Learning Specialist

Learning Specialist & Teaching Consultant

Full-Time | Exempt | $65,000 - $105,000 annually, DOE

Reports to: Executive Director, Clinical Director

Location: Open Mind School, Menlo Park, CA

About Open Mind School

Open Mind School is a nonprofit inclusion school in Menlo Park committed to reimagining education through individualized instruction, project-based learning, and real-world engagement. We blend rigorous academics, hands-on enrichment, and a strong focus on neurodiversity-affirming practices. Our educators work side-by-side with experts, families, and community partners to create a dynamic, responsive learning environment. Our mission is to ensure every child—regardless of ability or background—has access to high-quality education, meaningful social experiences, and opportunities for growth.

Position Overview

TheLearning Specialist & Teaching Consultant plays a key role in mentoring educators, supporting instructional excellence, and advancing inclusive school-wide initiatives. This full-time role is designed for an experienced educator who thrives in both student-facing and consultant-level capacities. The Learning Specialist leads targeted student interventions, supports individualized learning plans, coaches faculty in best practices, and collaborates with leadership to refine curriculum and data-informed reporting processes. This is a high-impact role that combines direct service with strategic thought partnership.

Key Responsibilities

Mentorship & Professional Development

• Mentor teaching staff in evidence-based instructional strategies, classroom management, and inclusive education.

• Facilitate ongoing coaching cycles, co-planning, and modeling of differentiated instruction.

• Lead professional development sessions and contribute to internal training resources.

Student Support & Interventions

• Design and implement individualized academic interventions 1:1 and in small groups for students across K-12 grade levels.

• Conduct learning assessments, monitor student progress, and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to adjust supports.

• Support classroom teachers with goal-setting and data collection for students receiving interventions.

Curriculum & Instructional Consulting

• Collaborate with school leadership to align curriculum and instructional practices with inclusive, standards-based goals.

• Co-develop project-based, cross-curricular units that integrate music, art, and real-world applications.

• Provide feedback on unit design, pacing, and content differentiation using Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles.

School-wide Initiatives & Reporting

• Support the implementation of school-wide academic and social-emotional learning frameworks.

• Contribute to data reporting processes, including progress reports, gradebooks, and lesson plan documentation.

• Participate in school-wide events (Back to School Night, Family Conferences, Open House) and lead learning showcases when needed.

Who You Are

• A confident, experienced educator and coach with a passion for student-centered learning.

• Deeply knowledgeable about CA Common Core Standards across subjects for K-12th grade.

• Skilled in developing individualized learning paths and presuming competence in every student.

• Enthusiastic about collaboration, creative curriculum development, and cross-disciplinary learning experiences.

• Able to model calm, grounded presence and compassion when supporting students with diverse needs.

• Highly organized and comfortable leveraging technology (Google Suite, assessment platforms, etc.) to drive instructional decisions.

• A flexible team player who values open communication and is energized by an ever-evolving school environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• 5+ years of classroom teaching experience, including 3+ years supporting neurodiverse learners

• 3+ years of experience mentoring educators or leading professional development

• Deep experience with inclusive practices and multi-tiered systems of support (MTSS)

• Experience teaching multiple grade levels and subject areas

• Background working with students with Autism, Apraxia, and related communication needs

• Prior experience in school startup, innovation, or new program development is a plus

• Special education or education specialist credential strongly preferred

Required Qualifications

• Valid teaching credential with a minimum of 3 years of full-time classroom experience

• Demonstrated experience in curriculum design and implementation

• Comfortable coaching peers and working collaboratively with interdisciplinary teams

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive salary ($65,000 – $105,000 DOE)

• Vacation and sick leave

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage

• 401(k) retirement plan and FSA options

• Tuition reimbursement and professional development stipends

• Eligible for performance bonuses

• Free private school childcare/tuition for employee's children during the school year

How to Apply

To be considered, please submit an online application atwww.openmindschool.org/careers. We look forward to learning more about how your expertise can support and inspire our students, staff, and community.

Additional Requirements

All employees must pass a criminal background check, TB screening, and drug test prior to starting. Work authorization is required; visa sponsorship may be available for exceptional candidates.