Description

The Calhoun School, a progressive independent school located on Manhattan's Upper West Side, is seeking a full-time Learning Support Coordinator - Maternity Leave Replacement for our Lower School, to begin in on or around December 2024 or early January 2025.

Learning Support Coordinators are responsible for assessing students, assisting teachers, providing resources and consultation to faculty, and communicating with parents.  It also requires working with individual and small groups of students regularly.

Applicants should sincerely enjoy working with Lower School students. They should also be interested in joining an innovative community committed to progressive values and being a member of an inclusive, diverse community.

The Learning Support Coordinator will report to the Director of Lower School.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Oversee and coordinate Lower School learning support structures and systems and collaborate with Lower School Learning Specialist.
• Participate in “vertical” department meetings for all three divisions of learning support professionals.
• Assess the effectiveness and clarity of Lower School learning support systems and work with the Lower School Director to augment and create systems as needed.
• Evaluate and assess students who may require extra help and monitor their progress on an ongoing basis.
• Work with teachers to develop individualized programs for students who require them.
• Summarize psycho-educational evaluation reports for faculty use.
• Provide teachers with resources for classroom use.
• Provide parents with resources, referrals, and helpful strategies to use at home.
• Be present at select parent/teacher conferences.
• Build and maintain structures to assess the learning needs of students.
• Be in regular contact with NYCDOE service providers and private tutors working with Calhoun students.
• Represent Calhoun in NYCDOE student CSE meetings and provide necessary reports and data.
• Lead faculty professional development in areas of teaching and learning.
• Coordinate with outside psychologists and evaluators.
• Be in regular contact with the Middle School and Upper School Learning Specialist regarding transitioning students.
• Be in regular contact with the Director of Lower School about student progress and parent meetings.
• Collaborate with Lower School Learning Specialist and coordinate support of Lower School students.

OTHER FUNCTIONS/DUTIES/TASKS

• Be present for any need that may arise. It may require temporary coverage for a teacher, or being with a student having a hard day.
• Review and edit the contents of student progress reports.
• Assist with the admissions process in conjunction with the Lower School Leadership team and the Office of Admissions. 
• Work closely with the Director of Lower School on a wide range of Lower School matters.

Collaboration and Communication

• Collaborate with colleagues both intra- and cross-departmentally to share best practices and ensure student progress

• Attend faculty meetings and conferences

• Maintain consistent relationships with families, including phone calls, emails and conferences

• Engage in the wider life of the School

• Strong commitment to, belief in, and alignment with Calhoun’s mission and values

QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED

• Master's Degree in a related field

• Commitment to diversity, collegiality, and school mission

• Candidates will have a deep appreciation for student-­centered, engaging, and innovative teaching practices

QUALIFICATIONS DESIRED

• Learning Specialist / Learning Support Coordinator experience working in an independent school environment.
• Teaching Certification or Licensure in Special Education
• Experience or certification in specialized instruction methods (such as Orton-Gillingham or Touch Math) aimed at supporting learners across diverse learning levels.

SKILLS/COMPETENCIES

•  Strong affinity for, and commitment to, progressive, humanistic education
• Interest in teaching and working with Lower School students
• Ability to organize and manage multiple priorities
• Demonstration of enthusiasm and interpersonal skills to relate well with students, staff, administration, parents and the community.
• Flexibility and ability to cope with change.

 COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY WORK

Calhoun is committed to addressing issues of social justice, diversity, equity, and anti-bias education in our curriculum and in our community. Employees must be willing learners and participants in supporting this work.

Calhoun is committed to recruiting, hiring and supporting a diverse staff and welcomes applicants of all gender, sexuality, religious, ethnic, racial and cultural identities. Calhoun does not unlawfully discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of one’s actual or perceived race; color; religion; sex/gender (including gender identity); creed; sexual orientation; marital status; pregnancy; ethnicity; national origin; ancestry; age; disability.

Requirements

ALONG WITH AN APPLICATION, QUALIFIED APPLICANTS SHOULD SUBMIT:

• Cover letter
• Resume
• Statement of Educational Philosophy