Lower School Learning & Literacy Specialist

The Nueva School•Hillsborough, CA

3d•$79,200 - $145,900

About The Position

We seek a full-time Kindergarten–2nd Grade Learning & Literacy Specialist who brings a strengths-based approach to supporting learners who are gifted and who demonstrate potential or identified learning challenges. Working closely with the Division Head, Upper Elementary Learning Specialist, Literacy Team, and broader school support team, the Early Elementary Learning Specialist will coordinate student support for K–2, provide consultation and case management, and deliver direct literacy intervention for students in kindergarten through second grade. The ideal candidate will have expertise in literacy intervention, instructional strategies, and learning accommodations for K–2 students with learning differences, as well as a commitment to staying current with research and best practices in special and gifted education. We are seeking applicants who represent the full diversity of our community in the Bay Area. Our ideal candidate will possess a deep appreciation for the diverse socioeconomic, racial, cultural, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, academic, and ethnic backgrounds present in our community. In joining our team at Nueva, you will become a part of an inclusive, iterative and equity-minded community that recognizes that equity and social justice is a lens with which we examine all aspects of our school community in order to ensure an educational experience where all students and colleagues can thrive. In deciding whether to apply for a position at Nueva, you are strongly encouraged to consider whether your values align with Nueva’s Mission, Vision, and Values.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Special Education, Literacy, or a related field; advanced degree, certification, or specialized coursework in learning support preferred
Minimum of three years of successful learning support or intervention instruction experience
Demonstrated expertise in early elementary literacy instruction and intervention
Strong ability to support neurodiverse learners, including students with learning differences, language-based disorders, and gifted learners
Commitment to inclusive and equitable teaching practices, ongoing professional growth, and Nueva’s mission

Nice To Haves

Training or certification in structured literacy programs (e.g., Orton-Gillingham, Sonday System, Slingerland, Handwriting Without Tears) strongly preferred
Experience interpreting educational assessments and developing, implementing, and monitoring student accommodation plans
Familiarity with literacy assessment tools and data-informed instructional practices

Responsibilities

Design, implement, and monitor student accommodation and intervention plans
Consult with and coach teachers and partner with families to support diverse learner needs
Collaborate with the Division Head and the school support team to coordinate student support and documentation
Co-lead student wellness and support team meetings
Co-design and facilitate parent education sessions related to learning differences
Maintain high expectations for students with exceptionalities while honoring their dignity, culture, language, and background
Use evidence, instructional data, research, and professional knowledge to help to identify students who would benefit from additional support, to inform instructional practice, and to monitor progress.
Coordinate with external specialists and tutors to support evaluation, alignment, and skill transfer
Contribute to the growth and sharing of professional knowledge and skills within the school community
Collaborate with teachers to identify student needs using classroom data and assessments
Provide targeted small-group literacy intervention using a structured, multisensory approach
Push into classrooms to support differentiation and transfer of literacy skills
Use inclusive, identity-affirming texts and instructional resources
Assign reinforcement and extension activities and monitor student progress
Administer and analyze diagnostic and formative assessments; track and document progress
Prepare concise written progress reports for conferences and student support meetings
Communicate with families, including sharing at-home strategies
Share literacy expertise through school events and parent education opportunities
Participate in faculty/staff meetings, Back to School Nights, and other events central to the life of the school
Support with aspects of the admissions process
Co-chaperone a lower school overnight trip
Other duties as assigned