Upper School Learning Specialist Position Available at The Hewitt School in New York

The Hewitt School, an autonomous K-12 girls’ school in New York City, is seeking a full-time Upper School Learning Specialist to join it’s faculty.This role offers the chance to support students’ academic and social-emotional growth within a vibrant and inclusive learning environment. The position, posted on June 19, 2025, is a full-time, exempt role with a salary range of $75,000 to $105,000, commensurate with experience.

The Learning Specialist will play a crucial role in supporting upper school students by providing individualized learning strategies, advocating for accommodations, and collaborating with faculty and families. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in special education or literacy, a commitment to anti-bias education, and a passion for student-centered teaching practices.

Responsibilities of the Upper School Learning Specialist

The Upper School Learning Specialist will be responsible for a variety of tasks aimed at supporting student success. These include:

• providing individualized and small group instruction to students with diverse learning needs.
• Collaborating with teachers to develop and implement effective instructional strategies.
• Monitoring student progress and adjusting interventions as needed.
• Applying for,advocating for,and coordinating student accommodations and testing through College Board and ACT.
• Communicating effectively and proactively with students,colleagues,and families.

Qualifications for the Position

To be considered for the Upper School Learning Specialist position,candidates must meet the following requirements:

• Demonstrated commitment to anti-bias education and social justice.
• Master’s degree in education with a specialization in special education or literacy.
• Experience with upper school social-emotional learning and a deep recognition for student-centered, inquiry-based, and culturally responsive teaching practices.
• Experience working with upper school students.

In addition to the required qualifications, the following skills and experiences are highly desired:

• Knowledge of and experience working in an independent school.
• Experience in special education mathematics.
• Inquiry-based pedagogy.
• Culturally responsive approach to teaching.
• Fluency in multiple student-centered instructional approaches.
• Experience working with College Board and ACT.
• Proficient with Mac platforms; agreeable with technology or demonstrated ability to learn quickly.
• Commitment to student life.
• Proven dedication to professional growth and purpose-driven practice.
• Professional practice and ability to model contemplation as part of intellectual exploration.

Salary and Submission Data

The starting salary range for this position is $75,000 to $105,000, based on experience and expertise. Interested candidates are encouraged to submit a resumé, cover letter, and examples of previous relevant work through The Hewitt School’s applicant tracking portal. Applications should be submitted as soon as possible for consideration.

Did You Know? The Hewitt School was established in 1920 and has a student body of approximately 525 girls from kindergarten through grade 12.

The Hewitt School’s Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

The Hewitt School is an Equal opportunity Employer and is committed to building a culturally diverse faculty, staff, and student body. The school values individuals whose differences include age, ethnicity, family structure, gender, learning styles, physical ability, race, religion, sexual orientation, and socioeconomic status.

The school’s mission is to inspire girls and young women to become game changers and ethical leaders who forge an equitable, lasting, and joyous future. Hewitt empowers and expects its community members to embrace multiple points of view, to engage others with empathy and integrity, and to champion equity and justice in all areas of their lives.

Pro Tip: When applying,tailor your cover letter to reflect a deep understanding of The Hewitt School’s academic philosophy and commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Understanding Social-Emotional Learning (SEL)

Social-emotional learning (SEL) is the process through which children and adults acquire and effectively apply the knowledge, attitudes, and skills necessary to understand and manage emotions, set and achieve positive goals, feel and show empathy for others, establish and maintain positive relationships, and make responsible decisions. SEL is increasingly recognized as a critical component of a well-rounded education, contributing to improved academic outcomes, reduced behavioral problems, and enhanced overall well-being for students. According to CASEL, Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning, SEL programs have been shown to increase academic performance by 11 percentile points CASEL.

The integration of SEL into the curriculum and school culture is a key focus for many educational institutions, including The Hewitt School. By fostering students’ social and emotional development, schools can create a more supportive and inclusive learning environment where all students can thrive.

How do you think schools can best integrate social-emotional learning into their curriculum? What are the biggest challenges in implementing effective SEL programs?

Are you passionate about supporting students with diverse learning needs? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!