Learning Specialist - Compass Charter School : Job Details

LEARNING SPECIALIST

2024-2025 SCHOOL YEAR

MISSION OF THE SCHOOL

Compass Charter School is a safe and nurturing educational environment that honors the individuality of each learner. By engaging in a process of inquiry, our graduates will be equipped with the necessary skills to lead fulfilling personal and professional lives, including a developed sense of self, the ability to think in innovative and flexible ways, and the inspiration to make a positive impact on their community.

DESCRIPTION OF THE SCHOOL

Compass Charter School is an inquiry-based, progressive elementary school that opened in the fall of 2014 in Fort Greene, Brooklyn. We are committed to providing an experiential and democratic elementary experience to all children, with intentional access for children who typically do not get access to progressive education (children with special needs, children from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, and English language learners).

Our Integrated Curriculum centers sustainability in all forms: environmental, racial, and economic justice. Our staff works interdependently in collaborative teams and engages in professional inquiry (instructional coaching, reflection, restorative and trauma-informed practices). Compass enrolls approximately 330 students in pre-kindergarten through fifth grade.

THE OPPORTUNITY

Compass Charter School is seeking a reflective educator who is driven to provide a rigorous, justice-oriented educational experience to all children. The Compass Learning Specialist is highly reflective, collaborative, curious, and brings joy to their work with students and colleagues. The Learning Specialist works across all classrooms in the school to provide targeted small group and one on one instruction both in and out of the classroom setting. In collaboration with classroom co-teaching teams, Learning Support Team, and Executive Leadership Team, the Learning Specialist will design and implement specially designed instruction for the range of learners at Compass. The Learning Specialist engages fully in our professional development program, including instructional coaching, professional inquiry, and collaborative projects and committees.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Valid New York State Special Education certification
• Bachelor's Degree required; Master's Degree in Special Education, Literacy, or Math Instruction preferred
• Certification or training in Orton Gillingham or Wilson Reading System preferred
• A minimum of 3 years of experience as a special education teacher
• Previous experience as a learning specialist preferred
• Reflective practitioner in a state of constant professional growth and a willingness to share their craft with others
• Has own passions and interests
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Strong written and oral communication skills
• Knowledge of the school neighborhood
• Commitment and knowledge of experiential and inquiry-based teaching and learning
• Commitment to diverse learning environments
• Previous success in raising academic achievement of students with special needs
• Previous success in raising academic achievement of students in an urban community
• Educational philosophy that aligns with the mission and vision of Compass
• Familiarity with the IEP referral process
• Strong understanding of special education laws and requirements
• Understanding of the Response to Intervention/MTSS process
• Strong knowledge of the Integrated Co-Teaching model required; Experience working in an Integrated Co-Teaching setting preferred
• Vast knowledge of strategies to meet a range of special education needs
• Knowledge of a variety of math and literacy intervention strategies and materials
• Familiarity with intervention programs such as Stern Math, Do the Math, Wilson Reading System, Orton-Gillingham, and Leveled Literacy Intervention preferred
• Experience in progress monitoring and data collection
• Ability to collaborate with classroom co-teachers and school leadership to ensure that all mandated services are being provided in accordance with IEPs

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide small group and one-on-one instruction, intervention, and enrichment to a range of learners inside and outside of the classroom
• Collaborate with co-teachers, Director of Learning Support, Co-Leaders, and other staff to provide high-quality, relevant instruction to all children
• Support the academic achievement and social-emotional growth of students with special needs, English Language Learners, and at-risk students
• Collaborate with classroom teachers to provide academic supports and strategies for the students in their class
• Assist Learning Support Coordinator, Co-Directors, and School Leader in using data from a variety of sources to influence placement in intervention or enrichment and design plans for instruction
• Participate in Child Study Team meetings and IEP meetings
• Use student performance data to tailor and differentiate curriculum to individual students and to determine small groupings and modifications
• Actively participate in a professional learning community, including professional literature circles, peer coaching, reflection meetings, planning meetings, data meetings, and staff meetings
• Actively participate in the school's decision-making process
• Regularly communicate with families of students through phone, email, or face-to-face conversation
• Maintain positive relationships with students and staff
• Maintain confidentiality with student information and records
• Assist in creating a positive and safe school culture and community

COMPENSATION

• We offer a competitive salary and benefits package.
• Salary range of 65K-127K commensurate with experience and education.

TO APPLY

• Send your resume and cover letter to [email protected]. Please include LEARNING SPECIALIST in the subject line of the email.
• Your cover letter should include a statement of your educational philosophy and also state why you are interested in this position at Compass Charter School.
• If you have questions about any of our positions, please feel free to email Brooke Peters, School Leader at [email protected]