Job Description

Job Summary

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 ( The ideal candidate will be passionate about teaching reading using small-group, classroom instruction, research-based strategies, a multisensory approach, and other best practices.

The Reading teacher will provide instruction to students in a structured literacy framework, utilizing Orton-Gillingham and other multisensory strategies to support students with dyslexia and other reading challenges. Strong candidates will be trained in these methods and be able to deliver evidence-based reading instruction that enhances students' phonemic awareness, decoding, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension skills. Literacy trained Speech Language Pathologists are also encouraged to apply. This is a full time, exempt position. There are also additional professional opportunities at Siena to work with students during our 4-week summer school program, coach team sports, offer an after school enrichment program, and tutor.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Planning and delivering reading instruction based on a structured literacy approach.
• Deliver structured literacy lessons using Orton-Gillingham principles to students with varying levels of literacy skills.
• Implement multisensory teaching techniques, ensuring lessons incorporate visual, auditory, and kinesthetic modalities to engage different learning styles.
• Provide small group and class instruction, tailoring lessons to meet individual student needs and providing scaffolding as necessary.
• Regularly assess students’ progress using formal and informal assessments. 
• Advising students and working with students, families, and other teachers to fully develop a picture of students’ strengths and learning needs.  
• Regularly and consistently communicate with students, families and colleagues.
• Promoting joyful student engagement and a commitment to the education of students with dyslexia are essential.
• Maintain accurate records of student performance, growth, and areas requiring additional focus.
• Create and implement personalized learning plans for students based on assessment data and individual needs.

Other Responsibilities

• Offer support and guidance to classroom teachers regarding differentiated instruction strategies for students with reading challenges.
• Stay current with educational research and best practices in reading instruction, particularly in the areas of structured literacy and multisensory teaching methods.
• Have patience, empathy, and a passion for helping students succeed in reading.
• Demonstrate commitment to valuing belonging and contributing to an inclusive working and learning environment.
• Take pride in being part of a team that collectively works to bring together diversity of backgrounds, thoughts, perspectives, and expressions.
• Other duties as assigned.

• Bachelor's degree with a strong academic track record and demonstrated career interest in education. Advanced degree and classroom experience strongly preferred.
• Orton-Gillingham or equivalent structured literacy training required.
• Proven experience teaching reading to students with learning disabilities, particularly dyslexia.
• Familiarity with other multisensory print to speech and speech to print reading programs and materials.
• Strong understanding of phonics, phonemic awareness, and language processing skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills for working with students, staff, and families.
• Ability to design and implement individualized instruction based on student data.

Physical Requirements: Moderate physical work is required for this position including frequent walking, standing, bending, kneeling, stooping, crouching and reaching. Must have the ability to lift, carry, push or pull equipment/boxes that weigh up to 10 pounds. Must be able to speak clearly and understand the speech of others.    

Candidates from diverse backgrounds are strongly encouraged 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.

About The Siena School

The Siena School has become a national leader in educating bright, college-bound students with mild to moderate language-based learning differences, such as dyslexia. With three campuses in the Washington, DC, area, Siena serves grades 3-12 and has a strong national reputation and growing enrollment. Siena's Forest Glen (grades 5-12) and Satellite (grades 3-4) campuses are in Silver Spring, MD, and Siena's Northern Virginia (grades 3-12) campus is in Oakton, VA. The school enrolls approximately 36% students of color. Siena 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.

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