What are the responsibilities and job description for the High School Learning Support Specialist - Literacy - 1 Year Leave Replacement position at United Nations International School?
Job Title: High School Learning Support Specialist - Literacy - 1 Year Leave Replacement
Period: 2026-2027
Union Position-Covered by Collective Bargaining Agreement
Status: Non-Exempt
As of 01/14/2026
Founded in 1947, the United Nations International School (UNIS) is a Pre-K through Grade 12 independent school in Manhattan, serving a diverse, global community. About half of UNIS families are affiliated with the United Nations, while the rest are internationally minded New York–based parents. Guided by the ideals of the United Nations, UNIS provides an inclusive learning environment where rigorous international programs foster academic excellence, creativity, innovation, and cross-cultural communication, inspiring students to help build a peaceful, compassionate, and sustainable world.
UNIS seeks an experienced and student-centered Learning Support Specialist with expertise in literacy instruction and intervention to join our High School team. The ideal candidate will be skilled at diagnosing students’ language and literacy needs, designing individualized and small-group supports, and collaborating closely with teachers to develop differentiated strategies across disciplines.
We are looking for an educator who understands the full continuum of literacy development and who can empower students to become confident, independent readers and writers. The candidate should bring a deep knowledge of reading comprehension, writing fluency, executive functioning, and metacognitive strategies, as well as a passion for inclusive education and equitable access to learning. This position reports to High School Principal.
Key Responsibilities
The requirements below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required to successfully perform this job. A successful candidate will meet many of these requirements and have the desire and capacity to learn the rest on the job.
All candidates must submit an electronic application via the school website: https://www.unis.org/about-unis/employment. Supporting documentation, such as a cover letter, resume, and three letters of recommendation, must be uploaded to the electronic application. Review of applications will begin immediately and will be ongoing.
COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY, EQUITY & INCLUSION
Research shows that women and people from underrepresented groups often apply to jobs only if they meet 100% of the qualifications. We recognize that it is highly unlikely that someone meets 100% of the qualifications for a role. If much of this job posting describes you, then please apply for this role.
The United Nations International School provides equal opportunity to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, height, weight, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, age, mental or physical disability, pregnancy, alienage or citizenship status, marital status or domestic partner status, genetic information, genetic predisposition or carrier status, gender identity, HIV status, military status and any other category protected by law in all employment decisions, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, compensation, training, promotion, upgrading, demotion, downgrading, transfer, lay-off and termination, and all other terms and conditions of employment.
Period: 2026-2027
Union Position-Covered by Collective Bargaining Agreement
Status: Non-Exempt
As of 01/14/2026
Founded in 1947, the United Nations International School (UNIS) is a Pre-K through Grade 12 independent school in Manhattan, serving a diverse, global community. About half of UNIS families are affiliated with the United Nations, while the rest are internationally minded New York–based parents. Guided by the ideals of the United Nations, UNIS provides an inclusive learning environment where rigorous international programs foster academic excellence, creativity, innovation, and cross-cultural communication, inspiring students to help build a peaceful, compassionate, and sustainable world.
UNIS seeks an experienced and student-centered Learning Support Specialist with expertise in literacy instruction and intervention to join our High School team. The ideal candidate will be skilled at diagnosing students’ language and literacy needs, designing individualized and small-group supports, and collaborating closely with teachers to develop differentiated strategies across disciplines.
We are looking for an educator who understands the full continuum of literacy development and who can empower students to become confident, independent readers and writers. The candidate should bring a deep knowledge of reading comprehension, writing fluency, executive functioning, and metacognitive strategies, as well as a passion for inclusive education and equitable access to learning. This position reports to High School Principal.
Key Responsibilities
- Design and implement targeted literacy interventions (reading comprehension, vocabulary development, written expression, and organization) for individual students and small groups.
- Conduct and interpret diagnostic assessments to identify specific literacy strengths and areas of need.
- Collaborate with classroom teachers to differentiate instruction and modify learning materials to meet students’ needs.
- Support teachers in developing inclusive instructional strategies that promote reading and writing across the curriculum.
- Provide direct support to students with learning differences through co-teaching, push-in, and pull-out models.
- Develop and monitor Individualized Learning Plans (ILPs) in consultation with students, families, and teachers.
- Maintain accurate documentation of student progress and communicate regularly with teachers, advisors, and parents.
- Contribute to the design of professional learning focused on literacy and inclusive practices.
- Work collaboratively with counselors, school psychologists, and other members of the Student Support Team to ensure a coordinated approach to student well-being and success.
- Other duties as assigned and in accordance with the Collective Bargaining Agreement (e.g., advisory, supervision duties, support ses).
The requirements below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required to successfully perform this job. A successful candidate will meet many of these requirements and have the desire and capacity to learn the rest on the job.
- Strong knowledge of literacy acquisition and development in adolescent learners.
- Experience with evidence-based reading and writing interventions
- Understanding of executive functioning and how to support organization, planning, and study skills.
- Strong analytical and organizational skills.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both oral and written.
- Ability to work collaboratively in a team-oriented environment with teachers, administrators, and families.
- Commitment to inclusion, equity, and culturally responsive teaching.
- Flexible, proactive, and reflective approach to teaching and learning.
- Bachelor’s Degree required, Master’s Degree preferred
- Experience in a K-12 educational environment is essential
- Experience with best practices in assessment and reporting preferred (e.g., Standard-Based Grading and Reporting)
- Ability to stand for extended periods of time while instructing or demonstrating teaching techniques.
- Capability to move around the classroom to provide individual support to students.
- Comfort with lifting and handling art materials, supplies and student projects, occasionally requiring up to 15 lbs. of weight.
- Dexterity and fine motor skills required for demonstrating teaching techniques and using tools and materials in the classroom.
- Compensation is between $67,745 and $111,974, commensurate with years of experience as outlined in the Collective Bargaining Agreement (salary is prorated for part-time or temporary positions)
- Pending the completion of collective bargaining negotiations currently underway
All candidates must submit an electronic application via the school website: https://www.unis.org/about-unis/employment. Supporting documentation, such as a cover letter, resume, and three letters of recommendation, must be uploaded to the electronic application. Review of applications will begin immediately and will be ongoing.
COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY, EQUITY & INCLUSION
Research shows that women and people from underrepresented groups often apply to jobs only if they meet 100% of the qualifications. We recognize that it is highly unlikely that someone meets 100% of the qualifications for a role. If much of this job posting describes you, then please apply for this role.
The United Nations International School provides equal opportunity to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, height, weight, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, age, mental or physical disability, pregnancy, alienage or citizenship status, marital status or domestic partner status, genetic information, genetic predisposition or carrier status, gender identity, HIV status, military status and any other category protected by law in all employment decisions, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, compensation, training, promotion, upgrading, demotion, downgrading, transfer, lay-off and termination, and all other terms and conditions of employment.
Salary : $67,745 - $111,974