Middle School and Upper School Learning Specialist

Rival; New York (NY); On-site; USD 63,000 - 143,000; Full time

Job summary

An established educational institution in New York City is on the lookout for a passionate Middle School and Upper School Learning Specialist. This role focuses on enhancing writing and executive functioning skills for students in grades 6-12, particularly those with learning differences. The ideal candidate will work collaboratively within the Learning Research Team, contributing to the development of best teaching practices and fostering an inclusive environment. This position not only promises a rewarding career in education but also offers numerous benefits, including professional development opportunities and a supportive community dedicated to student success.

Benefits

Shuttle service to subway station

Generous professional development budget

Frankel Fellow grants

Sabbatical after 10 years

Health, dental, and vision insurance

Defined Contribution retirement plan

Generous time-off policy

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in education or related field required.
• Experience with middle and upper school teaching is essential.

Responsibilities

• Support students with documented learning differences.
• Collaborate with faculty on effective teaching practices.

Skills

Student-centered approach

Knowledge of neurodiversity

Commitment to DEIB

Writing and executive functioning skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in education

Special education degree

Job description

Riverdale Country School, a Pre-K through Grade 12 independent all-gender school in New York City, is dedicated to inspiring students to live meaningful and purpose-driven lives. The school achieves this by fostering a culture of academic excellence, critical thinking, and curiosity, supported by a diverse and inclusive community. Riverdale emphasizes both high challenge and high support in its approach to education, encouraging students to engage deeply in interdisciplinary learning, research, and experiential education, both inside and outside the classroom and beyond our campuses. This holistic approach aims to develop well-rounded individuals who are prepared to make a positive impact on the world.

At Riverdale, we strive to reflect the diversity of the New York metropolitan area in our students, faculty, and staff. We believe that a diverse and inclusive community enriches the educational experience and is integral to our mission. With a student body of approximately 1,300 students from 117 different zip codes, Riverdale is a vibrant community where 48% of our students identify as students of color.

We seek to employ educators and leaders who bring a student-centered approach, passion for their work, a commitment to DEIB, and a desire to contribute to the growth and development of our entire school community.

Position Overview:

Riverdale’s Learning Research Team (LRT) seeks an enthusiastic and collaborative Middle School and Upper School Learning Specialist. This position focuses on working with the curriculum for grades 6 - 12 at Riverdale Country School, with an emphasis on writing and executive functioning skills. A learning specialist works closely with students with documented learning differences and the need for additional academic support. An important part of the Learning Research Team's mission includes working with faculty on implementing best teaching practices and effective pedagogy. This position will work with a team of other learning specialists, each specializing in a particular age group, so there is collaborative help in onboarding the candidate to daily tasks and expectations.

A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in education, special education, or a related field and past teaching experience at the middle school and upper school level is required for this position. Candidates with the ability to demonstrate knowledge of neurodiversity and the commitment to ensuring equity for students with disabilities are especially attractive. Candidates should also demonstrate a commitment to creating an inclusive classroom that nurtures the diverse learners within it. All full-time teachers participate in the life of the school community through advising, leading activities, service learning, and other co-curriculars.

Salary: $63,500 - $142,912 a year

To apply for this position, please click on the red “Apply for this Job” button. Please submit a resume and cover letter. If there are pronouns we should use in potential future communications, we invite you to share that information with us. For information about this position and all open positions, please visit the Careers page of Riverdale’s website.

Benefits of Full-Time Work at Riverdale Country School:

Working at Riverdale Country School is a purposeful and meaningful career choice that comes with many benefits including:

1. Transportation: Shuttle service is available to/from the 242nd St / Broadway subway station. Limited stops are also available near transit hubs in Manhattan including the Metro North Harlem Station and subway lines – 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, N, Q, R, A, B, C, and D.
2. Professional Development: A generous professional-development budget provides for conferences, skills training, and onsite training in areas such as mindfulness, coaching, and diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging.
3. Grants and Stipends: All employees are eligible for Frankel Fellow grants, known as “passion grants,” which pay for enrichment activities.
4. Sabbatical: Full-time teaching faculty are eligible for a sabbatical after 10 years of employment.
5. Health Benefits: Riverdale offers and subsidizes health, dental, and vision insurance.
6. Retirement: Employees are eligible to join our Defined Contribution retirement plan through TIAA. The school contributes 7% of an employee's annual salary to their retirement account.
7. Vacation: Riverdale Country School has a generous time-off policy for staff in addition to vacations afforded by the school calendar.