- Communicate with families about student progress
Career Snapshots
Explore different career paths within education and find the one that fits your passion
Jada
Jada began her career as a preschool teacher and developed a passion for early language and literacy development. After becoming a certified elementary teacher, she noticed that many struggling readers would have benefited from earlier literacy support. She later earned a master’s degree focused on reading instruction and became a Reading Specialist. In the future, she hopes to become a district literacy coordinator and support reading initiatives across multiple schools.
Evan
Evan started as an elementary classroom teacher and quickly became interested in helping students who needed additional reading support. After gaining experience as a literacy interventionist, he pursued advanced training in reading assessment and intervention. As a Reading Specialist, he enjoys working with students, coaching teachers, and identifying strategies that help struggling readers succeed. He would like to eventually become an instructional coach focused on literacy.
Candace
Candace first worked as an assistant teacher in a child care center while earning her education degree. Her experiences supporting young children’s early language development inspired her to focus on literacy throughout her career. After teaching in elementary classrooms and completing graduate study in reading education, she became a Reading Specialist. She plans to remain in this role long-term because she enjoys working directly with students while also helping teachers strengthen literacy instruction.
What are some skills or personal traits that people in this role typically have?
People in this role are patient, analytical, and strong communicators. You are detail‑oriented, supportive, and skilled at adapting instruction to meet individual learning needs.
What are some jobs that people had earlier in their careers?
People in this role often previously worked as:
People in this role often previously worked as:
- Classroom Teacher
- Literacy Interventionist or Tutor
- Special Education or Instructional Support Roles
What are some jobs that people in this role have later in their careers?
With experience, people in this role may move into:
With experience, people in this role may move into:
- Instructional Coach or Curriculum Specialist Roles
- School or District‑Level Literacy Leadership Positions
- Education Research, Training, or Administration Roles