JK-4 Learning Specialist

About Grace

Grace Church School is a JK–12, independent school located on two nearby campuses in downtown New York City. An Episcopal school, welcoming children of all faiths and of none, Grace believes in the inherent, precious dignity of every individual and seeks to provide an outstanding education worthy of our common humanity.

Grace is a school of big ideas, and our structured curriculum promotes academic excellence through a pedagogy of joy: an approach that reflects our belief that joy is the fuel of academic achievement, and that students learn best when motivated by delight, wonder, curiosity, and purpose. We work hard to nurture a culture of dignity and belonging, and we seek to foster in each student skills of intellectual excellence and habits of ethical virtue. Grounded in tradition, the school remains ever open to innovation, looking to the best research on the science of learning and the craft of teaching to advance the timeless values and aspirations of our mission. In the high school division, students are challenged to reach their full potential, ask essential questions, and wrestle with complex ideas, working to solve real-world problems, and participate in the interconnected global community.

About the Position

Grace Church School is currently seeking a dedicated learning specialist to provide support to our JK-4 students, faculty, and families. The ideal candidate will possess experience in offering evidence-based assistance to Early Childhood and Lower School students and families navigating a challenging and creative academic environment. This position spans two divisions, providing consistency for students and families. The JK-4 Learning Specialist should demonstrate proficiency in reviewing educational evaluations, identifying time bound strategies responsive to individual learning profiles, and exhibit cultural competency with clear communication skills to support a diverse population of students, families, and teachers. Additionally, the candidate should be adept at assisting families in learning more about their child’s learning profile, and contribute significantly to our 86 Guidance Team and the broader school community.

Responsibilities

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Work directly with students; individually, in small groups and in whole class settings utilizing evidence based approaches
• Collaborate with teachers, families, counselors and outside staff to support and differentiate curriculum to meet the needs of all learners 
• Review external evaluations, conveying recommendations and accommodations into student profiles that are shared with faculty
•  Help families navigate the evaluation process (private or through the department of education), including identifying a need and the potential outcomes of the process; 
• Help families understand specific recommendations provided by evaluations, and review with Guidance committee to determine what can be provided by the school
• Communicate with families regarding progress monitoring, as well as implementation of home-based intervention
• Provide faculty professional development and support in evidence based practices aimed at supporting a diverse range of learners
• Conduct/review common assessments to measure growth and develop student and classroom instructional goals
• Attend regular division, department, student support and supervisory meetings.
• Commit to being a learner and participant in addressing issues of diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging and anti-racist education in our curriculum and in our community.

Requirements

Candidates must have:

• A master’s degree in education, educational therapy, educational psychology, special education or a relevant field
• A minimum of three years of experience in educational settings as a learning specialist
• Experience with a variety of evidence based practices to provide learning support
• Familiarity with literacy practices based in the Science of Reading
• Fluency in interpreting and applying results from psychoeducational and neuropsychological evaluations to school settings
• Strong communication skills 
• Well developed organizational skills, including task prioritization, management, and follow through
• Familiarity with blackbaud and/or August Schools is a plus

Interested applicants are invited to apply by submitting their résumé through the employment page of the school website. Grace Church School is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We believe that equity and inclusion are not only hallmarks of a just society, but also virtues essential to sound learning. Our commitment to antiracism, equity, and belonging calls on all faculty members to promote a culture of dignity and belonging for everyone at Grace by recognizing and honoring the unique gifts of its students, families, faculty, and staff. We encourage applications from candidates with broad and diverse backgrounds and from individuals of all races, nationalities, identities, and beliefs.