LREI (Little Red School House & Elisabeth Irwin High School) seeks educators committed to exploring progressive pedagogy. Candidates with diverse experiences are encouraged to apply. The school is seeking a part-time Lower School Learning Specialist for the 2025-2026 school year, primarily working with 3rd and 4th Grade, beginning September 1, 2025. 

Qualifications Sought - Successful LREI employees are lifelong learners who:

• can inspire students, have a joyful, positive attitude about children, and become active members of the LREI community;
• are reflective about their practice and avail themselves of professional development and leadership opportunities;
• are guided by an ethic of care and see learning as connected to the development of the whole child;
• demonstrate a commitment to social justice and equity, cultural competence, and the ability to work collaboratively with diverse people;
• possess excellent communication skills with students, parents, and the administration both formally and informally;
• are creative problem solvers and innovators who possess a growth-mindset.

Position Overview

We seek a dedicated and innovative Lower School Learning Specialist to join our vibrant educational community. This role is integral to supporting all students, while focusing on students with diverse learning needs, while fostering an inclusive environment that celebrates each child's unique strengths and potential. The Learning Specialist will work collaboratively with lower school administrators, teachers, and students, while partnering with families, to create personalized learning experiences that align with our progressive educational philosophy.

Key Responsibilities

Student Support & Assessment

• Conduct observations and learning assessments to identify students' strengths, challenges, and learning needs.
• Develop and implement individualized learning plans and accommodations for students with evaluations.
• Provide direct support to students through small group instruction and classroom collaboration.
• Monitor student progress and adjust interventions as needed
• Facilitate smooth transitions between grade levels and support students during periods of academic or social adjustment.

Collaborative Teaching & Consultation

• Partner with classroom teachers to design an inclusive curriculum and differentiated instruction strategies
• Co-teach lessons and provide in-class support to ensure all students can succeed
• Consult with teachers on best practices for supporting diverse learners
• Participate in grade-level and interdisciplinary team meetings
• Support teachers in creating differentiated classroom environments 
• Partner with the Admissions Office.

Family & Community Engagement

• Communicate regularly with families about student progress and learning strategies.
• Join family conferences and meetings to discuss student needs and goals
• Provide resources and strategies for families to support learning at home
• Collaborate with outside professionals and specialists as appropriate
• Advocate for student needs within the school community

Professional Development & Leadership

• Stay current with research and best practices in learning differences, child development, and progressive education.
• Lead professional development workshops for faculty on topics related to learning differences and inclusive practice.s
• Contribute to curriculum development and school-wide initiatives
• Mentor and support new teachers in understanding diverse learning needs

Required Qualifications

• Master's degree in Special Education, Educational Psychology, Learning Disabilities, or related field
• Minimum 2-5 years of experience working with elementary-aged children with learning differences
• Strong understanding of various learning disabilities, attention differences, and developmental variations
• Experience with assessment tools and intervention strategies
• Knowledge of progressive education principles and child-centered learning approaches

Essential Skills & Attributes

• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills
• Ability to build strong relationships with students, families, and colleagues
• Creative problem-solving and flexible thinking
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Patience, empathy, and genuine enthusiasm for working with children
• Commitment to equity, inclusion, and social justice in education
• Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team

Working Environment

This position involves working in a dynamic, fast-paced school environment with students aged 4-10. The role requires flexibility, creativity, and the ability to adapt to the evolving needs of students and families. Our school values innovation, critical thinking, and the development of the whole child.

Salary Range

Annual salary for part-time position of $35, 391- $ 67,935 (depending on experience and education). Access to a comprehensive benefits package including health insurance, retirement contributions, professional development opportunities, and tuition remission for faculty children.

Overview of School

Founded in 1921 by Elisabeth Irwin (a contemporary and colleague of John Dewey, Caroline Pratt, and Lucy Sprague Mitchell), The Little Red School House has been at the vanguard of pedagogical innovation since its founding. LREI’s goal is to educate students to become independent thinkers and lifelong learners and to pursue academic excellence and individual achievement, in a context of respect for others and service to the community. We believe that learning should be active and experiential, with the school providing abundant opportunities for students to excel. We accept students with a range of abilities and talents who can take full advantage of a rich and demanding academic program in which each student is both challenged and supported. We seek to create within the school a community built on understanding and respecting others. Thus, our student body traditionally reflects the racial and cultural diversity of our city, and our curriculum is built on interdisciplinary studies to promote understanding of many cultures. While individual achievement is encouraged and rewarded, our program underscores the value of shared goals, friendship, and cooperation in mastering difficult tasks. The progressive ideals that in 1921 gave life and inspiration to the school — academic excellence and creativity, active learning and innovative teaching, respect for the individual and responsibility to the community - continue to guide the school today. LREI is located in vibrant Greenwich Village and classes venture forth often to use the neighborhood and the city to provide rich learning experiences.

Application Process

All candidates, internal and external, should visit our employment page at lrei.org to apply.

To apply for this position, refer a colleague to the position, and/or view other open positions at LREI, please visit us at  https://www.lrei.org/careers

We are an equal opportunity employer committed to creating a diverse and inclusive community that reflects the rich diversity of New York City.

• Master's degree in Special Education, Educational Psychology, Learning Disabilities, or related field
• Minimum 2-5 years of experience working with elementary-aged children with learning differences
• Strong understanding of various learning disabilities, attention differences, and developmental variations
• Experience with assessment tools and intervention strategies
• Knowledge of progressive education principles and child-centered learning approaches

About LREI

A leader in progressive education since 1921, LREI teaches children to be independent thinkers who work together to solve complex problems. Students graduate from our diverse community as active participants in our democratic society, with the creativity, integrity, and courage to bring meaningful change to the world.

Connections working at LREI