About Us:
Gideon Hausner Jewish Day School is an independent community school with an engaged and motivated student body that participates fully in both Jewish and secular activities. We maintain outstanding academics and a strong sense of community while instilling Jewish values and traditions. We teach to the whole child, focusing on social and emotional growth, academic and critical-thinking skills, as well as a wide array of enrichment activities. Our philosophy strongly encourages inclusivity and diversity; ethics and values are infused throughout the TK-8 curriculum.
Hausner is dedicated to professional development. Teachers are encouraged to collaborate with their peers at Hausner, as well as at other schools. Faculty have leadership opportunities within the school and participate in professional and curriculum development opportunities throughout the year, both nationally and abroad. Our benefits and friendly community inspire excellent teacher retention.
Four-acre Palo Alto campus features a first-rate library, Beit Tefilah, two computer labs, a creativity lab, an art room, a music room, a state-of-the-art gym and expansive outdoor playing fields.
About the Position:
Gideon Hausner seeks a dynamic, committed, creative individual to serve as a TK-8 Learning Support Specialist. The Learning Support Specialist will provide 1:1 and/or small group academic support to students with specific learning needs. This individual will also support classroom teachers with identifying students who may need learning support. They will also serve as a case manager for a group of students to ensure their needs are met, communicate with parents, outside professionals including tutors, OT/PT/Speech providers, and classroom teachers about these needs, and track and report on student progress using various assessment tools
Professional Qualities/Skills
- Commitment to meaningful collaboration with colleagues and parents.
- Excellent communication skills.
- Willingness to take risks and seize leadership opportunities as they arise.
- Commitment to staying current with research on best practices. Interest in professional growth and continuous learning.
- Interest in improving the school as a whole and willingness to share best practices.
- Ability to be self-reflective and learn from feedback received from colleagues, administrators, and students.
Responsibilities
- Provide small group and 1:1 teaching to students with specific learning needs.
- Provide support to classroom teachers in identifying and meeting the needs of students. Recommend accommodations and modifications for students with special learning needs.
- Collaborate with parents and colleagues to develop and implement support plans.
- Serve as case manager for assigned students.
- Cultivate and model a respectful, safe, creative, and inspiring learning environment.
- Use school adopted curriculum and instructional programs.
- Evaluate student work, using both formative and summative assessments, benchmarks, and other school-adopted assessments to guide instructional planning and promote student success.
- Serve as an excellent ambassador for the school, promoting the school’s mission and vision.
- Demonstrate organizational and time management skills.
- Attend and actively participate in all faculty meetings.
- Participate in special school events including, but not limited to, Open House, Back to School Night, special student performances. Attendance at other community/school events is encouraged.
Requirements
Required Education/Experience
- Bachelor's degree in special education or a related field, such as elementary education
- Master’s degree in special education or related field preferred but not required
- Certification in special education or related field preferred
Experience:
- Classroom Experience: At least 2-5 years of experience working in an educational setting, particularly with students in grades TK-8. Experience in special education settings is preferred.
- Individualized Support: Experience providing 1:1 or small group instruction to students with diverse learning needs, including those with learning disabilities, ADHD, autism spectrum disorders, etc.
- Collaboration: Proven ability to work collaboratively with classroom teachers, special education staff, and external professionals (such as therapists and tutors).
- Case Management: Experience serving as a case manager or in a similar role, including developing and implementing Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) or 504 Plans.
- Assessment Skills: Familiarity with various assessment tools and techniques for tracking student progress and adapting instruction to meet individual needs.
- Communication Skills: Strong skills in communicating with parents and stakeholders about student progress and needs, including facilitating meetings and writing reports.
Compensation
- Competitive salary. Pay ranges from $85,000-95,000 annually depending on experience.
- Benefits including Medical, Dental, Vision, 403b Retirement Plan, Long- and Short-term Disability, Voluntary Life/Accident Insurance, Work-Life Balance Employee Assistance Program (EAP). Pre-tax payroll deduction also available for Commuter Checks and Flexible Spending Account.
Gideon Hausner Jewish Day School is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to an inclusive, welcoming community, where all are accepted and are treated with respect. Hausner does not unlawfully discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of age, race, color, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, religion, veteran status, national, or ethnic origin, or any other basis prohibited by applicable law.