Learning Specialist

Open Mind School • Menlo Park, CA

23h • Onsite

About The Position

The Learning Specialist & Teaching Consultant is a full-time role at Open Mind School, a nonprofit inclusion school in Menlo Park, California. The position combines direct student support with educator mentoring and school-wide instructional consulting. The specialist leads targeted interventions, supports individualized learning plans, coaches faculty in evidence-based and inclusive practices, and collaborates with school leadership to refine curriculum and data-informed reporting processes.

The role includes mentoring and providing professional development to teaching staff; designing and delivering individualized academic interventions for K–12 students; assessing learning and monitoring progress; consulting on curriculum and instructional practices; and supporting school-wide academic and social-emotional frameworks. The specialist also contributes to progress reporting and participates in school events and learning showcases.

Open Mind School emphasizes individualized instruction, project-based learning, real-world engagement, rigorous academics, hands-on enrichment, and neurodiversity-affirming practices. Employees must pass a criminal background check, TB screening, and drug test before starting. Work authorization is required; visa sponsorship may be available for exceptional candidates.

Requirements

• Valid teaching credential.
• At least 3 years of full-time classroom experience.
• Demonstrated experience in curriculum design and implementation.
• Comfort coaching peers and collaborating with interdisciplinary teams.
• Deep knowledge of California Common Core Standards across subjects for K–12.
• Ability to develop individualized learning paths and presume competence in every student.
• Ability to model a calm, grounded, and compassionate presence when supporting students with diverse needs.
• Strong organization and comfort using technology, including Google Suite and assessment platforms, to inform instructional decisions.
• Flexibility, open communication, and ability to work in an evolving school environment.
• Must pass a criminal background check, TB screening, and drug test before starting.
• Work authorization is required.

Nice To Haves

• At least 5 years of classroom teaching experience, including at least 3 years supporting neurodiverse learners.
• At least 3 years of experience mentoring educators or leading professional development.
• Deep experience with inclusive practices and multi-tiered systems of support (MTSS).
• Experience teaching multiple grade levels and subject areas.
• Background working with students with Autism, Apraxia, and related communication needs.
• Prior experience in school startup, innovation, or new program development.
• Special education or education specialist credential strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Mentor teaching staff in evidence-based instructional strategies, classroom management, and inclusive education.
• Facilitate ongoing coaching cycles, co-planning, and modeling of differentiated instruction.
• Lead professional development sessions and contribute to internal training resources.
• Design and implement individualized academic interventions one-to-one and in small groups for students across K–12 grade levels.
• Conduct learning assessments, monitor student progress, and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to adjust supports.
• Support classroom teachers with goal-setting and data collection for students receiving interventions.
• Collaborate with school leadership to align curriculum and instructional practices with inclusive, standards-based goals.
• Co-develop project-based, cross-curricular units integrating music, art, and real-world applications.
• Provide feedback on unit design, pacing, and content differentiation using Universal Design for Learning principles.
• Support implementation of school-wide academic and social-emotional learning frameworks.
• Contribute to data reporting processes, including progress reports, gradebooks, and lesson plan documentation.
• Participate in school-wide events, including Back to School Night, Family Conferences, and Open House, and lead learning showcases when needed.

Benefits

• Vacation and sick leave
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• 401(k) retirement plan
• FSA options
• Tuition reimbursement
• Professional development stipends
• Eligible for performance bonuses
• Free private school childcare or tuition for employees’ children during the school year

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: No Education Listed