English Learning Specialist

Chinese American International School seeks a Learning Specialist (2020-2021). No Chinese language proficiency required | Exempt, full-time position. Beginning December 2020

WELCOME!

Join the vibrant community at the Chinese American International School’s Oak campus as a member of our Student Services Team supporting students with in-person instruction in kindergarten and first grade. Become part of a team striving to be the world’s most innovative, inspiring, and influential Chinese English dual-language immersion school.

OUR IDEAL CANDIDATE

The ideal candidate finds resonance with CAIS’s mission to Embrace Chinese, Become Our Best Selves, and Contribute to a Better World. As CAIS aims to empower independent, effective, and inspired learners, we seek a specialized practitioner to provide support to students, faculty members, and families concerning issues related to children with learning differences and other special academic needs. Our new team member will collaborate with grade level Chinese and English partner teachers and enjoy a wealth of professional development opportunities. The candidate will enter an environment that values social emotional learning alongside academic challenge and does so within the framework of a strong curricular
vision supported by English and Chinese directors.

CAIS offers a dynamic dual culture setting in which faculty are immersed in a culture of language learners. We look for a candidate who will embrace CAIS’s work to create an equitable, inclusive environment where all faculty, students, and families are supported in their individual identities. We welcome all applicants who aim to actively support and participate in our diverse and inclusive community.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

Position responsibilities include (but are not limited to):
● Screening and Assessment—adept at administering a variety of assessments for early identification and to to make recommendations for interventions
● Observation—observe students in classroom settings to assess learning strengths and needs
● Interpretation—interpret results of in-house screenings and assessments as well as reports prepared by outside professionals (psychologists, SLPs, OTs, etc.) and communicate this information as appropriate
● Skill Remediation—provide strategic, small-group direct instruction to identified students on an ongoing basis
● Strategy Remediation—help students understand their individual learning profiles and develop strategies for self-advocacy and managing classroom demands
● Faculty Collaboration—work with classroom teachers and specialists to implement instructional techniques to reach all learners; provide resources as necessary
● Family Collaboration—help families understand their child’s learning style, needed accommodations, and techniques that can be implemented in the home; provide resources as necessary
● Referral—make recommendations to families regarding outside evaluation and support services
● Case Management—facilitate regular communication between students, families, outside support professionals, and school personnel
● Student Support Team (SST) Meetings—attend and/or facilitate relevant SST meetings
● Department Meetings—meet regularly with other learning specialist(s) and Division Head
● Constant Learning—stay current on education research and best practices
● Professionalism—work collaboratively and maintain standards of respect, confidentiality, courtesy, and mutual consideration with the school community, including students, staff, and parents.

ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS

● Bachelor’s degree in Special Education, Educational Therapy, or equivalent
● Experience directly serving children with learning differences or other special needs in a school setting in grades Kindergarten – 2nd
● Specialized training in multi-sensory, systematic reading instruction and remedial programs based on Orton/Gillingham methods (Wilson Reading System, Lindamood-Bell, etc.)
● Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
● Dedication to equity and inclusion and ability to work with individuals from diverse backgrounds
● Commitment to school mission, policies, and initiatives

VALUED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

We value, but do not require, the following attributes:
● Master’s degree
● Bilingual: Mandarin/English
● Familiarity with Readers and Writers Workshop

ABOUT CAIS

As the nation’s first dual language Chinese and English Pre-K through 8th grade school, CAIS embodies this mission by working continuously to maintain our role as a leader in immersion education. At CAIS we value honest self-assessment, thoughtful self-reflection, intentional planning and focused implementation. We are known as an ambitious school, and we have just embarked on a multi-year vision to reimagine immersion, reimagine our culture of learning, reimagine character and community, and reimagine our learning spaces.

Our three campuses are located in the heart of San Francisco and are accessible by public transportation in San Francisco. The lively neighborhood echoes the school’s vital energy and provides ready access to cultural treasures such as the Asian Art Museum, SF Jazz, the San Francisco Symphony, and more.

For more information, visit https://www.cais.org/about-us/employment and the CAIS Early Childhood Division Website.

TO APPLY

CAIS’s commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion is central to our mission. People of color and LGBTQIA candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. Email cover letter, resume, and list of references to b_pells@cais.org. In the subject line please indicate: “Learning Specialist.” Please no calls.