Independent Schools of Saint Louis

Learning Specialist New City School

New City School seeks a joyful, creative, organized, and thoughtful Learning Specialist to support children ages 3 through 7 within an inquiry-based independent school environment, with a more formal workshop structure beginning in Kindergarten. Grounded in the belief that children are capable, curious learners who construct understanding through exploration and relationships, the Learning Specialist partners with classroom educators and families to support each child’s academic growth and developmental well-being. Through individualized and small-group work, the Learning Specialist will support learning in early literacy, writing, mathematics, language development, sensory integration, and fine and gross motor development. This practitioner will join our collaborative CARE team, beginning in August 2026.

A bachelor's degree in Early Childhood, Elementary Education, Special Education, or a related field is required; a master’s degree, teaching certificate or credential, and experience working with neurodiverse learners is preferred. A minimum of 5 years of teaching experience in early childhood is also required. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Display a passion for teaching and nurturing the whole child

  • Connect and interact with a diverse population of students, families and faculty and exhibit a deep appreciation and understanding of diversity in all its forms

  • Teach children based on a solid understanding of child development, while teaming with the other learning specialist, school counselor, division head, and classroom teachers

  • Provide student support and learning through individualized and small-group learning experiences in literacy, writing development, mathematical thinking (e.g. number sense, and problem solving), expressive and receptive language development, sensory regulation and body awareness, and fine and gross motor development

  • Design responsive learning experiences that emerge from children’s interests, questions, and observed needs

  • Communicate comfortably with parents and caregivers through email, written progress reports, and ongoing conferences and meetings

  • Use play-based, hands-on, and multisensory approaches that deepen engagement and understanding

  • Closely observe children’s learning, play, and interactions to understand developmental strengths and emerging needs

  • Work in close collaboration as a thinking partner with classroom teachers to support classroom learning  

  • Organize, lead, and participate in collaborative planning meetings and student support discussion

  • Partner thoughtfully with families, sharing observations, strategies, and next steps in the learning supports

  • Collaborate with specialists (e.g., speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists) and manage outside supports and evaluations for children

  • Display strong interpersonal and collaboration skills with the ability to communicate effectively and respectfully with all constituents 

  • Articulate the principles of inclusion, equity and justice, both in the classroom and beyond, and shows a commitment to equity, inclusion, and child-centered education

  • Demonstrate excellent verbal and written communication skills 

  • Show a strong commitment to professional learning and growth

  • Exhibit strong professional skills including discretion, judgment and integrity 

  • Invest in the life of the school by participating in collaborative planning sessions, weekly staff meetings and multidisciplinary team meetings 

  • Be technologically savvy, especially in using Google applications

Start Date: August 2026 with professional development in the summer.

Compensation: New City offers competitive compensation (commensurate with experience) and excellent benefits including professional development funds, generous medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurance, bereavement leave, paid parental leave, retirement benefits and tuition remission for children of faculty members.

To apply: Please send a letter of interest, resume and list of three references (with name, relationship, phone number and email address for each; references will not be contacted without the candidate’s permission) in one PDF to Janine Gorrell, Early Elementary Division Head at jgorrell@newcityschool.org. Please indicate “Learning Specialist” in the subject line. 

Mission:
New City School inspires children to engage joyfully in learning and achieve academic excellence while cultivating their personal strengths and passions. We empower our students to build community and advocate for a more just and equitable world. 

Overview:
New City School is a progressive independent school serving approximately 350 students, ages 3 - 6th Grade. Inside our red doors, we believe that students should explore their passions, while also being challenged academically. Here, teachers are architects of an interdisciplinary curriculum; faculty see themselves as lifelong learners as well, and are responsible for creating unique and hands-on learning experiences for their students. Our five acre campus has ample opportunities for students to learn and explore outdoors and is uniquely positioned in the city of St. Louis, within walking distance of Forest Park, enabling students to learn both inside and outside the classroom. To learn more about New City School, please visit www.newcityschool.org.

At New City School, we recognize a diverse faculty and staff is a strength that impacts and enhances all aspects of our school. We celebrate our inclusive school environment and are eager to accept applications from candidates of all backgrounds and perspectives. New City School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status in any of its activities, hiring practices or operations.