The Director of Learning Support provides strategic leadership for all aspects of learning support at The Packer Collegiate Institute, ensuring the academic success and well-being of every student, including those with the most complex learning needs. Serving as both department head and instructional leader, the Director oversees K–12 learning support services and partners closely with school leadership to advance inclusive teaching and learning practices across all divisions. This role reports to the Head of Health and Student Services, and the Learning Support team will meet regularly with the Mental Health team.

Packer’s comprehensive commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion requires all faculty and administrators to engage thoughtfully and actively in this work. We strongly encourage applications from candidates with broad and diverse backgrounds.

Anticipated Start Date: July 1, 2026

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

Leadership & Vision

• Serve as the public face of Learning Support, clearly communicating the department’s philosophy, vision, programs, challenges, and measures of success to faculty, administrators, students, families, and external partners.

• Partner with the Head of Health and Student Services to articulate and implement a PK–12 vision for inclusive teaching and learning.

• Represent the department in school-wide decision-making and strategic initiatives, attending Program Leadership, Department Head, and Academic Council meetings.

Program Oversight & Instructional Leadership

• Oversee and supervise PreK–12 learning support services across Pre/Lower, Middle, and Upper Schools, including direct supervision of eight learning specialists (7.5 FTE’s) and two instructional coaches.

• Establish and monitor entry and exit criteria, track student progress, and develop and implement instructional plans for students with learning differences.

• Oversee the implementation of student accommodations in all divisions and support families in applying for testing accommodations for college entrance exams.

• Coordinate student testing and psychological services in collaboration with internal and external providers.

Collaboration & Communication

• Facilitate strong horizontal and vertical communication among Division Heads, deans, faculty, and families.

• Ensure smooth transitions and continuity of support for students moving from Lower to Middle School and Middle to Upper School.

• Serve as a resource and instructional model for faculty and administrators in best practices for supporting diverse learners.

• Coordinate with math, language, and other student supports to ensure consistency and best support practices.

Personnel, Budget, & Departmental Management

• Assume primary responsibility for the hiring, supervision, evaluation, and professional growth of all learning specialists (PreK–12).

• Plan and lead department meetings that articulate a shared vision and establish measurable annual goals.

• Develop and manage the departmental budget in collaboration with the three Division Heads, including funds for materials, professional development, conferences, speakers, and programs.

• Acquaint and onboard new faculty with departmental practices and procedures.

Professional Growth & Innovation

• Stay current with research and advancements in special education, differentiated instruction, and inclusive instructional practices, and initiate innovative systems and structures as appropriate.

Additional Responsibilities

• Perform other duties as assigned by the Head of School.

Requirements

• NYS certification in Special Education required.

• Minimum of five years’ experience working with students with varied learning differences.

• Demonstrate an ability to build trust and collaborate effectively with students, families, and colleagues.

• Demonstrate a commitment to equitable and culturally responsive teaching practices and program development 

• Demonstrate excellent oral and written communication, organizational, and project management skills in order to manage and coordinate a range of complex projects

• Proven success as a leader in program development and evaluation

• Experience supervising and managing students and adults

Reasonable Accommodations: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable Accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Packer's values and vision of educational excellence include embracing diversity, fostering community, nurturing a sense of belonging, and ensuring all learners are valued and challenged. We actively embrace the diversity of New York City and seek employees who share Packer’s values of equity, inclusion, and belonging, and who wish to learn from the experiences and perspectives of others. We strongly encourage applications from candidates whose backgrounds and perspectives may be underrepresented.

The Packer Collegiate Institute does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national and ethnic origin, ancestry, age, marital status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law. This policy applies to, but is not limited to, educational policies, admission, financial aid, hiring and employment practices, use of school facilities, athletics, and other school-administered programs.

Salaries are determined based on a scale reflecting years of experience and level of education.