At San Francisco Day School, we believe that when intellect and imagination are intertwined, students delight in the discovery of connection, in their academic and creative pursuits, in their relationships, and in all that they experience here.
Every day we help our students emerge as flexible and resourceful learners. Because when we do, our students light up with the call and capacity to take on the complexities of their day and of a diverse world.
Our Mission
At SF Day we ignite curiosity. We cultivate a diverse, nurturing community that encourages learners to expand their perspectives and become their true selves. Students develop as compassionate, creative problem-solvers, prepared to thrive in an ever-changing world.
SF Day Fast Facts
Independent, co-educational, K-8 school
Founded in 1981
Serving 420+ students
Located in the heart of San Francisco
San Francisco Day School announces an exciting opportunity to become a member of our vibrant school community. We are seeking the next individual to follow their passion by applying for a full-time position as Upper School (grades 5-8) Learning Specialist.
Summary:
Upper school learning specialists support teachers, students, and families, working particularly, although not exclusively, with students with identified learning differences. They interact and collaborate with outside professionals working with students for specialized support.
Responsibilities and Duties:
Work with colleagues in pursuit of fulfilling the School's Mission, Vision, and Values.
Serve as part of a team of K-8 Learning Specialists who are passionate about providing all students with the resources and strategies to know themselves as learners and to advocate for what they need to realize their learning potential
Collaborate with classroom teachers to identify and help implement effective teaching and learning strategies within the classroom to support all students, with specific focus on employing the Universal Design for Learning (UDL) framework and strategies
Directly support Upper School students (5-8) in a variety of environments including: 1:1, small-group, in/out of the homeroom classroom with emphasis on ELA and math skills
Partner with teachers, administrators, parents, and external professionals (as needed) regarding assessing and identifying students in need, subsequent referrals, observations, drafting/expanding upon individualized, time bound student learning plans
Check in regularly with teachers and families to monitor how effectively accommodations/interventions are being implemented and provide new strategies
Serve as the point person for teachers in working with students who have identified learning needs:
Participate in regular meetings with all internal and external stakeholder groups to for students to support their continued progress
Assist classroom teachers in selecting, locating, and securing instructional materials and tools that support the needs of individual students
Coordinate the use of external tutors, learning specialists, educational therapists, and other resources (as needed)
Attend grade-level, departmental, division, school-wide meetings, professional development conferences, and all meetings and faculty work days called by the Division Head and/or Head of School.
Attend school functions, including but not limited to Back to School Nights, Admission events, and Grandparents and Special Friends Day.
Participate fully in the school’s outdoor education programs as directed by the Division Head.
Perform duties as designated by the Division Head, including but not limited to arrival, dismissal, lunch and recess duties.
Participate fully in the school’s substitute/coverage program.
Perform all required administrative tasks in an accurate and timely manner.
Required Qualifications and Skills:
Bachelor’s Degree
Minimum of 3-5 years of classroom experience in a K-8 setting, including direct teaching experience
Experience working with a wide range of students, teachers, and families of diverse backgrounds. Strong cultural competency.
Familiarity with multisensory literacy programs (such as Orton Gillingham, Slingerland, Fundations, Lindamood Bell) and math programs (such as Making Math Real, Math Recovery, Lindamood Bell)
A true inclusion approach including knowledge of learning differences
Flexibility and adaptability to meet the needs of the children and program
Ability to maintain confidential information
Commitment to staying current with research on best practice
Preferred Qualifications:
Masters Degree preferred, especially in Special Education or Educational Therapy
Co-teaching and/or coaching experience
Experience in/understanding of UDL
Independent school experience
Experience with Responsive Classroom and Restorative Justice practices
Working Conditions:
90% Indoors, 10% outdoors
Ability to move around the classroom and playground to attend to individual or small groups of students
Occasional requirement to lift more than 30 lbs
Stand for an extended amount of time
Expectations for SF Day Employees:
Promote positive relationships between and among all internal and external constituents of the school by maintaining the highest level of professionalism, including but not limited to those aspects detailed in the employee handbook, and acting in a manner consistent with the School’s Mission and Values.
Collaborate with colleagues inside and outside of the department to advance grade level, departmental and School goals and objectives.
Support everyday needs of the community, including student-facing responsibilities, such as safety drills and recess/lunch duties.
Commit to ongoing professional development and growth to reflect the demands of the position and the strategic priorities of the School. Our school has a generous professional development budget and we strive to model the goal of being lifelong learners.
Serve as an active participant in the school’s commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. Attend all-school, on-campus professional development seminars, participate in all-school “reads”of important literature in the field, and actively participate in modeling our mission and work in DEI.
Report and sign in to work no later than 15 minutes before the division’s students are scheduled to arrive, and be available on campus until 4:00 p.m., Tuesday through Friday, and 5:00 p.m. on Monday or another day designated as the regular weekly all-community meeting time.
Remain on campus during the school day or leave and sign out only with prior permission from the teacher’s supervisor, and do not pre-plan off-campus appointments when teacher is on-call for substitute/coverage duty.
Provide ample advance notice for planned and approved days-off and record such leave in the appropriate HR platform.
Do not schedule such absences immediately before and after a school vacation or on parent conference days.
Attend evening and weekend events as required.
Per CA statutes, all School employees should be able to pass a Federal and State background check, provide a negative TB test, and maintain professional behavior during the period of employment. The employment offer is contingent upon these requirements.
What could SF Day School offer YOU?
Competitive Salary
Excellent medical, dental, and vision benefits with 100% employer-paid premiums for every employee
Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
Paid holidays per the employee handbook
403(b) retirement benefit option with a 7% employer match (after 60 days)
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Discounted gym membership and on-campus fitness class with colleagues
Transportation and parking benefits
Pet insurance option
Ready to Join SF Day?
San Francisco Day School is committed to equity in its pay practices.
SF Day celebrates and welcomes faculty and staff who reflect the broad range of diversity in the Bay Area. We encourage people of color and LGBTQ+ applicants to apply.
San Francisco Day School is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status.
SF Day is an independent, co-educational, K-8 school. SF Day educates, nurtures and inspires girls and boys of diverse backgrounds to achieve their highest academic and creative potential, to embrace ethical values and to become active contributors to their communities. San Francisco Day School welcomes and celebrates children, families, faculty, and staff that reflect the broad range of diversity in the Bay Area. The school values the strengths and accomplishments of the individuals who are part of the community and takes pride in and celebrates the diversity and special character of the community as a whole. Therefore, San Francisco Day School encourages people of color and LGBTQ+ applicants to apply.