Educational Specialist

Background

Gateways exists to enable students with diverse learning needs to succeed in Jewish educational settings and participate meaningfully in Jewish life. Over the last 15 years, Gateways has partnered with day schools, congregational and community schools and early childhood programs in the Boston region and beyond to provide special education services, expertise, and support. Gateways also operates its own independent formal and informal Jewish education programs designed for students with disabilities and diverse learning needs.

The Educational Specialist is a part-time position responsible for supporting students and teens who participate in Gateways Jewish Education Programs (GJEP).  Students in GJEP range in age from 5 to 22 and have a variety of disabilities and support needs. The Educational Specialist will support the learning and behavior of the students in the program as well as curriculum development. The position reports to the Assistant Director of GJEP. The Sunday program meets from 9:15am-1:45pm during the school year excluding Jewish holidays and public school vacations. 

Core Responsibilities:

1. Support Student Learning and Behavior:
   1. Assume primary responsibility for teaching class(es) and provide mentoring and feedback to one-to-one teen volunteers (classroom aides)
   2. Support the implementation of learning and behavioral strategies for GJEP students
   3. Respond to crises and other challenging incidents as needed, and complete any necessary documentation
   4. Meet regularly with program leadership to review plans and goals for students
   5. Review students’ forms, reports and school IEPs, document weekly progress, and write end of year progress reports

2. Curriculum and Materials Development:
   1. Collaborate with other GJEP staff to develop curriculum, as well as corresponding classroom materials and visuals (such as visual schedules, social stories, Torah reading pages, electronic siddurim on AAC devices, and electronic materials for online tutoring), modified to accommodate students with a wide range of needs.
   2. Support the implementation of the Gateways Hebrew decoding program and sight word reading program

3. Center for Professional Learning:
   1. Develop and implement training workshops for educators on a variety of special education related topics
   2. Develop materials and trainings drawn from Gateways programmatic expertise (e.g., B’nei Mitzvah, Mitzvah Mensches, etc.) for use in other educational settings
   3. Provide individualized coaching, consultation, and training to external professionals, synagogues, schools, families, and other organizations to share expertise around accessible Jewish education, Hebrew decoding, Bnei Mitzvah, and more

Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Minimum of 3 years of experience working with children with complex learning challenges, preferably in formal educational settings or classrooms.
• Bachelor’s degree in special education or a related field (Master’s degree preferred).
• Knowledge of Jewish holidays, customs, and traditions, with the ability to read Hebrew.
• Passion for working with children and supporting their learning and development.
• Strong communication, collaboration, and relationship-building skills.

Compensation

• Starting salary of $35,000-42,000 for approximately 20 hours/week of work, commensurate with experience and scope of work. For candidates looking for a full-time position, there may be the opportunity to combine this role with other areas of work (e.g. Shiluv Program Coordinator and/or learning/behavioral specialist for working in Jewish day schools).

How to Apply:

• Cover letters and resumes will be accepted only through our online system at http://tinyurl.com/gatewaysjobs. Candidates will be considered on a rolling basis until position is filled.
• Gateways believes in the essentiality of a diverse workforce. We are committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals, including people of color, women, people with disabilities, immigrants, LGBTQIA people, and people who come from low income or working-class backgrounds. We encourage you to apply without regard to race, color, religion, age, disability, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, ancestry, genetic information, medical condition, veteran status, or any other class protected under federal, state, or local laws. We know that the candidate who fits best may not meet 100% of the qualifications.
• Gateways will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. The interview process for this position will be conducted via Zoom.  If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, please contact us at [email protected] for assistance.

About the Organization:

For more information visit our web site at www.jgateways.org.