Parents
The Shefa School is a Jewish community day school in Manhattan serving students in grades K-8 who benefit from a specialized educational environment in order to develop their strengths while addressing their learning challenges. We specifically serve students with language-based learning disabilities who have not yet reached their potential levels of success in traditional classroom settings. Shefa is a pluralistic community school, serving families across the range of Jewish involvement and observance. At Shefa, we believe that differences are a source of strength and that we are all enriched by a diversity of perspectives.
The Shefa School is seeking a full-time Assistant Head of Early Elementary for Kindergarten-2nd grade. The Assistant Head of Early Elementary will collaborate closely with and report to the Head of Lower School to oversee the day-to-day operations of the youngest grades in the Lower School.
● Provide instructional leadership for grades K-2, ensuring high-quality, developmentally appropriate programming aligned with best practices in early childhood and language-based learning disabilities.
● Supervise and coach faculty, including lead teachers, assistant teachers, and classroom support staff, fostering a culture of collaboration, excellence, and continuous improvement.
● Provide leadership around student behavior support, ensuring proactive, developmentally appropriate approaches to behavior, emotional regulation, and social skills, and supporting staff in responding to student needs with consistency and care.
● Collaborate with curricular coaches to oversee curriculum planning and implementation across subject areas.
● Ensure consistent progress monitoring and data-informed instruction, supporting staff in using assessments and observation data to guide interventions and student support.
● Coordinate multidisciplinary collaboration among classroom teachers and related service providers (e.g., speech-language therapy, occupational therapy, social skills), ensuring cohesive support for each student.
● Lead student intake, screening, and placement processes, in partnership with the admissions team and school leadership, supporting appropriate classroom placements and smooth onboarding.
● Partner closely with families, serving as a primary point of contact with parents/guardians and leading conferences, communication, and family support initiatives.
● Manage scheduling and program operations, including classroom schedules, related services schedules, staffing coverage, and daily logistics such as arrival/dismissal and transitions.
● Build and sustain a warm, inclusive culture aligned with the school’s Jewish mission and values, including collaboratively planning developmentally appropriate holiday programming and community-building activities.
● Master’s Degree in Special Education or related field
● At least 7 years of relevant teaching experience
● Experience teaching students with language-based learning disabilities and using multisensory instruction
● Demonstrated success with supervision, coaching, mentoring, and curriculum development
● Exceptional communication skills with a demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with a wide range of individuals/groups
