Middle School ELA Learning Specialist; SY

Middle School ELA Learning Specialist

In-Person Work Required

This is an exempt position and is not eligible for overtime.

Explore Schools is a network of public charter schools providing 1,700 students in Brooklyn with the outstanding education they deserve. Our goal is to provide students with curriculum and instruction that is both standards-aligned and culturally responsive. Our approach is designed to provide the conditions that nurture students as critical thinkers and natural problem-solvers. As an organization we are committed to engaging in work that disrupts and roots out systems and structures that perpetuate white supremacy.

We intentionally seek to build and maintain a diverse and talented team that reflects the backgrounds and experiences of our students and creates an inclusive environment for all employees.

We believe that all children can learn when immersed in a rich environment full of high expectations, rigorous academics, and caring, committed adults. We believe equity and excellence are not mutually exclusive—we can meet the needs of all students in our schools, while actively engaging parents and driving toward excellent academic results. We believe it is both our privilege and responsibility to help close the opportunity gap in the Brooklyn community.

You are a special educator with experience teaching diverse learners, including students who have individualized Education Programs (IEPs) in grades 6-8. You are ready to provide targeted, data-driven and individualized instruction to diverse learners. You prioritize student engagement, critical thinking, and relationship building in the classroom. You have demonstrated that you are a reflective practitioner willing to go above and beyond to meet the needs of your students while educating the whole child.

Additionally, you possess the following qualities:

• Dedicated to working in communities that have historically been underserved and under-resourced
• Committed to thoughtfully engaging in identity work necessary to take a culturally responsive approach to pedagogy and relationship-building with students and colleagues
• Exceptional dedication and intentionality to achieve results and make growth in your own practice and in related student outcomes
• Ability to cultivate a positive classroom culture through building relationships with students and using classroom management strategies to promote safety and inclusion of all students
• Classroom presence: you are clear and precise when sharing new content with students and can effectively lead students through inquiry-based class discussions
• Ability to adapt scripted curriculum
• Detail-oriented and highly organized
• Bachelor’s degree required
• Classroom teaching experience required; 2 years strongly preferred
• New York State Teaching Certification, preferred
• Special Education Certification, preferred
• Master’s Degree in Education, strongly preferred

Nearly 20% of our students receive special education services. As an ELA Learning Specialist, you will work with our students with disabilities by providing data driven support through differentiated and specialized instruction. You will be expected to manage the following daily:

• Provide targeted small group and whole group instruction to students throughout the day
• Provide direct service to students to help them achieve their IEP goals
• Work collaboratively with grade level teams across content areas
• Assist teachers with differentiation in the classroom
• Collaborate as part of the student intervention referral team
• Support with assessment of students as a proctor and monitor of examinations, including the administration of testing accommodations
• Provide a range of instructional, management, and assessment strategies to meet the different needs of students
• Facilitate testing accommodations
• Assist with non-instructional supervision of students, such as arrival/dismissal, hallway monitoring, substitute teaching, lunch and playground duty, or supervision of extracurricular activities
• Keep accurate and organized records of student information
• Actively engage in identity work and necessary conversations in order to dismantle…