McKinna Learning Academy is a small, progressive independent school dedicated to helping neurodiverse students discover their strengths, build confidence, and experience meaningful academic success. We work with students who learn differently, including children with dyslexia, dysgraphia, ADHD, autism, and other learning differences.
Our approach is highly individualized. We believe children learn best when they feel understood, respected, and genuinely supported. Our classrooms are intentionally small, our instruction is differentiated, and our educators build strong relationships with students while maintaining high academic expectations.
The Position
We are seeking a warm, enthusiastic, and experienced Reading Specialist to provide individualized reading instruction to students approximately ages 7–13.
This is a 1:1 instructional position working primarily with students who have dyslexia, dysgraphia, ADHD, and other learning differences. The ideal candidate understands that students may have significant academic strengths alongside areas of challenge and knows how to build on those strengths while providing targeted support.
The position is ideal for an experienced educator, reading specialist, tutor, or graduate student pursuing a degree in education or a related field who is passionate about working with neurodiverse learners.
Schedule
- Monday–Thursday mornings
- Approximately 4–8 hours per week
- Hours can be scheduled within the morning school day
- Part-time position with the potential for additional hours based on school needs and candidate availability
Responsibilities
- Provide individualized, 1:1 reading instruction and intervention
- Support students in developing reading fluency, accuracy, comprehension, vocabulary, and confidence
- Adapt instruction to meet individual learning profiles and needs
- Work with students with dyslexia, dysgraphia, ADHD, and other learning differences
- Follow provided curriculum and instructional materials, as appropriate
- Develop engaging, multisensory, and differentiated learning experiences
- Monitor student progress and communicate observations with the classroom team
- Maintain a positive, encouraging, and supportive learning environment
- Collaborate with teachers and school leadership to ensure consistency in student support
- Help students develop self-confidence, independence, and positive attitudes toward learning
Qualifications
Required:
- Bachelor's degree or higher in education, reading, psychology, special education, or a related field
- Experience working with children ages 7–13
- Experience working with students who have learning differences
- Strong understanding of reading development and effective reading instruction
- Warm, patient, positive, and encouraging approach
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Ability to build trusting relationships with students
- Dependable, professional, and able to work independently
Graduate students currently enrolled in a teacher preparation, reading specialist, special education, or related graduate program are welcome to apply.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience working specifically with students with dyslexia or dysgraphia
- Training or experience in structured literacy, Orton-Gillingham, Wilson, Lindamood-Bell, or other evidence-based reading interventions
- Special education or reading intervention experience
- Experience providing 1:1 academic instruction
- Understanding of neurodiversity and strength-based educational practices
The Ideal Candidate
We are looking for someone who brings more than academic expertise. The right person will have a warm heart, positive mindset, patience, curiosity, and genuine enjoyment of children.
Our students often have a history of struggling in traditional academic environments. We want an educator who can help them feel capable and successful while gently challenging them to grow.
You should be someone who:
- Sees the child before the diagnosis or learning difference
- Celebrates small victories and recognizes meaningful progress
- Can make learning engaging and enjoyable
- Is patient and flexible when a student needs a different approach
- Believes that every child can learn
- Understands the importance of relationship and trust in teaching
- Enjoys working in a small, collaborative school environment
What We Offer
- A meaningful opportunity to work closely with neurodiverse students
- Small-school environment with individualized instruction
- Supportive and collaborative educational team
- Curriculum and instructional materials provided, when appropriate
- Opportunity to develop your skills working with diverse learning profiles
- Flexible part-time morning schedule
- The opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the academic confidence and lives of children
Pay: $50.00 - $75.00 per hour
Work Location: In person
