[School Year 2025-2026] ELA Learning Specialist

Reporting to the Academic Dean, the ELA Learning Specialist will be responsible for building meaningful relationships with students, implementing a Common Core-aligned curriculum, and working with their grade team, leadership team, and student support team to analyze data to drive instruction. This is an exciting opportunity for an educator who is passionate about improving student outcomes by leading excellent instruction and building a positive school culture for all learners.

Responsibilities

• Work with co-teacher (as relevant) to create and foster a culture where all students can achieve at high levels;
• Implement a Common Core-aligned curriculum through backwards lesson planning, following school-wide protocols for developing and documenting syllabi, lesson plans, assignments, and rubrics, and utilizing research-based best practices to support all learners;
• Actively prepare for and participate in all meetings (such as grade team meetings, Student Support Meetings, IEP Meetings, etc.), collaborative planning, and professional development including an annual summer institute;
• Track, monitor, and assume responsibility for the academic progress for all students in the classroom;
• Analyze assessment data and daily data including Exit Tickets and Do Now’s to inform instruction;
• Set and maintain high expectations by building meaningful relationships;
• Work with Student Culture Team and Student Support Team to create and progress monitor individual plans for students, as needed;
• Build a warm and inclusive classroom environment and abide by school-wide practices for classroom management and individual behavior plans;
• Work with grade team, leadership team, and related service providers to analyze data, revise practices, norm on team-wide initiatives, and discuss individual scholars with a solutions-oriented mindset;
• Establish and maintain strong relationships and regularly communicate scholars’ progress towards academic, social-emotional, and behavioral goals and with families;
• Additional duties related to the running of the school as assigned.

Qualifications

• Associate’s degree required; Bachelor’s degree preferred; [at DCHS, Bachelor’s degree required]
• New York State certification in subject area preferred; 
• At least two years of teaching experience with record of improving student achievement preferred; 
• A desire to make a difference in the lives of our students, families and community;
• Desire and ability to receive and implement feedback; 
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to communicate effectively with various audiences (including colleagues, students, families);
• A commitment to working with diverse populations of families and students;
• Bilingual (Spanish) preferred; 
• A strong belief in the mission and values of DREAM, including the desire to make a difference in the lives of our students, families, and community.

Benefits and Paid Time Off

• We offer comprehensive benefits including:
• Flexible Medical Health Plans, subsidizing the majority of costs for the employee, their spouse/domestic partner and children;
• The ability to select between a variety of medical plans according to what best suits the employee’s needs;
• Dental and vision plans;
• Disability benefits;
• Life insurance;
• Up to 12 weeks fully paid of Parental Leave; 
• Flexible spending account options;
• Pre-tax commuter benefits (parking and transit);
• Fitness and entertainment discounts;
• A variety of support through our employee assistance program (EAP);
• A 403(b) retirement plan with employer matching up to 4% after one year of employment;
• Tuition reimbursement support;
• Referral bonuses;
• School-based 10-month employees have approximately 40 days off throughout the school year, including holidays, school breaks, personal days and wellness days, in addition to summer break;
• Benefits are subject to change.

Compensation

• The salary range for incoming teachers is $75,000 to $100,000. New teacher salaries are determined based on the number of years of experience as a teacher.
• Additional compensation is added for incoming teachers with Master's degrees and NYS Special Education certifications.
• Teachers are eligible for annual salary increases based on tenure and performance; salaries for teachers who continue on at DREAM can exceed the incoming teacher band above.
• DREAM is committed to upholding highly competitive salaries and ensuring teacher pay is within the highest quartile of NYC Charter Schools.

Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

At DREAM, diversity, equity, and inclusion are a matter of mission. 

From our schools to our playing fields, DREAM is committed to building a team where each individual can bring their full identity and experience to work because representation matters—it enriches our team culture, enhances our ability to innovate, and strengthens our impact in and out of the classroom. DREAM engages staff that represent and appreciate the diversity of our majority Black and Hispanic student body, while working to ensure that our practices are equitable, welcoming, and productive. We are dedicated to creating a world where youth, especially youth of color, have permission to dream—along with the tools and opportunities to make their dreams reality.

DREAM Maxims 

All Kids Can. This Kid Can.

DREAM is Family.

Fun is a Serious Value.

Teamwork Makes the DREAM Work.

Fail. Persist. Exceed.

DREAM Big.

Applying to DREAM

We know applying for a new job can be a daunting process. In addition, studies have shown that historically underrepresented individuals often only apply to roles if they meet 100% of the qualifications. We encourage all applications! You may be just the person we need. If you have any questions about your application or interview process, do not hesitate to ask your recruiter; we are here to help!

DREAM provides reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and applicable state and local laws. If accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, please contact your recruiter.