SYNAPSE SCHOOL POSITION OVERVIEW

LEARNING CENTER
MATH LEARNING SPECIALIST, MIDDLE SCHOOL

‘23-’24 School Year

The Synapse School in Menlo Park, CA, an innovative TK-8 independent school located in the heart of Silicon Valley dedicated to rethinking and reimagining education, seeks a MATH LEARNING SPECIALIST to help expand the SYNAPSE LEARNING CENTER. The Math Learning Specialist will focus primarily on serving middle school students in grades 5 through 8.

Synapse’s mission is to educate a community of change makers by combining social-emotional learning, leading-edge academics, and the practice of innovation. We have an unwavering belief in the capacity of children, and our teachers work alongside our students to unlock their powers of curiosity, discovery, and creativity. Synapse’s program provides a deep and unique range of integrated academic, social, and creative experiences to help children use their hearts and hands to unleash their passion for learning. Synapse draws students from around the San Francisco Bay Area. 

SETTING AND LOCATION 

South of San Francisco, Synapse School resides in the city of Menlo Park. Stanford University is minutes away and provides an unparalleled intellectual community in neighboring Palo Alto. Synapse is a close neighbor to several high-tech and high-profile companies and is conveniently located between freeways 101 and 280 and along Caltrain, a commuter railway system that services thousands of people each day from San Jose to San Francisco. 

POSITION DESCRIPTION

Synapse School seeks an experienced Middle School Math Learning Specialist for a part-time or full-time position. The Learning Specialist reviews evaluations, develops learning plans, conducts progress monitoring assessments, documents student intervention and progress, runs intervention sessions in small groups, and facilitates the administration of in-school accommodations for the grade levels they serve. The Learning Specialist is a resource for the faculty, works with teachers to help them understand students' learning needs, and communicates with teachers about students of concern. The Learning Specialist partners with families and regularly communicates on student progress, growth, and needs.

RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING

• Work closely with the Learning Center Director, teachers, parents, and outside professionals on behalf of students and children
• Identify students needing additional support, accommodations, and educational testing, and advise teachers and families
• Instruct students, provide intervention and remediation through small group classes and pull-out support
• Document and communicate information relevant to students’ learning differences to teachers, parents, and service providers
• Collaborate with the Learning Center team, teachers, and administrators in developing programs to support learners with diverse needs
• Possibility of serving as a middle school advisor, including mentoring middle school-aged students to support their personal and social-emotional growth

AN IDEAL CANDIDATE WOULD POSSESS THE FOLLOWING QUALIFICATIONS

• Minimum of two years of teaching experience, preferably in independent schools
• Knowledge of and the ability to interpret test results of cognition, achievement, and learning disability diagnostic tests
• Master’s Degree and/or Graduate Certification as a Special Education or Learning Specialist preferred, but not required 
• Specific training in or expertise in providing interventions for students with learning disabilities preferred (e.g., Bridges Intervention, Universal Design for Learning) 
• Knowledge of the Science of Learning and ability to implement researched-based practices 

SALARY RANGE

$92,300 to $120,200

Synapse offers a generous benefits package including health, dental, and retirement, as well as additional lifestyle perks. Housing stipends available to those who qualify.

APPLICATION PROCESS 

Applicants should email a cover letter of interest, three names of references with contact information, and a résumé to Dana Kuper, Director of the Learning Center, dana.kuper@synapseschool.org. Include ‘MS Math Learning Specialist’ in the subject of your email. This position is open until filled.

Synapse School does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, color, religion, sex or sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, and familial affiliation, or any other characteristic protected by law. All applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States. 

About Synapse School

An independent school in Menlo Park, California, Synapse, a Lab school of Six Seconds, educates change makers by combining social-emotional learning, leading-edge academics, and the practice of innovation. We have an unwavering belief in the capacity of children, and our teachers work alongside our students to unlock their powers of curiosity, discovery, and creativity. Synapse’s program provides a deep and unique range of integrated academic, social, and creative experiences to help children use their hearts and hands to unleash their passion for learning. Synapse draws students from around the San Francisco Bay Area.

Connections working at Synapse School