Open Mind School Learning Specialist Menlo Park, CA · Full time

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Open Minds operates an Inclusive K-12 nonprofit private school and an Early Learning Center in Menlo Park. Open Mind School programs are relationship based and built on the firm belief that children are curious learners who thrive in supportive environments. Open Mind School is inspired by the vision of inclusive and universal designed learning opportunities for all students. We're dedicated to creating and providing a child-centered, personalized experience that leverages local experiential learning opportunities. Open Mind School's mission is for all students to access high quality education, enrichment opportunities, and social experiences in an inclusive and supportive environment.

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

The Learning 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 at www.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.