Middle School Learning Specialist, History/Humanities
About The Position
The IDEAL School of Manhattan is seeking a talented, enthusiastic, and creative Learning Specialist, with a focus on History/Humanities, for a full-time position starting in August 2026. This Learning Specialist will work in partnership with the general educator as part of a teaching team in an integrated Co-Teaching classroom setting. IDEAL teachers are charged with inspiring students in an inclusive and nurturing learning community to achieve personal and academic excellence. IDEAL expands the definition of diversity to include ability, and thus candidates must demonstrate the ability to teach a range of learners and to scaffold lessons with note-taking guides, visual aids, and other supports to promote the success of a range of learners. Middle School teachers teach four to five class sections, meeting 16-20 periods per week. In addition to primary teaching responsibilities, the Learning Specialist will participate fully in the life of the school. All IDEAL teachers contribute in significant ways beyond the classroom; it is expected that teachers serve as advisors, mentor at least one club, and may lead their own extra-curricular activities and initiatives. They know their students as learners and as individuals, and they inspire their students by setting a high bar for excellence while making the classroom fun and supporting all learners in achieving. Occasionally, teachers may be asked to chaperone day and overnight class trips. Teachers may be required to support remediation in the Learning Center. The successful candidate will partner thoughtfully with colleagues and parents; demonstrate the ability to inspire students at all levels to strive for both personal and academic excellence; and possess a commitment to inclusive education.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree, with Special Education Designation
- Lead classroom teaching experience
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Nice To Haves
- Master’s degree, with Special Education or related designation
- Special Education designation and/or experience preferred
- Independent school experience preferred
- 2-3 years of relevant, hands-on teaching experience preferred
- Previous experience in a co-taught/inclusive setting
- Familiarity with Universal Design for Learning
- Appreciation for the school’s mission
- A strong understanding of differentiation
- The ability to collaborate as a part of a team
- A desire to make a difference in the school--to contribute time and talent outside of the classroom to the growth of students and the school
Responsibilities
- Apply expertise in student development and the pedagogy of education for typically developing students as well as those with special needs
- Collaborate with the general education teacher to co-plan and implement tiered lesson plans, ensuring that historical inquiry is accessible to all learners through a Universal Design for Learning (UDL) framework.
- Adapt and implement tiered lesson plans incorporating differentiated instructional methods and outcomes to engage and inspire students with varied abilities and learning styles
- Establish clear objectives for all lessons, units, and projects, and communicate these objectives to students
- Establish and enforce expectations for behavior and for maintaining harmony within the community
- Partner with other educators, therapists, and additional professionals on the implementation of support strategies
- Research and integrate contemporary and innovative curricula, texts, and technology into instruction
- Contribute to CSE meetings and yearly goal reviews
- Communicate regularly, via verbal and written communication, with all constituencies, including students, faculty, administration, and families
- Attend and participate in weekly faculty meetings, team meetings, committee meetings, school functions, and professional development activities during and after school hours as needed, appropriate, and assigned
- Meet deadlines for progress reports and other administrative tasks within a school setting
- Contribute broadly and fully to the spirit and life of our students, community, and mission
- Uphold the mission, philosophy, principles, policies, and procedures of IDEAL
Benefits
- Paid time off
- Comprehensive medical, dental and vision insurance
- Flexible spending program
- Health reimbursement account
- Commuter benefits program
- Income protection via short and long-term disability benefits
- Paid family leave
- Professional development opportunities
- 403(b) plan with employer contribution(waiting period applies).
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
