ABOUT US

The Primary School is creating a new school model that brings together all of the adults in a child's life, including parents, educators, and medical and mental health providers, starting from a very early age. We recognize the entrenched racism that exists within our public systems and the unjust impact this has had on families of color. Our aim is that children and families most impacted by systemic poverty and racism receive the multidisciplinary support they deserve to be well, learn, and thrive.

Long-term, we hope to create a game-changing school model that can be replicated across the country. As we continue to learn and grow, we plan to share what we've learned and pursue policy and systems change on a local, state, and national level. We are proud to receive funding from the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative, a major national philanthropy.

Our approach has three defining characteristics:

• We start early. We start working with children as young as 8 months and provide full-time school starting at age three to reach them at a critical stage in development.
• We partner with parents. We believe that when parents thrive, children thrive, so we support the wellness and growth of parents alongside the growth of their children.
• We integrate services. Our unique model unites health care and education, building a multi-disciplinary team and holistic system of care around a child's full needs.

In 2016, we opened our flagship school in East Palo Alto, California, with our first class of four year olds. We have grown to serve over 300 children and their families through a birth to three program, parent wellness program, full-day preschool, and elementary school, which will grow through eighth grade. In 2020, we began programming at our second site in Hayward, California.

ABOUT OUR EAST PALO ALTO SITE

We are continuing to grow our East Palo Alto site and are excited to launch 4th grade for our 2021-2022 school year. In our school we currently serve ~250 students across two preschool grades (3 and 4 year olds), kindergarten, first grade, second grade and third grade. Beyond school, core components of our model include partnering closely with parents throughout their child's development and supporting parent wellness; coordinating early screening and developmental support; and working with existing health care providers in the community to coordinate care for children.

ABOUT THE ROLE

The Learning Specialist is a special education or an experienced general education teacher who has demonstrated excellence in differentiating instruction, building relationships with students, and collaborating with colleagues. Learning Specialists focus on supporting students with academic interventions, targeted data-driven instruction, and teacher support with modifications and accommodations. All Learning Specialists work within the Instructional Support Team to ensure that students receive the individualized instruction they need to meet their learning goals. They participate actively in the process to design and implement Tier 2 & 3 academic goals for students in their grade level. In addition, the Learning Specialist is part of the school's Coordination of Services Team (COST) and Multidisciplinary Collaboration, focused on accelerating student growth, directed specifically toward the academic goals of every child.

This position is available for immediate hire through April '24 on a part-time basis (up to 24 hours per week). Flexible schedule based on applicant availability.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Support students through data driven instructional cycles
• Actively participate in the Instructional Support Team to design and implement Tier 2 and Tier 3 academic support plans for students at your grade level
• Work purposefully on both the Instructional Support Team and Grade Level team to and support students with suspected and identified disabilities
• Gather and compile relevant data for school district referrals and follow the process through to the initial IEP.
• Participate in weekly COST meetings for appropriate grade developmental band
• Commit to ongoing professional development in supporting students with special needs
• While you may be the main person of contact for the children on your Children's Circle caseload, at The Primary School we are each responsible for every child's well being and to foster relationships with their families.

The critical features of this role are described above but are not all encompassing; as our school grows and evolves your responsibilities may shift accordingly.

QUALIFICATIONS

• You believe that every child can demonstrate growth and reach their unique potential when they have the right supports in place
• You have worked across grade levels and with a wide range of students
• You have experience developing and implementing training for teachers and other special education staff.
• You have experience with coordinating and tracking the IEP process.
• You have a track record of accelerating student academic and social emotional growth in a diverse classroom setting.
• Your work demonstrates the ability to create a transformative classroom culture for all students.
• You diligently utilize data to understand what a student needs and to personalize instruction accordingly.
• You have a parent- and family-centered mindset.
• You recognize the multidimensional needs of children and families, because in your own way, you've been trying to weave education, health, and family support services together for your students.
• You are unafraid of diversity and engage confidently across differences.
• You exemplify our TPS values - excellence, courage, growth, soul and community.
• You have 4 years of experience as a teacher and hold deep and diverse instructional competence.

A Plus If

• You have an understanding of early childhood education and child development
• You have a degree in Special Education
• You speak fluent Spanish

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the functions. While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to talk, hear, and communicate with both adults and children. The employee frequently is required to use hands or fingers, handle or feel objects, tools, or controls. The employee is frequently required to stand, walk, sit, and reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this position include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust focus. The noise level in the work environment is moderate to high.

COMPENSATION

Annual salary range begins at $73,000-$101,725 and will be prorated to an hourly rate based on applicant's qualifications and experience.

HOW TO APPLY

TPS values diversity; people of all backgrounds are encouraged to apply. Please complete the following application and submit your most recent resume. Applications are being reviewed on a rolling basis so we encourage you to submit yours soon. We look forward to reviewing your application!

The Primary School provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws.The Primary School complies with applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.