LEARNING SPECIALIST - 2026/2027 School Year

POSITION SUMMARY 

We are seeking learning specialists and educators who believe that all students are capable of success and are dedicated to improving educational and performance outcomes through tailored instructional strategies for students with IEPs. You support a push-in model and the full inclusion of all students with IEPs, uphold high expectations, and use student data to drive IEP development and ensure consistent academic growth. Above all, you are a patient optimist who believes every student is capable of graduating from college.

A successful ACE Learning Specialist is someone who…

• Maintains the unwavering belief in the extraordinary potential of every student. 

• Maintains a growth mindset with all stakeholders. 

• Builds authentic relationships with students by serving as a mentor; consistently reinforce the belief that all students have the capacity to be successful through college. 

• Builds authentic relationships with families through school events, phone calls and conferences.

• Commits to equitable teaching and learning opportunities for all students with  dedication to the success of students, their families, and the community.

• Creates a learning environment where students have ample opportunity to develop resilience, personal agency, and a commitment to their learning and their future.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Utilize assessment results, both formal and informal, to develop legally defensible, data-driven IEPs and present them to the IEP team within the legal timeline. 

• Provide specialized academic instruction through the full inclusion model to identified students with disabilities who meet the eligibility criteria established by federal and state law

• Monitor and facilitate students’ progress and eventual meeting of their IEP goals.

• Facilitate students’ mastery of academic standards through intentional push-in, small group, or individualized support.

• Support students in developing self-advocacy and agency by involving them in the IEP process and IEP meetings.

• Meet all legally or locally mandated requirements by the deadline.

• Collaborate with other ACE Learning Specialists as well as General Education Teachers to support a full-inclusion model of Special Education to the greatest extent possible.

• Create a warm yet firm ACE culture through consistent implementation of behavior ladders. 

• Celebrate student growth, as well as proficiency.

• Consistently integrate coaching feedback.

• Communicate effectively and respectfully with all stakeholders. 

• Approach professional development (training, observations, coaching and feedback) with commitment and reflection.

EDUCATION & CERTIFICATION

• Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution (required)

• Meet one of the following eligibility requirements (required):

  • Hold a valid California Education Specialist  credential for Mild/Moderate needs (or out of state equivalent with the ability to transfer) or

  • Be eligible for a Special Education Limited Assignment Permit, Intern Teaching Credential, Provisional Internship Permit, or Short Term Staff Permit for Education Specialist Mild-Mod

  • English Learner Authorization Certificate - CLAD or equivalent or eligible for an emergency CLAD.

  • Spanish language proficiency is preferred.

• CPR certification by American Heart Association or American Red Cross

For more information about attaining the proper credentials/permits to teach in California you can go to the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing.

SALARY AND BENEFITS

• Competitive salary according to the ACE Salary Scale

• Full health benefits: medical, dental, vision, and other ancillary benefits

• CALSTRS retirement plan

• Tuition reimbursement for credentialing program and/or aligned Master's program

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

To perform essential functions for the role, you should be able to: 

• Talk, hear and communicate with both adults and children in English at minimum, preferably in all or some of the following; Spanish, Vietnamese, other languages.

• Use hands or fingers to handle objects, tools, or controls

• Able to walk or stand for extended periods of time

• Must sit, and reach with hands and arms on a regular basis

• Be able to carry 10 pounds on a regular basis and for an extended period of time

• Occasionally lift or move more than 11 and up to 30 pounds 

• Occasionally climb stairs or ladders

• In terms of vision, have close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust focus

• Must perform work in person on site based on the agreed upon work schedule

ORGANIZATION

The first ACE school opened in 2008 to serve the most struggling students in San Jose. ACE has grown since then, now serving around 1,100 students from 5th-12th grades in its three middle schools and one high school. Read more about ACE's origin store here.

OUR VISION

Students excel in an equitable educational system that equips them to make transformative choices for their families and our communities.

OUR MISSION

ACE ensures students who are struggling gain the skills and will to succeed in college and beyond.

MOTTO

Grow. Everyone. Every Day.

OUR CORE VALUES

We believe every student has the boundless capacity to thrive.  All students, regardless of circumstances, have the potential to excel in school and life.  In order to help students reach their potential, we collectively maintain rigorous standards for students and staff inside and outside the classroom.

We take responsibility for student success.  Every staff member at ACE focuses on empowering our students to navigate their internal and external challenges by providing effective, sustainable academic and personal development, and learning opportunities.

We celebrate growth.  We Grow Everyone Every Day by fostering a culture of optimism where our whole community takes pride in student and staff progress.  We look for growth and transformation and students development into young people who demonstrate self-efficacy and college ready confidence.

We believe strong relationships lead to student success.  We believe relationships are the fundamental layer of generational change; Staff, families, and our communities are the agents of that change.  ACE is committed to an interconnected school community based on genuine respect and compassion where relationships are integral to the success of all.

To learn more about ACE Charter Schools, please visit www.acecharter.org. 

ACE Charter Schools provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, marital status, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws.  

Salary : $65,600 - $89,873