Middle School Learning Specialist Long Term Leave Replacement

Convent of the Sacred Heart is New York City's oldest independent school for girls. As an independent, Catholic school, educating students in Pre-K through 12, we are part of an international network of 160 schools. We are committed to a set of principles shared by all Sacred Heart Schools, known as the "Goals and Criteria," which articulate the core components of a Sacred Heart education and charge our community with a unified educational mission. At the heart of our philosophy is the belief that each child possesses unique gifts. Our job is to unearth those gifts, nurture them, and empower each child of the Sacred Heart to share those gifts with the global community.

Convent of the Sacred Heart is committed to building a community that is anti-racist, anti-bias, fair, inclusive, and welcoming to everyone and seeks candidates who connect to our Mission and Goals.

This is a full-time, exempt, long-term leave replacement position beginning August 31, 2026 through mid-March, 2027, reporting to the Middle School Division Head.

About the Role

Convent of the Sacred Heart is seeking an experienced, warm, and empathetic Middle School Learning Specialist to support students in grades 5-8 with documented learning disabilities. The role focuses on developing reading, writing, organization, and critical thinking strategies to enhance academic success.

Responsibilities

• Teach grade-level groups of students (grades 5-8) with documented learning disabilities, focusing on developing reading, writing, organization, and critical thinking strategies to support their academic coursework.
• Teach a 5th-grade study skills class.
• Provide targeted academic support for students outside of standard class time.
• Manage student accommodations and coordinate outside supports, partnering with tutors, evaluators, and physicians.
• Maintain regular communication with families to share and gain key insights that inform and personalize student coursework.
• Support teachers and advocate for students to ensure every student’s learning needs are fully understood and supported.
• Serve as a student advisor and attend regular grade-level and faculty meetings.
• Supervise students during community periods, break times, lunch, study halls, and other duties as assigned.
• Lead extracurricular activities and actively participate in the broader life of the middle school community.

Requirements

• Master’s degree required; Master’s degree in Education with a concentration in Special Education/Learning Disabilities preferred.
• Deep expertise in learning disabilities and evidence-based instructional strategies; previous teaching experience preferred.
• Knowledge of, appreciation for, and demonstrated commitment to anti-racist and anti-bias education, multicultural teaching, and culturally responsive pedagogy.
• Proficiency with current educational technology, particularly blended learning platforms and strategies (Google Workspace, Smartboard platforms).
• Comfort, enthusiasm, and energy for teaching in an independent, all-girls Catholic school environment, with a meaningful commitment to our mission-driven tradition guided by the Goals and Criteria of Sacred Heart education.
• Excellent organizational, written, and verbal communication skills, paired with a collaborative, flexible, and team-oriented approach.

Skills

• A warm, inviting, empathetic, and vibrant presence with a genuine passion for adolescent learners.

Pay

Prorated salary range based on an annualized salary of $67,500 - $100,000, commensurate with education and experience.