High School Learning Support Specialist - Literacy - Leave Replacement

High School Learning Support Specialist - Literacy - 1 Year Leave Replacement

Period:
Union Position-Covered by Collective Bargaining Agreement
Status:
Non-Exempt
As of 01/14/2026

Founded in 1947, the United Nations International School (UNIS) is a Pre‑K through Grade 12 independent school in Manhattan, serving a diverse, global community. About half of UNIS families are affiliated with the United Nations, while the rest are internationally minded New York–based parents. Guided by the ideals of the United Nations, UNIS provides an inclusive learning environment where rigorous international programs foster academic excellence, creativity, innovation, and cross‑cultural communication, inspiring students to help build a peaceful, compassionate, and sustainable world.

UNIS seeks an experienced and student‑centered Learning Support Specialist with expertise in literacy instruction and intervention to join our High School team. The ideal candidate will be skilled at diagnosing students’ language and literacy needs, designing individualized and small‑group supports, and collaborating closely with teachers to develop differentiated strategies across disciplines.

We are looking for an educator who understands the full continuum of literacy development and who can empower students to become confident, independent readers and writers. The candidate should bring a deep knowledge of reading comprehension, writing fluency, executive functioning, and metacognitive strategies, as well as a passion for inclusive education and equitable access to learning. This position reports to High School Principal.

• Design and implement targeted literacy interventions (reading comprehension, vocabulary development, written expression, and organization) for individual students and small groups.
• Conduct and interpret diagnostic assessments to identify specific literacy strengths and areas of need.
• Collaborate with classroom teachers to differentiate instruction and modify learning materials to meet students’ needs.
• Support teachers in developing inclusive instructional strategies that promote reading and writing across the curriculum.
• Provide direct support to students with learning differences through co‑teaching, push‑in, and pull‑out models.
• Develop and monitor Individualized Learning Plans (ILPs) in consultation with students, families, and teachers.
• Maintain accurate documentation of student progress and communicate regularly with teachers, advisors, and parents.
• Contribute to the design of professional learning focused on literacy and inclusive practices.
• Work collaboratively with counselors, school psychologists, and other members of the Student Support Team to ensure a coordinated approach to student well‑being and success.
• Other duties as assigned and in accordance with the Collective Bargaining Agreement (e.g., advisory, supervision duties, support ses).

• Strong knowledge of literacy acquisition and development in adolescent learners.
• Experience with evidence‑based reading and writing interventions.
• Understanding of executive functioning and how to support organization, planning, and study skills.
• Strong analytical and organizational skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both oral and written.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team‑oriented environment with teachers, administrators, and families.
• Commitment to inclusion, equity, and culturally responsive teaching.
• Flexible, proactive, and reflective approach to teaching and learning.

• Bachelor’s Degree required, Master’s Degree preferred.
• Experience in a K‑12 educational environment is essential.
• Experience with best practices in assessment and reporting preferred (e.g., Standard‑Based Grading and Reporting).

• Ability to stand for extended periods of time while instructing or demonstrating teaching techniques.
• Capability to move around the classroom to provide individual support to students.
• Comfort with lifting and handling art materials, supplies, and student projects, occasionally requiring up to 15 lbs. of weight.
• Dexterity and fine motor skills required for demonstrating teaching…