Learning Specialist (7 & 8 Grade)

The Town School

Upper School Learning Specialist (7th and 8th Grades)

Start Date: September 1, 2021

The Town School is a coeducational Nursery through 8th Grade school of approximately 400 students on the Upper East Side of Manhattan. Town embraces high academic and ethical standards for each student, and all members of the community are guided by our school motto, “Joy with Purpose.” We are committed to diversity, teaching students to be inclusive and to respect themselves and others. Students leave Town well-rounded, articulate, resilient, morally responsible, and committed to a path of lifelong learning.

The Town School seeks an experienced Middle School educator to be our next 7th and 8th Grade Learning Specialist.

Responsibilities:

• Teach 7th and 8th Grades Investigations to Learning classes
• Serve as an 8th Grade advisor 
• Serve as a liaison between families and the school to coordinate educational evaluations, working alongside various members of the Upper School Student Support Team
• Communicate effectively and work collaboratively and professionally with all 7th and 8th Grade subject area teachers as well as all divisional and school-wide colleagues for curriculum planning, student support, and mentoring
• Observe students as necessary in various classrooms to gather specific information to inform discussions with teachers and families
• Generate, maintain, and disseminate Student Education Plans for teachers and families
• Participate in weekly Guidance and Student Support Team meetings and review specific student learning styles, needs, and accommodations
• Establish and maintain connections with outside evaluators and tutors to maintain a dialogue of student support
• Generate and maintain a system to track the status of current evaluations in the Upper School, dates evaluations were conducted, and follow up on re-evaluations as necessary
• Coordinate standardized testing (CTP5) for all Upper School students
• Assist families of rising 8th Graders in registering for accommodations for exmissions testing (ISEE, SSAT, and/or SHSAT)

• Act as a resource for families of alumni/ae to disseminate information regarding evaluations and test accommodations from Upper School
• Serve as a full community member by attending meetings and fulfilling various duties to supervise students
• Contribute constructively to all faculty discussions and continue to grow professionally 

Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in Education, Special Education, or related field, preferred
• Possess 3-5 years of teaching experience and a passion for middle school-age children
• Experience incorporating technology in support of student learning
• Supportive of Town’s mission and philosophy
• Demonstrate a commitment to equity and support Town’s Statement on Diversity, Inclusion, and Equity; demonstration of personal growth and accomplishment in this area preferred
• Personal characteristics of an outstanding professional: warmth, tact, discernment, superb communication and organization skills, high energy, and a good sense of humor 

Town aspires to be an equitable and inclusive school community and therefore strongly encourages applications from candidates with diverse backgrounds and experiences, as well as a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Candidates should send a letter of interest, resumé, and the names/contact information of three professional references to Carol Seeley, Head of Upper School, at [email protected]