Founding Middle School Learning Specialist - Windsor Terrace

The Organization

Prospect Schools is a high-performing, intentionally diverse (“diverse by design”) K-12 college preparatory charter network serving nearly 3,000 across seven schools in Brooklyn. Prospect Schools models its curriculum on the renowned International Baccalaureate Program, a rigorous program that raises the level of academic responsibility for students while preparing them to be global citizens. Our experienced team is dedicated to our mission to prepare a diverse student body to have a positive impact on society and develop a lifelong passion for learning, and guided by our Core Values:

• Curiosity: Develop sound judgment and intellect by asking questions confidently and thinking critically

• Care: Support others by grounding every action in empathy while championing equity and inclusion

• Persistence: Grow and learn by solving problems with determination, creativity, and tenacity

• Passion: Succeed by approaching challenges with excitement, enthusiasm, and self-assurance
  
  

We have a vision to become the leading network of intentionally diverse schools where all students and educators can learn, work, and thrive. Find out more about who we are and what we believe by spending a few minutes reading our Prospector Principles, viewing this peek inside our schools, or reading some stories about our students and educators and graduate outcomes.

The Role:

Prospect Schools is seeking an organized, flexible, and mission-driven Founding Learning Specialist to join us in support of our growing network of schools. The ideal candidate is fully dedicated to the mission of Prospect Schools and to supporting the success of our students and families. As part of an ambitious and high-performing instructional team, our teachers are expected to create positive, equitable classroom environments that excite and invest our students in their learning goals. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to: 

Planning and Instruction

• Design and implement culturally responsive lesson plans that engage students and foster a love for learning 

• Teach to an intentionally diverse classroom and actively work to engage all students throughout the lesson

• Collaboratively plan units and lessons that utilize multiple means of engagement strategies and instructional methods to meet the needs of diverse learners in the classroom

• Consistently collect and analyze formal and informal student data in order to develop responsive classroom supports

• Differentiate instruction for students with exceptionalities

• Attend regular coaching meetings with your direct manager and professional development sessions as part of the school team 

Special Services

• With your co-teacher, add differentiation techniques to lesson plans to ensure that the needs of all students are being met 

• Ensure that learning and socio-emotional needs reflected on students’ IEPs are incorporated into instructional planning

• Push in and pull out with small groups to provide targeted instruction to small groups of students 

• Partner with the school’s special services leaders to support the IEP process as needed 

• Where required, prepare student Individualized Education Plans in collaboration with staff and families to ensure equitable access for all students

Classroom Environment

• Build a warm and inclusive classroom environment that provides multiple means for students to engage with teachers, peers, and the content

• Set the tone of the classroom as a positive place that fosters both high expectations and student voice and expression 

• Lead the development of strong community expectations and ensure that those norms are upheld equitably by all members of the classroom community

• Seek partnership from grade teams, families, etc. in building strong relationships with students and cultivating an environment that reflects the diverse needs and backgrounds of all students

• Respond to and redirect off-task behavior as needed 

Parent Partnership

• Develop strong relationships and communication methods with students’ families; provide regular updates on student progress

• Utilize family and student feedback to continuously improve the learning experience for your students

• Coordinate and facilitate meetings with families on both an ad hoc basis and during regularly scheduled events, such as Report Card Night 

Adult Culture and Teamwork

• Demonstrate a willingness to be flexible in your role and adapt to school and student needs

• Embody a Team First mindset by proactively seeking opportunities to build relationships and collaborate across functional teams, actively participate in professional development opportunities, and engage families and community members

• Demonstrate a commitment to giving and receiving feedback for the purpose of continuous growth and learning

• Engage in learning opportunities designed to promote stronger Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion practices at Prospect Schools

Candidate Requirements:

• Bachelors Degree

• Special Education Certified  

• Prior teaching experience preferred 

• Exceptionally strong organizational skills, with a keen attention to detail

• Experience working in a diverse school community 

• Adept at collaborating and building community with others

Benefits: 

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance

• Paid Time Off (PTO) or Paid Sick Time (PST) based on date of hire and hours worked per week

• 401(K) and Roth IRA with a 4% employer match with a 3-year vesting schedule

• Flexible spending accounts, including Transit Commuter Options, Health Care FSA and Dependent Care FSA options

• Ancillary insurance, including Basic Life Insurance, Accidental Death & Dismemberment Insurance, and Short-Term & Long-Term Disability Insurance

• Employee Assistance Program with free expert support services to assist with a variety of life issues, from family care to mental health services

Salary:

Employees at Prospect Schools are provided with a competitive salary. Our salaries are set through a lens of equity, and based on an individual’s skills, education, and years of experience relevant to the role. The salary range for this role is from $63,960-$106,995.

EEO and ADA Statement

Prospect Schools is an equal opportunity employer. We actively recruit, hire, and retain a diverse and inclusive staff. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion, age, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, disability, citizenship, marital status, pregnancy, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law.

Prospect Schools is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities in our job application procedures. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at: careers@prospectschools.org.

The critical features of this job are described above; they may be subject to change at any time due to reasonable accommodation or other reasons.