First School Learning Specialist (2026-2027)

Part-Time, 10 months, Exempt

Key School is seeking a part-time learning specialist for the 2026-2027 academic year to work in its early childhood program (First School), ages 2.5 years through Kindergarten. Reporting to the First and Lower School Learning Department Head and First School Division Head, the First School Learning Specialist provides a critical student support role for Key’s youngest students.

The successful candidate will have early childhood teaching experience, experience teaching emergent literacy, a culturally responsive approach to instruction, and experience providing research-based intervention strategies.

This part-time position is Monday through Friday, 8:30 am-12:15 pm for 18.75 hours of work/week.

Job Responsibilities:

• Support Kindergarten students in daily phonics-based literacy program
• Conduct small group literacy instruction with Pre-Kindergarten/ Kindergarten students
• Create weekly small group literacy provocations for students two through four years.
• Provide evidence-based resources and hands-on support to all First School classrooms as needed
• Keep detailed notes of student progress
• Meet regularly with teachers, Learning Department Head and Division Head
• Coordinate student intervention services
• Communicate with families regarding student needs/progress as needed
• Attend all school-wide and First School professional development

The Ideal Candidate Possesses the Following Characteristics:

• Commitment to Key School’s Mission and values
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively with others as needed
• Experience with and understanding of early childhood developmental milestones
• Experience creating small group, differentiated instruction
• Demonstrates cultural competency with the versatility and skills to engage with and learn from people with diverse backgrounds and experiences

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in education
• Minimum three years lead teaching experience in early childhood education
• Demonstrated proficiency in a hands-on, multi-sensory approach to phonics instruction such as Orton-Gillingham, Linda Mood Bell or Wilson Reading
• Familiarity with the University of Florida Literacy Institute (UFLI) phonics program

Physical Requirements:

The demands described here represent those that an employee must meet to perform the essential functions of this job successfully. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. Candidates need to be physically able to transition between sitting on the floor and child-sized chairs. The ability to move around a mid-size campus with uneven pavement and manage stairs is needed.

Compensation/Benefits:

Key School follows a salary scale that recognizes direct years of experience that correlate to the steps on the scale. The part-time salary range based on the full-time equivalency for this position is $23,702.50-$44,502.50 and is determined by several factors that include, but not limited to, the candidate’s work experience, education and skills. There are additional opportunities on campus for coaching and various stipends as well.
This part-time position is not eligible for health insurance benefits. However, part-time faculty may be eligible for select benefits in accordance with School policy, including participation in the School’s retirement plan and other applicable offerings.

Technical Competencies (instructional positions):

All candidates for teaching positions should be familiar with learning management systems such as Seesaw and Google Classroom and have the ability to create and deliver engaging multimedia content using a variety of digital tools. Key is a Google Workspace for Education school. Candidates should be proficient in using Google applications, have a solid understanding of cloud-based storage and file-sharing platforms, and efficiently manage email and scheduling using Gmail and Google Calendar. They should be proficient in virtual communication tools such as Zoom or Google meet and have basic troubleshooting skills to resolve common technical issues that may arise in the classroom.

Work Schedule/Travel:

Occasionally, there may be business and school functions that will require your presence including First School Back to School Night and fall Open House.

About the School

Founded in 1958 by professors from St. John's College, Key School engages children from 2.5 years of age through grade 12 in a progressive, coeducational, college-preparatory program on its picturesque 15-acre campus 4 miles from downtown Annapolis.
Key School is a dynamic, tight-knit community deeply committed to ensuring students are supported and challenged to excel educationally and personally and be confident, courageous, critical thinkers prepared to engage with the world. Our Community is as diverse as it is warm and welcoming.

Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging

Key is particularly interested in candidates with experience in creating inclusive school settings and who are culturally responsive. We are seeking candidates with a commitment to educational equity and justice. We learn and grow both as individuals and as a school community when students and adults of diverse backgrounds, abilities and identities develop an understanding of and respect for our commonalities and differences. Together, we have created a community that reflects diversity across a broad spectrum and will help fulfill Key’s promise to prepare our students for the challenges and responsibilities they will assume in an increasingly connected yet diverse and pluralistic world. The diverse student body is 39% students of color, and 32% of our students receive financial aid to create a socioeconomically diverse community. Learn more about our Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging at Key.

Please submit a letter of interest, completed application, and three professional references by selecting the link.