Title: Teaching and Learning Specialist
Location: Albany, NY
Pay Range: $65,000 - $70,000 annually
Schedule: Mon-Fri: 8am-3:30pm, Wednesdays: 8am-4pm
Type: Exempt (salary)
Notes: In Office, driving not required
Job Ref. #: 0338
About Us
St. Catherine’s Center for Children is a non-profit organization located in the Greater Capital Region of New York. We offer a wide array of human services designed to meet the needs of vulnerable children, families and adults, including residential and therapeutic foster care programs for children and youth, Kinship support, homeless and community-based services for adults and families, a special education elementary school for ages 5-13, and so much more.
St. Catherine’s is committed to cultivating a culture where all employees feel safe to bring their authentic and best selves to the workplace. We are invested in fostering an equitable, inclusive and diversified workplace; collaboratively embracing mindfulness, relevance, respect and solidarity.
If you would like to learn more about our agency or one of our many programs, please visit our website at: www.st-cath.org
Our Mission
St. Catherine's Center for Children provides a comprehensive range of human services designed to offer hope, foster growth, and improve the lives of the children, families and adults we serve.
Our Vision
St. Catherine’s willingness to embrace change and develop new services is, and will remain, our guiding philosophy as we support the human service needs of children, families, and adults throughout the region.
Position Overview:
The Teaching and Learning Specialist provides instructional leadership to support high-quality teaching and learning across all grade levels and subject areas. Working collaboratively with the Principal, teachers, and related service providers, the Teaching and Learning Specialist supports the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of standards-based instruction aligned with the New York State Learning Standards and the NYSED Portrait of a Graduate. The Teaching and Learning Specialist partners with teachers to design engaging, meaningful lessons, implement social-emotional learning (SEL) into daily instruction, and utilize evidence-based instructional practices. Through mentoring, modeling, and co-teaching, the Teaching and Learning Specialist supports teachers in strengthening instructional delivery and increasing student engagement. The Teaching and Learning Specialist also facilitates the school's Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) process, assists staff in using student data to inform instruction and interventions, and oversees the administration of New York State Grades 3–8 assessments. The Teaching and Learning Specialist coordinates professional learning, supports curriculum implementation, and promotes continuous instructional improvement to ensure all students have access to rigorous, equitable, engaging, and supportive learning experiences.
Position Specifications and Requirements:
- Experience with curriculum development, instructional planning, and implementation.
- Knowledge of the New York State Learning Standards, the NYSED Portrait of a Graduate, and current instructional initiatives.
- Strong knowledge of evidence-based literacy instruction, including the ability to support teachers in implementing effective reading practices across grade levels.
- Knowledge of evidence-based instructional practices that promote student engagement and achievement.
- Knowledge of trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and inclusive instructional practices.
- Experience coaching, mentoring, and supporting teachers through collaborative, non-evaluative practices such as modeling, co-teaching, and instructional feedback.
- Knowledge of Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS), progress monitoring, and the use of student data to guide instructional decision-making.
- Experience integrating social-emotional learning (SEL) into academic instruction and supporting teachers in embedding SEL into daily classroom practices.
- Strong understanding of special education instructional practices, including differentiated instruction, accommodations, and modifications.
- Excellent communication, collaboration, facilitation, and interpersonal skills with the ability to build trusting relationships with staff.
- Strong organizational, problem-solving, and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple initiatives.
- Demonstrated ability to lead school-wide instructional initiatives while fostering a collaborative culture of continuous improvement.
- Commitment to supporting teacher growth through coaching, reflective practice, and job-embedded professional learning.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities include:
(the following are illustrative only and not limiting or all inclusive): See attached, full job description. You are also welcome to call (518) 453-6700 and ask for HR for more information on this position.
Instructional Leadership and Teacher Support
- Model effective instructional practices through demonstration lessons, co-teaching, classroom coaching, modeling, co-planning and reflective feedback.
- Support peer observation and professional learning between classrooms to encourage collaboration, reflection, shared practice, and continuous instructional improvement.
- Promote evidence-based instructional practices, including research-based literacy practices to support student achievement.
- Support teachers in selecting and implementing appropriate instructional materials, resources, technology, and evidence-based interventions.
- Share resources, strategies, and best practices with teachers to enhance instructional delivery and student outcomes.
- Facilitate the development and implementation of targeted interventions and enrichment opportunities through the school's Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) framework.
- Support teachers in implementing evidence -based instructional strategies, differentiated instruction, Universal Design for Learning, and specially designed instruction for students with disabilities
- Facilitate collaborative planning opportunities focused on curriculum alignment, instructional best practices, student engagement, and continuous improvement.
- Encourage the use of student-centered instructional practices that promote critical thinking, creativity, communication, collaboration, problem-solving, and independence.
- Monitor curriculum implementation and instructional initiatives while providing ongoing coaching, feedback, and support in a non-evaluative manner.
Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE) Statement
St. Catherine’s Center for Children is deeply committed to creating a diverse, inclusive environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, reproductive health, pregnancy, family history, genetics, disability, age, military status, veteran status, political affiliation, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.
What We Offer You**
At St. Catherine’s Center for Children, we believe in taking care of the people who take care of our community. We offer competitive compensation alongside a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your health, wealth, and professional growth:
Financial Security & Future Planning
- Pension Plan: Secure your future with a retirement pension plan featuring a generous agency contribution.
- 403(b) Retirement Savings: Pre-tax savings options to further build your nest egg.
- Student Loan Forgiveness: As a 501(c)(3) non-profit agency, employment here qualifies eligible staff for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program.
- Expense Reimbursements: Travel and mileage reimbursements for any role-related transit.
Health & Well-being
- Comprehensive Health Insurance: Choice of robust Medical, Dental, and Vision plans to fit your needs.
- Well-being Reimbursement: A $600 annual benefit dedicated to supporting your personal wellness journey.
- Work-Life Balance: Generous Combined Leave Time (CLT) plus paid holidays so you can rest and recharge.
- Life Insurance: Fully employer-paid, automatic life insurance coverage at no cost to you.
Professional Growth & Culture
- Paid Certifications & Training: Fully covered training updates, including Therapeutic Crisis Intervention (TCI) and CPR/AED/First Aid.
- Tuition Assistance: Financial support for continuing education and tuition reimbursement opportunities.
- Career Advancement: Clear pathways for professional development and internal career growth.
- Our Culture: Enjoy the comfort of a welcoming, business-casual work environment rooted in our core values of Mindfulness, Relevance, Respect, and Solidarity.
**Please note: To qualify for specific benefits, certain terms and conditions may apply.