Learning Specialist

BCSC Learning Specialists Plan and Prepare for Instruction

Demonstrate knowledge of content and pedagogy in plans and practice.
Demonstrate knowledge of students' backgrounds, cultures, skills, language proficiency, interests, and special needs.
Set instructional outcomes and individual student goals which reflect high-level learning and curriculum standards, represent different types of learning and are capable of assessment.
Demonstrate knowledge of resources in and available through the school and beyond.
Design coherent instruction by coordinating knowledge of content, students and resources to engage students in significant learning.
Design student assessment with clear criteria to be used to inform instruction.
Submit weekly lessons aligned to BCSC's curriculum, standards and individual student goals.
Prepare differentiation suggestions for colleagues to use in instruction.

BCSC Learning Specialists Develop and Support an Optimal Learning Environment

Create an environment of respect and rapport teacher to student, student to teacher, student to student.
Establish a culture for learning by holding students to high expectations, committing to the teaching of every subject area and individual student goals, and facilitating students demonstrating pride in their work.
Manage classroom procedures by establishing rules and routines for transitions, handling of supplies, and the performance of non-instructional duties so that every instructional minute is utilized.
Manage student behavior by establishing standards of conduct and monitoring students against those standards consistently, while responding in a way that respects students' dignity.
Organize physical space in the classroom and learning center so that learning is accessible to all students, make effective use of physical resources (including computer technology), and exhibit current, high-quality student work and developmentally appropriate content on hallway and classroom bulletin boards.

BCSC Learning Specialists Implement High Quality Instruction, Promoting Academic Progress of Students with Special Needs and Students who are At-Risk

Communicate expectations for learning, directions, procedures, and content clearly.
Communicate orally and in writing in a clear, correct, and appropriate manner, considering students' levels of development.
Use questioning and discussion techniques that elicit thoughtful responses from students, and allow all students to participate in the discussion.
Engage students in learning by coordinating activities, assignments, materials, and groupings that are appropriate to instructional outcomes and students' levels of understanding.
Teach well-paced lessons with coherent structure and a high level of rigor.
Use assessment in instruction on a regular basis by monitoring student progress, facilitating the students' self-assessment, and providing students with high-quality feedback. Make students fully aware of assessment criteria used to evaluate their work.
Demonstrate flexibility and responsiveness to promote the successful learning of all students, making adjustments as needed to plans and accommodating students' questions, needs, and interests.
Teach children in classrooms using the "push-in", "pull-out", and consultant teacher models.
Implement mandated special education services aligned with specific IEP recommendations and requirements, ensuring that the BCSC is in compliance with all special education regulations.
Provide at-risk support through efforts such as the Strategic Reading Intervention, Orton-Gillingham and guided reading
Assess students with respect to their special needs and academic risk factors using the appropriate assessment measures.

BCSC Learning Specialists Demonstrate Professionalism

Use evidence to reflect on teaching in a way that accurately evaluates instructional practice and make specific suggestions for improvement.
Maintain accurate records by completing monthly session notes, keeping bi-weekly parent-communication logs, submitting IEP-related paperwork, documenting academic intervention strategies and other anecdotal notes.
Maintain clear and specific documentation of all intervention efforts to reconcile minor student conflicts and encourage positive behavior, such as behavior modification strategies and family contacts.
Distribute and review mandated service-related paperwork with teachers in a timely manner.
Communicate with families frequently to provide them with information about IEP services, instructional programs, student progress. Respond to concerns in a timely manner.
Participate in a professional community by attending weekly staff meetings, attending weekly grade level meetings, facilitating weekly differentiation meetings, participating in the Child Study Team, active involvement in BCSC staff committees, and developing relationships with colleagues that are characterized by mutual support and cooperation.
Grow and develop professionally by participating in professional development and individual growth activities, peer observations, professional learning communities (PLCs), and other opportunities presented at the school and beyond.
Welcome and utilize constructive feedback to enhance the quality of learning experiences for students.
Show professionalism by fully complying with the regulations of the school, as set forth by the BCSC Staff Manual and Instructional Staff Kit.
Interact in a way that demonstrates honesty, integrity and confidentiality to ensure that all students are fairly served.
Attend at least 3 Family Staff Association (FSA) meetings and all school events during the school year.
Prepare for parent/teacher conferences and school events in order to maximize family participation.
Assume responsibility for other duties to ensure student safety (e.g. breakfast, recess, dismissal, class coverages).

Minimum Qualifications

Valid New York State Teaching Certification required
New York State Students with Disabilities Certification preferred
Bachelor's degree required/Master's degree preferred
Minimum of two years urban teaching experience strongly desired
Spanish speaking preferred

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