The Early Elementary Literacy Specialist plays a vital role in nurturing young learners as they develop foundational literacy skills. Primarily supporting Kindergarten and 1st-grade students, this educator provides targeted push-in and pull-out instruction for small groups as well as individualized and whole-class support, working closely with Homeroom Teachers. Additionally, the Literacy Specialist may collaborate with students across the Lower School to advance the school’s broader literacy goals. As a key member of the Student Support Team, the Literacy Specialist ensures that students receive the guidance and resources needed to succeed in a general education setting. This role offers a meaningful opportunity to shape early literacy development while partnering with a dedicated team to foster a lifelong love of reading and learning.

Key Responsibilities:

• Design and implement differentiated literacy instruction aligned with the school’s scope and sequence.

• Collaborate with classroom teachers on assessments, curriculum planning, and student progress monitoring.

• Actively contribute to grade-level teams and the broader faculty, sharing expertise and resources to enhance literacy instruction.

• Provide data-driven insights and implement best practices in literacy development.

• Participate in Student Support Team meetings, child-study discussions, and coordination with external specialists.

• Maintain detailed records of student assessments and progress to inform instructional planning and academic reporting.

• Review and synthesize external evaluations and assessments to support individualized learning goals and classroom instruction.

Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in Literacy or Special Education, with a minimum of three years of experience as a Learning Specialist.

• Strong background in balanced literacy instruction, with training in programs such as Orton-Gillingham, Wilson Fundations, Fountas & Pinnell, Heggerty, IMSE, TC Units of Study in Reading and Writing, and/or Sounds in Motion.

• Deep understanding of current research and best practices in literacy instruction.

• Experience collaborating with classroom teachers, with the ability to mentor and support colleagues.

• Skilled in differentiated instruction to meet diverse learning needs.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• Commitment to ongoing professional growth and engagement in school-wide initiatives.

• Ability to build strong, positive relationships with students, families, and colleagues.

• Enthusiasm for collaboration and innovation in curriculum development.

• Proficiency in integrating technology to enhance teaching and learning.

• Genuine dedication to diversity, equity, and inclusion, with a demonstrated record of professional engagement and leadership in this area.

• A growth mindset, passion for learning, and a reflective approach to teaching.

• A warm, joyful, flexible, creative, and patient demeanor, with a good sense of humor.

The full-time salary range for this position is $80,000 to $110,000. When extending an offer for employment, Trevor Day School bases the salary upon several factors that include (but are not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate’s work experience, education, training, key skills, and peer salary equity. The school also offers a competitive benefits package.

About Trevor Day School:

Trevor Day School (www.trevor.org) is a Preschool through 12th Grade coeducational, independent school in Manhattan serving approximately 725 students. Trevor Day School educates college-bound students to achieve academic and personal excellence in an inquiry-driven, idea-rich community. Trevor celebrates diversity of thought, experiences, and culture; promotes compassion, collaboration, courage, and creativity; and develops in children a recognition of their own unique potential as lifelong learners and leaders who act as responsible global citizens. 

Trevor Day School provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for our community.