Employment

The Siena School in Silver Spring, Maryland, is seeking a full-time elementary teacher (grades 4-5) who is passionate about teaching and our mission of serving bright children with dyslexia and similar language-based learning differences. The position is for the 2022-23 school year. We are looking for a highly collaborative teacher committed to designing and adapting instruction to meet a range of student learning needs and interests. Siena relies heavily on multisensory and differentiated instruction.

The Siena School is one of the nation’s leading independent schools serving bright, college-bound students with mild to moderate language-based learning differences, such as dyslexia (www.thesienaschool.org). In response to ongoing enrollment growth and significant parent and professional interest, Siena opened a second campus in Northern Virginia, just outside Washington, DC, for grades 3-8 and will add grades through high school in the future.

At The Siena School, teachers encourage students' creative expression, incorporate student interest and passions, and develop critical thinking by creating a vibrant, student-centered environment that supports the learning and personal growth of each student. Siena faculty and staff work collaboratively with students, parents, and professionals to create a nurturing but rigorous learning environment. We know our children well and engage them on a daily basis in exciting, intellectual dialogue. Through individualized, multisensory instruction, students develop critical thinking skills and acquire the tools and strategies needed to become successful and independent learners. A positive learning experience inspires our students to have confidence in themselves and their abilities.

Siena teachers work with students in small classes of 10:1 and address individual needs through both small-group and individualized instruction. They are skillful in establishing a strong relationship with students and creating learning opportunities that motivate and inspire students to develop all aspects of their learning needs.

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter and resume to jobs@thesienaschool.org. No phone inquiries, please.

Responsibilities include:

• Teaching in-person at the school and via Zoom in synchronous and asynchronous models if needed
• Sharing teaching responsibilities with other teachers in the classroom
• Advising students and working with students, parents, and other teachers to fully develop a picture of students’ strengths and learning needs  
• Creating lesson plans and adapting curriculum to teach Language Arts, math, social studies, and science
• Regular and consistent communication with students, parents, and colleagues

Qualifications:

• Master's/advanced degree (preferred) and 2-5 years of classroom experience (preferred), or Bachelor's degree with a strong academic track record and demonstrated career interest in education.
• Strong language skills and a desire to make a difference for students whose intellect is ahead of their literacy skills.
• Promoting joyful student engagement and a commitment to the education of students with dyslexia and language-based learning differences are essential.
• Comfort level with elementary-age children, student-advocacy practices, and inquiry-based instruction.
• Training or classroom experience with elementary grades, differentiation, and/or students with learning differences/dyslexia.
• Training in multisensory, structured language approaches is desirable (but not required) since Siena has targeted and ongoing professional development in reading instruction/learning differences.
• Candidates from diverse backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply. Citizenship, residency, or work Visa in the United States is required.

The position includes a competitive salary, commensurate with experience, and benefits package including but not limited to: health, dental, and vision insurance, retirement plan, and professional development opportunities.

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification forms upon hire.

About The Siena School

The Siena School (www.thesienaschool.org) in Silver Spring, Maryland, is in its 16th year with an expanding enrollment and a second campus in Oakton, Virginia, which opened in fall of 2021. The Siena School has become a national leader in educating bright, college-bound students with mild to moderate language-based learning differences. Siena enrolls approximately 40% students of color. The school focuses on the professional development of its staff who are regularly published and have presented at national and international conferences, including the NAIS Annual Conference. Siena is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools. The Siena School is committed to equitable hiring practices, and enthusiastically encourages professionals of all backgrounds to apply.

Please note that COVID-19 vaccination is a requirement to work at The Siena School.

Roles and Responsibilities:

• Provide individual, regular tutoring sessions with students in a specific area of support  (executive function skills/organization, the writing process, reading development, math, and/or other subject specific support such as science or social studies).
• Consistent and regular parent communication regarding student’s progress.
• Collaborate with classroom teachers to tailor the tutoring experience to the individual needs of each student with focused comments on important aspects of a student’s progress, and clearly identified goals for further progress in the specific area of focus.
• Accurate record keeping, including logging hours.
• Regular feedback to the Director of Tutoring.
• Develop learning plans, implement assessments, and report student progress under the direction of the Director of Tutoring Services.

Qualifications:

All Tutors

• Bachelor's degree with a strong academic track record. 
• Advanced degree and 2-5 years of classroom experience preferred.
• Experience teaching/tutoring elementary, middle and/or high school students including students with learning differences/dyslexia; training or classroom experience working with students one-on-one or in small groups and with differentiation strategies.
• Training in multisensory, structured language education desirable. 
• Available after school, evenings and/or weekends; hours are flexible.
• Engage in professional development provided by The Siena School.
• Strong language skills and a desire to make a difference for students whose intellect is ahead of their literacy skills.
• High degree of reliability and consistency and strong organizational skills.
• Attention to detail regarding work schedule, assessment, and paperwork.
• Able to work remotely with reliable internet access and computer to provide on-line tutoring. Some tutoring positions will transition to in-person work as is deemed safe to return due to Covid-19, while other Siena tutors will continue to work virtually with students as family and schooling needs dictate.
• Strong technology skills (especially Microsoft OS, MS Office programs, Google Suite).
• Comfortable with and uses technology tools for instruction, planning, and communication. Willing to learn new uses/applications of technology tools to support individual student’s needs.
• Personable and joyful working with school-age children.

Specific to Reading Tutors

• Reading training (e.g., Orton Gillingham).
• Knowledge in the core processes, skills, and content of reading and its relationship to listening, speaking, and writing.
• Understand the reading process, particularly phonemic awareness, phonics, comprehension, decoding, strategic reading, and the application of these skills.
• Experience teaching specific elements of reading instruction in 1:1 and/or small groups.

Hourly pay dependent on experience and qualifications.

The Siena School (www.thesienaschool.org) in Silver Spring, Maryland, is in its 16th year with an expanding enrollment and now a second campus in Oakton, Virginia, which opened in Fall 2021. Siena has become a national leader in educating bright, college-bound students with mild to moderate language-based learning differences, with nearly 150 students at its Silver Spring campus (grades 4-12) and nearly 30 at its new Northern Virginia campus (grades 3-8; adding grades 9-10 in Fall 2022). Siena enrolls approximately 40% students of color. Siena focuses on the professional development of its staff who have presented at national and international conferences (including the NAIS Annual Conference) and is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools.

The Siena School is committed to equitable hiring practices and enthusiastically encourages professionals of all backgrounds to apply. In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification forms upon hire.

How to Apply/Contact

For immediate consideration, interested candidates are encouraged to submit a cover letter and resume to Ann Mullen at amullen@sienatutors.org. No phone calls please.