Founded in 1901, The Cathedral School is committed to academic excellence in a curriculum that integrates critical thinking, the arts, athletics, and leadership development. The School believes that the recognition and appreciation of differences in race, socioeconomic status, cultural or religious tradition, age, gender, ability, or sexual orientation enhance the individual's sense of identity and broaden respect for others. Through curriculum and informal school experiences, students at The Cathedral School come to understand the inherent value of all people and the importance of working towards equity in all that they do. The School’s mission is brought to life on the idyllic 11-acre campus of the Cathedral of St. John the Divine in Morningside Heights on Manhattan’s Upper West Side through seven Core Values: Cooperation, Courage, Integrity, Kindness, Passion for Learning, Respect, and Responsibility. 

As an independent K-8 day school rooted in the Episcopal tradition, The Cathedral School of St. John the Divine educates students to become articulate, confident, and responsible citizens of the world through rigorous academics, innovative approaches to learning, and the nurturing of their aspirations in a diverse community of all faiths. 

The Grades 2-3 Learning Specialist reports directly to the Head of Lower School and is an integral member of the K–8 Learning Support Team. A Bachelor’s degree is required; a Masters degree in special education or related field is required. Candidates must have a minimum of three years relevant experience teaching language arts and math in elementary grades. We prefer candidates who have training in a systematic, multisensory reading program such as Orton-Gillingham, PAF, or Wilson. Familiarity in phonics training such as Fundations and Sounds in Motions, is a plus, as is familiarity with Bridges and Contexts for Learning. We prefer candidates with experience with both The Writing Revolution and The Lucy Calkins curricula to support all students using a structured yet authentic approach to writing.

In support of The Cathedral School's mission, the 2-3 Learning Specialist must be prepared to view curriculum and classroom and school culture through a lens focused on equity and justice.  A nurturing and caring personality is essential.

Student Support:

• Through observation, teacher consultation, and assessment, identify students in need of additional learning support

• Create summary write-ups for second and third grade students with neuropsychological or psychoeducational evaluations                                                                                                                                            

• Plan and implement small group guided instruction for remedial support in literacy and math in both a push-in and pull-out delivery model

Teacher Collaboration:

• Attend regular Grade Level Meetings for grades 2 and 3 with student support teams to discuss academic concerns

• Suggest ways to implement recommendations provided in outside neuropsychological, psychoeducational, speech and language, and occupational therapy assessments

• Advise teachers on ways to differentiate classroom lessons 

• Coordinate with other members of the student support team to ensure continuity of program from grades K-8 

• Attend regular planning meetings with classroom teachers to discuss curriculum issues and strategies

• Be available for teacher consultation on an as-needed basis

• Review the scope and sequence for second and third grade math and literacy

Assessment Coordination:

• Orchestrate and help administer reading and math assessments for students in grades 2 and 3 and administer supplementary assessments as needed

• Serve as the point person for CSE meetings to represent students as needed:

• The Committee on Special Education is responsible for non-public school students in New York City receiving special education services. Families and the Learning Specialist typically receive calendar invitations from the New York City Department of Education to ensure continuation of services.

Communication: 

• Attend or lead family/teacher conferences twice yearly

• Write comments twice yearly for students receiving remedial support from the Learning Specialist

• Be proactive, clear, and consistent in communication with parents

• Maintain contact with students’ tutors and outside learning support specialists.

Admissions:

• Meet with prospective students to assess skill levels and make recommendations to the Director of Admission based upon known academic requirements for Cathedral

• Participate, as needed, in morning and evening Admission events

The Grades 2-3 Learning Specialist is a 10-month, in-person role with a start date of late August 2026. The salary range for this position is $80,000 - 90,000.

About The Cathedral School

The Cathedral School of St. John the Divine is an independent, Episcopal, K-8 day school for girls and boys of all faiths. The School is committed to a rigorous academic program that integrates the arts, athletics, and leadership development. Located on New York City’s Upper West Side on the 11.5-acre Close of the Cathedral, the School offers a unique setting for the celebration of the many traditions shared by its families. The School prides itself in being a diverse community in partnership with families who take an active role in their children’s intellectual, ethical, social, and emotional growth. The Cathedral School offers a stimulating environment in which each child can become an articulate, confident, and responsible citizen of the world. Continuing a century-old relationship, the School draws upon the Cathedral’s vast resources and provides its children’s choir.

Connections working at The Cathedral School