About Town School: 

Town School for Boys is a K-8 all-boys independent school located in San Francisco with approximately 400 students, of whom 46% come from self-identified families of color, and a faculty: student ratio of 1:11. Our diverse faculty and staff can be characterized by their warmth, collegiality, and dedication to our mission and values. At Town, learning is prized, love of school is essential, and boyhood is celebrated. For more information, please visit our Town Facts page, read about "Why a Boys' School," or learn about our community of belonging. 

Position Description:

The Upper School Learning Specialist offers comprehensive support to students, faculty, and families, focusing on students with neurodiverse profiles. Working closely with a team led by the Director of Learning Services, the Specialist ensures understanding and support for learning differences and interventions within the school community.

Successful candidates for the Learning Specialist role should possess a deep understanding of effective teaching methods tailored to diverse needs. Essential skills include attentive listening, keen observation, and empathy. Collaboration with colleagues on departmental needs and shared goals for student, teacher, and school success is crucial.

The Learning Specialist aids Upper School students in developing learning strategies, organizational skills, and study habits. Through individual and group instruction, the Specialist also supports faculty members as a valuable resource.

Ideal candidates should demonstrate expertise in child development, learning processes, and have experience in assisting students with personalized learning plans. Specific training and experience in creating tailored learning plans based on assessments are essential.

As an advisor, the successful applicant will lead morning advisory, support students during study hall, supervise during snack/recess, and facilitate student-led parent conferences in the fall and spring.  Strong communication skills are essential as faculty are expected to communicate regularly with other team members and parents about student progress. Homework and other information to students is posted online using Google Classroom. School-wide responsibilities include recess and lunch supervision, as well as grade level and faculty meetings. Other responsibilities may include committee work, chaperoning outdoor education/field trips, and attending student performances and athletic events.

Specific responsibilities 

• Collaborate with the Learning Services team, classroom teachers, students, and parents to develop effective learning and teaching strategies and provide curriculum support.

• Work one-on-one, in pairs, or in small groups with students with diagnosed learning differences or other impacting diagnoses.

• Address reading, math, and/or writing skills based on teacher feedback and testing.

• Develop and implement accommodations/modifications using various tools to aid identified students in learning classroom material.

• Address learning strategies, study skills, developmental issues, and other problem areas with relevant stakeholders.

• Convey educational recommendations from formal reports to teachers and parents via Learning Profiles.

• Facilitate Response To Intervention support for struggling students without diagnosed learning differences.

• Collaborate with the Director of Learning Services, Dean of Students, and Upper School Head to discuss students on intervention plans.

• Provide support during ERBs by assisting in setup, organization, and proctoring.

• Conduct informal assessments as needed to gauge student achievement.

• Interpret assessment results verbally and in writing with key stakeholders.

• Support 5th-8th grade Study Hall students during their language exemption class and offer study skills/organizational support. 

• Participate in various department meetings and Parent/Teacher Conferences throughout the year.

• Attend afterschool weekly grade-level and full faculty meetings.

• Provide push-in support in grades 5 - 8 based on student needs.

• Conduct classroom observations and provide feedback to teachers.

• Meet regularly with Core subject teachers to discuss student needs and curriculum support.

• Educate parents and teachers on learning differences through professional development.

• Continuously engage in personal and professional development.

• Perform other duties as assigned by the school.

Desired Qualifications and Skills 

• Master’s Degree in Special Education and specific experience in learning disabilities, educational therapy, special education, or related field preferred 

• Experience as a school-based Learning Specialist (preferred)

• Knowledge, skills, and experience around underlying attention, memory, language, social skill,  and executive functioning challenges and how they impact learning and academic success

• Ability to partner and work in a collaborative team environment.

• Effectively organize, plan, prioritize, and manage their time.

• Strong attention to detail and works well with others.

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills (verbal and written)

• Computer and Technical skills as required for job performance and to enhance the learning experiences of staff and students; strong Google Suite skills are recommended. 

• Commitment to the school’s mission, values, and vision

Non-Discrimination Policy: 

Town School for Boys admits students of any race, color, religion, or national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. The school does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sexual orientation, or national and ethnic origin in the administration of its educational policies, scholarship programs, athletic and other school-administered programs.

Town School for Boys is an equal opportunity employer. Salary and benefits are commensurate with our San Francisco Bay Area peer schools and similar NAIS schools. Please see the employment section of our website for additional information. 

Salary information: 

At Town, salaries are one component of a compensation package that includes retirement matching, daily lunch, health & dental insurance, and life, AD & LTD insurance. The anticipated annual base salary range the school reasonably expects to pay candidates for the Upper School (grades 5-8) Learning Specialist position is $75,000 to $130,000, depending on factors such as years of experience. In addition to those factors, we believe in the importance of pay equity and consider internal equity with our current employees as part of any final offer. 

TO APPLY: 

Please submit materials using the "Apply for this position" button below. Please do not send materials directly elsewhere. Materials should include:

• Cover letter addressing qualifications and interest in the position 

• Resume that includes all employment and education information 

• Names and contact information of three professional references, at least one of whom is a Head of School