Teacher Special or General Educator for Students with Dyslexia
Job Description
Position: Special or General Educator for students with dyslexia
Literacy Academy Collective (LAC) is seeking elementary special or general educators to co-teach students with language-based learning disabilities in two schools in the Bronx (P.S. 642) and Brooklyn (P.S. 191).
About LAC
LAC has created the first district public school in the nation specifically designed for children with dyslexia and/or language-based learning difficulties. South Bronx Literacy Academy (SBLA, P.S. 642) opened in Fall 2023 with two classes of 2nd and two classes of 3rd graders and we will add 4th grade in Fall 2024. We will also replicate this successful program with two Model Classrooms in Central Brooklyn (P.S. 191).
LAC is committed to leveraging evidence-based instructional practices to ensure all students read and comprehend grade appropriate texts. We also know that students with specific learning disabilities are able to comprehend information from a wide variety of content areas if they are given access. We are committed to ensuring our students learn through rich culturally responsive experiences so they become well-versed in their mind strengths as well as their learning differences. Teachers teach using intensive structured literacy grounded in the science of reading. Students participate in daily, explicit, multisensory instruction. Teachers will know children deeply and employ a robust set of assessment strategies to meet their academic and social/emotional learning needs. All members of our school community are committed to using data responsibly, advancing equity, and promoting advocacy.
Locations
The South Bronx Literacy Academy (SBLA, P.S. 642) is relocating to the Concourse Village West neighborhood of The Bronx in fall 2024 and serves children and families from all Bronx districts.
LAC is also starting a model classroom in central Brooklyn in P.S. 191 Paul Robeson in District 17 starting this in fall 2024.
All teachers are encouraged to participate in our Summer Rising Teacher Practicum this summer to receive hands-on experience in structured literacy instruction.
About the role:
LAC teachers are deeply committed to professional growth and collaboration with an interest in the pursuit of pedagogical knowledge and instructional expertise. Professional learning structures are embedded throughout the school day. With our robust emphasis on teacher learning, all our educators are offered a wide array of learning opportunities, instructional labsites, coaching, and on-going professional development. Staff members’ voices and ideas are fundamental to the success of our school. All staff participate in staff meetings, grade level planning teams, schoolwide committees, and regular meetings with school administrators.
We are seeking teachers who:
● Believe that all students can learn when provided with appropriate evidence based instruction.
● Care deeply about neurodivergent children, and understand the unique academic, social-emotional, and executive functioning needs of this student population.
● Commit to implementing structured literacy practices with fidelity throughout the school day in all content areas.
● Provide students with a culturally responsive and engaging curriculum that meets the needs of their students.
● Understand the difference between intelligence and ability.
● Will work collaboratively with colleagues and school leadership to improve teaching practice through mentoring, coaching, and observation/feedback cycles.
● Will have a commitment to continuous improvement through professional development and are open to constructive feedback and reflection
● Demonstrate a passion for learning and growth mindset with the ability to thrive in a rigorous training program.
● Demonstrate a true ‘team-member’ mentality and are looking to build equitable and respectful relationships with colleagues, all working towards collective efficacy for students.
● Seek to build trusting relationships with families and members of the local community.
● Commit to engaging productively in conversations about race, power, and privilege.
Qualifications:
● Understanding of, and commitment to, the Science of Reading as the basis for all language instruction.
● Excellent oral and written communication skills
● Strong organizational skills
● Demonstrated expertise in culturally responsive practices.
● Hold or are working towards New York State special education certification.
Preferred qualifications:
● At least 2 years teaching experience in a school setting and demonstrated success working with children in urban schools.
● Practicum experience in a structured literacy educational setting
● ENL certification or experience
● Proficiency in Spanish and/or another
● Available to participate in LAC 2024 Summer I Teacher Training Program- a 6 week paid professional development and practicum at a Summer Rising site in District 1 on the Lower East Side in conjunction with the Windward Institute.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
Literacy Academy Collective, P.S. 642 and P.S. 191 are equal opportunity employers. All employees and applicants for employment will be treated in all respects on the basis of their merit and qualifications and without regards to their race, color, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, religion, gender, military status, marital status, ancestry, or any other reason prohibited by law.
We believe that our teams should reflect the diverse communities we serve and that our culture and internal structures should be inclusive and equitable for all employees. We also recognize that perspectives from communities that have been historically marginalized are critical to the work we do. Hence, we strongly encourage applications from individuals living in the communities that we serve or who are members of historically marginalized communities.
