Explore Schools·New York
The Learning Specialist will provide targeted Reading or ELA small group and whole group instruction to students, focusing on data-driven support to help them achieve their Individualized Education Program (IEP) goals. Responsibilities also include collaborating with grade-level teams on differentiation and assisting with student assessment and testing accommodations.
Middle School ELA Learning Specialist In-Person Work Required This is an exempt position and is not eligible for overtime.
Explore Schools is a network of public charter schools providing 1,700 students in Brooklyn with the outstanding education they deserve. Our goal is to provide students with curriculum and instruction that is both standards-aligned and culturally responsive. Our approach is designed to provide the conditions that nurture students as critical thinkers and natural problem-solvers. As an organization we are committed to engaging in work that disrupts and roots out systems and structures that perpetuate white supremacy. We intentionally seek to build and maintain a diverse and talented team that reflects the backgrounds and experiences of our students and creates an inclusive environment for all employees. WHAT WE BELIEVE We believe that all children can learn when immersed in a rich environment full of high expectations, rigorous academics, and caring, committed adults. We believe equity and excellence are not mutually exclusive—we can meet the needs of all students in our schools, while actively engaging parents and driving toward excellent academic results. We believe it is both our privilege and responsibility to help close the opportunity gap in the Brooklyn community. WHO YOU ARE You are a special educator with experience teaching diverse learners, including students who have individualized Education Programs (IEPs) in grades 6-8. You are ready to provide targeted, data-driven and individualized instruction to diverse learners. You prioritize student engagement, critical thinking, and relationship building in the classroom. You have demonstrated that you are a reflective practitioner willing to go above and beyond to meet the needs of your students while educating the whole child. Additionally, you possess the following qualities: Dedicated to working in communities that have historically been underserved and under-resourced Committed to thoughtfully engaging in identity work necessary to take a culturally responsive approach to pedagogy and relationship-building with students and colleagues Exceptional dedication and intentionality to achieve results and make growth in your own practice and in related student outcomes Ability to cultivate a positive classroom culture through building relationships with students and using classroom management strategies to promote safety and inclusion of all students Classroom presence: you are clear and precise when sharing new content with students and can effectively lead students through inquiry-based class discussions Ability to adapt scripted curriculum Detail-oriented and highly organized Bachelor’s degree required Classroom teaching experience required; 2 years strongly preferred New York State Teaching Certification, preferred Special Education Certification, preferred Master’s Degree in Education, strongly preferred WHAT YOU’LL DO Nearly 20% of our students receive special education services. As an ELA Learning Specialist, you will work with our students with disabilities by providing data driven support through differentiated and specialized instruction. You will be expected to manage the following daily: Provide targeted small group and whole group instruction to students throughout the day Provide direct service to students to help them achieve their IEP goals Work collaboratively with grade level teams across content areas Assist teachers with differentiation in the classroom Collaborate as part of the student intervention referral team Support with assessment of students as a proctor and monitor of examinations, including the administration of testing accommodations Provide a range of instructional, management, and assessment strategies to meet the different needs of students Facilitate testing accommodations Assist with non-instructional supervision of students, such as arrival/dismissal, hallway monitoring, substitute teaching, lunch and playground duty, or supervision of extracurricular activities Keep accurate and organized records of student information Actively engage in identity work and necessary conversations in order to dismantle white supremacy culture COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS Explore Schools offers our staff a competitive salary and generous benefits package. Our salary scale for this role has been established using an equity lens and is based on relevant years of experience, education, and NYS certification. Teachers with a bachelor's degree and between 0 – 10 years of experience can expect to receive an annualized base salary of $62,710 - $80,896 for the 2026-2027 school year. Teachers with a master's degree and between 0 – 10 years of experience can expect to receive an annualized base salary of $67,486 - $88,658 for the 2026-2027 school year. We believe teachers get better and are able to deepen their impact over time. Our scale for this role is designed to honor this, and we do not cap years of experience for an incoming teacher. Increases are offered each year based on your tenure. We also offer a variety of additional compensation opportunities including stipends for additional time worked and leadership opportunities, additional pay for specialized certifications, and more. The Recruitment team will be able to share more information about our additional compensation opportunities, along with where you will be placed on the scale during your first phone screen. Additionally, you can expect: A competitive and comprehensive benefits plan, covering up to 95% of the cost for employees and their families. Other benefits include dental and vision plans, employer paid disability and life insurance, parental leave benefits, flexible spending account options, generous vacation time and paid holidays, professional development, continuing education scholarships, referral bonuses, employee assistance program (EAP), childcare assistance, a 403(b) retirement plan with employer matching, and more! Flexible and reflective leadership: dedicated to staff development, team cohesion, and shared responsibility for decision-making, development, and team-wide priorities Driven and passionate colleagues who contribute to a professional and collaborative work environment Opportunities to sit on various committees and participate in initiatives central to key organizational decisions and strategic planning Our school-based staff also receive: Professional development: weekly PD, year-round retreats and trainings, and ongoing coaching by professionals Continued education support: staff are eligible to receive scholarship funds towards qualifying towards role relevant New York State certification costs, higher education tuition, and professional development A flexible work environment with the ability to choose your work location during non-student hours 1-3 days a week when possible, all within a structured 45-hour work week. LOCATION AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS Explore Schools is a network of 6 charter schools located in Canarsie, Crown Heights, and Flatbush communities of Brooklyn, NY. Our schools are currently operating fully in-person. For this position: In-person work is required. This is an exempt position and is not eligible for overtime. The standard work week is 45 hours, though at times you may work more. This role requires that you be able to stand for at least 5 hours a day, take multiple trips up and down the stairs in a day, and move quickly in an emergency. EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER As discussed in our Who We Are section, Explore Schools is an equal opportunity employer. It is important to us that all staff members have a place of employment that is free of discrimination of all kinds and where staff can bring their authentic selves to work. We do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, gender expression, age, national origin, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, veteran, or military status. If any employee or applicant believes they have been discriminated against, they should let Tiffany Williams know immediately. #LI-YM1
Candidates must be special educators experienced in teaching diverse learners, including those with IEPs in grades 6-8, and must possess a Bachelor's degree and classroom teaching experience (2 years preferred). Preferred qualifications include a Master's degree in Education and New York State/Special Education Certification.
Market context
New York middle school ELA learning specialist roles are often shaped by steady demand for special educators who can support grades 6-8 learners with IEPs. This role is competitive because schools typically look for classroom experience, a bachelor’s degree, and preferred graduate study or New York State certification; the posted requirements and benefits here are AI-summarized from the original job description, saving you research time. If you are applying, confirm your certification status and highlight specific examples of differentiated ELA instruction for diverse learners.
