Career Center

High School Learning Specialist (with a focus on Math and Science)

Learning at UNIS is guided by the UNIS Mission and Guiding Principles, and is defined in the UNIS Teaching and Learning Policy. All academic job descriptions at UNIS are interpreted in the context of these standards.

Under the auspices of the United Nations and guided by its ideals, the United Nations International School (UNIS) provides an inclusive and diverse learning environment in which rigorous international programs foster academic excellence, innovation, creativity, and cross-cultural communication to educate and inspire its students to become an active force in shaping a better world: peaceful, compassionate and sustainable.

Position Purpose: The United Nations International School (UNIS) is seeking individuals with extensive teaching experience to fill the role of Learning Specialist in the High School. While this dedicated learning support teacher should have the expertise and/or understanding of a wide range of learning differences (including executive function, reading, writing, processing and memory issues), he or she should also have  a strong background in Math and Sicence and in learning profiles and differences in these subject areas so that he or she can provide direct support to children and teachers. The Learning Specialist (with a focus on Math and Science) should be open and reflective, team ­oriented, passionate, and interested in supporting UNIS students learning across the age spectrum in High School.
 
Reporting Relationship: This role reports to the High School Principal
 
Responsibilities:
 
Working with Students.
Provide direct student remediation or extension through small group and one-to-one instruction within the classroom and outside of the classroom, as needed throughout the school year.

Assess students who are receiving direct services from the Learning Support Specialist in order to modify instructional approach and to document progress.

 Working with Faculty
Serve as a resource to faculty about their students who are experiencing difficulties with their academic work and support teachers in understanding how to best serve children who are experiencing difficulties with their academic work.

Collaborate and co-­plan with teachers to develop effective small group interventions, and individualized learning activities.

Support teachers in differentiating plans for students based on their unique learning profiles so that all students are making progress.

Responsible for ongoing check ins with teachers to assess and monitor classroom accommodations for students  in order to document progress and modify and evaluate.

Maintain  and update a complete record of educational evaluations for all High School students with special needs, summarizing and explaining these evaluations to faculty, and working with parents to understand how the school can implement necessary accommodations.

Review assessment data from common assessments and MAP testing.

 Working with Parents
Bring parents’ concerns to principal, referral team and/or faculty.  Refer them to the appropriate person at UNIS.

Facilitate finding outside support if necessary for the student and offer possible sources, such as the NYC Department of Education.

Help parents to better understand their child's learning concerns and the ways UNIS interfaces with the student’s learning style.

Explain what recommendations UNIS can accommodate.

Help parents to find alternative schools that might be appropriate for their child when a parent or UNIS determines that UNIS is not the appropriate school for a student.

 Working with the Referral Team:
Carry out diagnostic evaluations for students whom teachers and/or principals think may have learning issues or skills deficits with the referral team by:

Speaking to teachers, principal, assistant principal, other members of the support team.

Observing students in the class or outside the class.

Looking at samples of students’ work; reading student reports.

Meeting with students for a short series of diagnostic assessment  sessions.

Writing short diagnostic notes and recommendations.

Collaborate with the support team to make appropriate referrals for student support, including outside support if necessary, evaluations, and meetings with teachers and parents.

Assist in the counseling-out process when asked.

Regular Meetings
Weekly meetings about students with High School referral team.

Weekly faculty meetings.

Professional Requirements
Education: MSEd, MEd, MA, or equivalent degree required.

Written and Oral Communication Skills: Superior interpersonal skills, patience and sense of humor required. The Learning Specialist must be comfortable engaging with students, parents, faculty and administrators.

Knowledge of Common Core Standards

Experience:

Three to five years relevant experience required.

Specialization in Math and Science or experience in teaching math and science for students with learning differences in High School preferred.

Salary:

• Annual Salary in the range of $61,075 to $108,198 (salary is prorated for part-time or temporary positions).

Application

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.  Paper and emailed applications and documents will not be accepted from external candidates.
Review of applications will begin immediately and will be ongoing.

Union Position - Covered by Collective Bargaining Agreement.

See Job Description.

About United Nations International School

United Nations International School is a K-12 co-educational, independent international school of 1,500 students with campuses in Manhattan and Queens, New York.

Connections working at United Nations International School