Learning Specialist Long-term Substitute

The School

Founded in San Francisco in 2010, Alta Vista School implements an inquiry-based STEAM program serving approximately 325 students across two campuses.

Alta Vista School encourages students to go beyond a strong academic foundation to pursue their passions with the help of our community. Faculty, administrators, and families believe experiences and hands-on activities are the best practice for meaningful learning. Alta Vista educators benefit from small class sizes and are intentional in their instruction. Teachers serve as guides for students as they explore, observe, predict, measure, and analyze for themselves in an inquiry-based journey of discovery and knowledge-making. Likewise, AVS teachers are serious about play. We love learning alongside our students, believing that children learn better in joyous, authentic settings. Most important to the AVS approach is a foundation rooted in the scientific method and a belief that science and technology, guided by the arts, can be leveraged to benefit all. At AVS, students learn to embrace technology and apply the principles of design thinking as powerful tools for innovation. Technology is thoughtfully integrated into each classroom.

The Lower School employs a co-teaching model in which co-lead teachers support the classroom and students throughout the school day. Grade-level teams work collaboratively to ensure a dynamic and robust experience throughout the grade.

The Role

Full-time opportunity starting on April 20, 2026. Alta Vista Lower School is seeking a Long-term Substitute Learning Specialist to provide leadership, coaching for staff in understanding and supporting diverse learners, intervention, collaboration, and innovation in building differentiated classroom experiences across our campuses. This role requires an experienced, energetic, and learner-centric educator with a passion for developing and supporting the program. Strong communication skills and professional ethics are essential.

Essential Functions:

• Work closely with the Assistant Head of Lower School to regularly meet with grade-level SST teams to collaborate and problem-solve student and grade-level needs as they arise.
• Communicate effectively and regularly with parents as the primary point of contact with parents of students who receive academic intervention or have an AVS support plan to cultivate a strong home-school partnership.
• Provide service directly to students individually, in small groups, and within the classrooms, including delivering math intervention to tier 3 students and executive functioning support.
• Analyze neuro-psych assessments to design individualized student support plans, and work with various teams (SST leadership, teachers) to ensure implementation of student supports and accommodations.
• In-depth knowledge of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) curricula, assessment tools, and best teaching practices to support, implement, and evaluate differentiated instruction.

Qualifications:

• Preferred qualifications include: Educational Therapist certification or coursework, a bachelor’s and/or master’s degree in Special Education or a related field
• Experience working in independent school environments preferred
• A minimum of five years of successful learning specialist experience

Skills/Abilities and Attributes:

• Strong communication skills and professional ethics are essential.
• Team-oriented, with a positive attitude and strong work ethic
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to prioritize effectively and efficiently
• Excellent time management with an ability to balance multiple projects.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills; ability to express ideas clearly and actively listen to others
• Experience reviewing psychoeducational testing, developing related student accommodation plans, and tracking progress over time
• Experience working with elementary age students and parents preferred
• Commitment to ensuring that recommended student supports/accommodations are accessible and equitable for all students

Physical Demands/Work Environment:

• Regularly lifting or carrying 1-20 lbs.
• Regular pushing, pulling, bending, stooping, and kneeling
• Regularly climbing stairs
• Regularly sitting or standing 4-8 hours
• Requires physical presence, work to be performed on campus

Salary:

• $350-450 per day, based on experience

If interested, please send a resume and cover letter detailing your educational philosophy and why you believe you would be a good fit at Alta Vista to lshiring.committee@altavistaschool.org.

NOTICE: This position is not limited to the duties in the job description. Duties and responsibilities can be changed, expanded, reduced, or deleted to meet the needs of Alta Vista School. The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.

Alta Vista School values a diverse workforce and inclusive work environment, and as an Equal Opportunity Employer, AVS does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, sexual orientation, disability, marital status, veteran status, or any other status legally protected by Federal, State, or Local law.

Pay: $350.00 - $450.00 per day

Work Location: In person

Salary : $350 - $450