Learning Specialist for Upper Grades 5th-8th

About the role

The Co-op School was founded in 2003 by a group of parents seeking a high-quality, affordable preschool option in Clinton Hill and Fort Greene. Since then, it has grown from a small parent-run playgroup to a fully staffed, licensed non-profit school. In 2019, the school opened a 3,500-square-foot facility at 644 Gates Avenue in Bedford Stuyvesant, housing preschool, lower school, and middle school students with a double-height gym, rooftop library, and two playgrounds.

The mission of The Co-op School is to inspire passion and teach children to become protagonists in their own educational journey by fostering curiosity, creativity, and a constructivist approach that honors each child’s individual strengths and interests. The school belongs to its community—students, educators, and families—and thrives through their participation.

Responsibilities

• Provide personalized support and intervention to middle school students with diverse learning needs, focusing on academic achievement and social-emotional development.
• Support learners through small group interventions and push-in/pull-out formats to address academic and executive functioning needs.
• Chair and attend Committee on Special Education (CSE) meetings to review student progress, accommodations, and support plans.
• Work closely with the Director of Learning Supports to align intervention strategies with school-wide initiatives.
• Attend weekly student support meetings and collaborate regularly with teachers to ensure effective differentiation and student growth.
• Partner with teachers and families to ensure students meet or exceed instructional goals and expectations.
• Observe, assess, and maintain records of student performance, using data to drive instruction and intervention plans.
• Communicate regularly with parents to discuss progress, challenges, and strategies for continued growth.
• Integrate The Co-op School’s Values into classroom culture, instructional practices, and student interactions.
• Foster a positive and inclusive classroom culture using the Responsive Classroom approach.
• Maintain confidentiality regarding student information and records.
• Build and sustain strong relationships with students, families, and colleagues to create a supportive learning environment.

Qualifications

• Experience working with upper elementary and middle school students with learning differences.
• A master's degree in special education or learning disabilities is preferred but not required.
• A strong commitment to collaboration and a passion for inspiring students to develop a love for learning.
• A deep understanding of learning differences and how to support students with diverse needs.
• A commitment to social justice and implementing an anti-bias curriculum.
• A reflective practitioner who is dedicated to continuous professional growth and sharing expertise with colleagues.
• Experience coordinating with the DOE (Department of Education).
• Training with Wilson, Orton-Gillingham, or Writing Revolution is preferred, but not required.

Additional Skills

• Ability to design and implement individualized and group interventions based on student needs.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills to handle diverse student cases and schedules.
• Willingness to engage in professional development and collaborate with colleagues to improve practice.

Pay

The salary range for this position is $55,000 – $70,939. The position on the scale will be based on years of teaching experience and education.