Head of The Lower School Resource Department and Learning Specialist
The Spence School
Application
Details
Posted: 16-Jan-25
Location: New York, New York
Type: Full Time
Salary: $75,755.00 - $150,486.00
Full time position to begin August 2025
Overview:
The Spence School seeks a dynamic educator to lead our Lower School Resource Department. The Head of Lower School Resource Department affirms all of our students’ potential by leading the integration and coordination of the Resource Center with the K-4 academic program. They believe in the inherent abilities of all children and know how to foster a sense of independence and self-confidence in students who may need individualized approaches to learning. The Head of Lower School Resource Department joins a team of passionate and committed learning specialists who work closely with children, teachers and families, and reports to the K-12 Director of Student and Family Support.
Responsibilities:
Instructional Leadership
Lead team of three learning specialists to support the needs of all Lower School students
Oversee learning specialist classroom placements
Plan and lead department meetings
Monitor individual professional development, goal-setting and evaluations
Lead faculty and staff professional development on student learning and developmental needs, in tandem with the Lower School Head, Assistant Head, Director of Lower School Curriculum
Support teachers, administrators, and parents’ understandings of academically vulnerable students
Partner with psychoeducational evaluators, families, and tutors
Interpret psychoeducational evaluations, summarize and provide information to classroom teachers and administrators
Oversee support plans for students with learning disabilities
Provide direct supportin math and literacy to Lower School students through co-teaching, one-on-one and small group instruction
Coordinate and lead teacher and family meetings in support of individual students
Coordinate after school and early morning programs
Partner with homeroom teachers to articulate students’ learning needs at parent conferences
Collect and analyze academic assessment data in collaboration with the learning specialists
Institutional Leadership
Lead hiring searches for department faculty, in tandem with the administrative team
Represent department to all constituents
Manage department business and budget
Provide continuity for students with specific learning needs as they move from Lower School to Middle School
Foster the school’s understanding of an inclusive approach to teaching
Serve on school-wide and divisional committees
Maintain necessary student records
Qualifications:
Has sustained teaching and leadership experience with elementary students with diagnosed learning disabilities
Brings broad expertise working with students with diagnosed learning disabilities
Has advanced degree or equivalent experience working with students with diagnosed learning disabilities
Demonstrates skill in working with children and an appreciation for the craft of teaching
Has training and expertise in various literacy intervention programs
Has experience teaching math to students with diagnosed learning disabilities (preferred)
Finds joy in working with children and in school life
Demonstrates cultural competency and skills engaging with and learning from people with diverse backgrounds and experiences
Supports Spence’s vision and commitment to equity
Approaches work with energy, kindness, maturity, curiosity, flexibility, and a sense of humor
Considers collaboration an essential component of professional growth and values working on a team
Enjoys a commitment that extends beyond the classroom, including contributions to the larger school community
Spence is committed to an equitable program and a diverse faculty and student body. We therefore actively seek candidates from diverse backgrounds.
The Spence School, founded in 1892, is an independent school for girls and young women with an enrollment of 750 students in Grades K–12. Spence is committed to an equitable and inclusive program and a diverse faculty, staff and student body. Candidates from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply.