High School English Learning Specialist

Title: Learning Specialist, English Focus

Reports to: High School Head

Employment Type: Faculty; Full-time, Exempt

Projected Start Date: Late August 2026

Work Location: 5 Hanover Square, New York, NY 10004

The IDEAL School of Manhattan is an inclusion school dedicated to creating a diverse community that affirms and accepts the full identities of all people, while inspiring academic excellence, creative leadership, and a desire to build a more just and equitable world.  

Position Description

The IDEAL School of Manhattan is seeking a talented, enthusiastic, and creative Learning Specialist, with experience teaching Middle and High School English, for a full-time position starting in August 2026. 

IDEAL teachers are charged with inspiring students in an inclusive and nurturing learning community to achieve personal and academic excellence. IDEAL expands the definition of diversity to include ability. Candidates must have a demonstrated the ability to reach and inspire students with a wide range of learning profiles through differentiation, individualization, and UDL. Essentially, within the context of an inclusive classroom and community, IDEAL faculty meet a wide range of learners where they are and they nurture and challenge each student in their growth. 

High School teachers teach approximately four class sections. In addition to primary teaching responsibilities, the Learning Specialist will participate fully in the life of the school. All IDEAL teachers contribute in significant ways beyond the classroom; it is expected that teachers serve as advisors, mentor at least one club, and may lead their own extra-curricular activities and initiatives. They know their students as learners and as individuals, and they inspire their students by setting a high bar for excellence while making the classroom fun and supporting all learners in achieving. Teachers  also share in duties such as chaperoning day and occasional overnight class trips. Learning Specialists may be required to support remediation in the Learning Center.

The successful candidate will partner thoughtfully with colleagues and parents; demonstrate the ability to inspire students at all levels to strive for both personal and academic excellence; and possess a commitment to inclusive education. 

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Demonstrate  expertise in general and special education  

• Collaborate with other teachers, at times in a co-teaching model

• Guide the associate teachers with their student

• Implement tiered lesson plans, ensuring that a rigorous English education  is accessible to all learners through a Universal Design for Learning (UDL) framework.

• Establish clear objectives for all lessons, units, and projects, and communicate these objectives to students

• Establish and enforce expectations for behavior and for maintaining harmony within the community

• Partner with other educators, therapists, and additional professionals on the implementation of support strategies 

• Serve as an advisor to a group of students

• Mentor at least one club

• Research and integrate contemporary and innovative curricula, texts, and technology into instruction

• Contribute to CSE meetings and yearly goal reviews

• Communicate regularly, via verbal and written communication,  with all constituencies, including students, faculty, administration, and families

• Attend and participate in weekly faculty meetings, team meetings, committee meetings, school functions, and professional development activities during and after school hours as needed, appropriate, and assigned

• Meet deadlines for progress reports and other administrative tasks within a school setting

• Contribute broadly and fully to the spirit and life of our students, community, and mission

• Uphold the mission, philosophy, principles, policies, and procedures of IDEAL

• Performs other related duties as assigned

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree, with Special Education Designation

• Lead classroom teaching experience

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree, with Special Education or related designation

• Special Education designation and/or experience preferred

• Independent school experience preferred

• 2-3 years of relevant, hands-on teaching experience preferred 

• Previous experience in a co-taught/inclusive setting

• Familiarity with Universal Design for Learning

Essential Qualities:

• Appreciation for the school’s mission 

• A strong understanding of differentiation

• The ability to collaborate as a part of a team

• A desire to make a difference in the school--to contribute time and talent outside of the classroom to the growth of students and the school

Benefits Include: Paid time off, comprehensive medical, dental and vision insurance, flexible spending program, health reimbursement account, commuter benefits program, income protection via short and long-term disability benefits, paid family leave, discount lunch options, professional development opportunities, 403(b) plan with employer contribution (waiting period applies).

Salary Range: $65,000-85,000 (this represents the expected salary range for this position. Salary will be determined based on education, experience, and other job-related factors)

Equal Opportunity Employer 

The IDEAL School of Manhattan is committed to the principles of equal employment opportunities for all qualified employees and job applicants and to making all employment decisions without unlawful discrimination as to race, color, creed, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, citizenship or immigration status, marital status, familial status, actual or perceived status as a victim of domestic violence, caregiver status, gender identity or expression, military status, veteran status, genetic predisposition or carrier status, or any other status or condition protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.This policy of Equal Employment Opportunity applies to all policies and procedures.

This policy of Equal Employment Opportunity applies to all policies and procedures relating to recruitment, hiring, compensation, benefits, training and development, promotion, demotion, discipline, termination and all other terms and conditions of employment. demotion, discipline, termination and all other terms and conditions of employment.