Learning Specialist, Horizons NYC at LaGuardia Community College

Organization Overview

Horizons NYC at LaGuardia Community College (LAGCC) is an affiliate program of Horizons New York City. Both the program and Horizons NYC are a part of the larger Horizons National (HN) network of out-of-school-time programs that provide high-quality, tuition-free summer learning for under-served students. Horizons programs focus on mitigating summer learning loss and expanding access to equitable education experiences. At Horizons, students build both academic and social-emotional skills, ultimately discovering the joys of learning in a supportive, community-centered environment. As a part of this growing network, Horizons NYC at LAGCC partners with local families, educators, and community stakeholders to ensure students have the tools and opportunities to thrive in school and in life.

Role Description

The Learning Specialist plays a critical role in ensuring that all Horizons students experience meaningful academic growth during the summer. This position supports teachers in curriculum development, provides instructional coaching throughout the season, coordinates and administers academic assessments (including the annual STAR test), and works directly with small groups of students who would benefit from targeted support. The Learning Specialist collaborates closely with the Program Director, teachers, and Horizons NYC staff to maintain academic excellence and alignment with Horizons’ Quality Band Indicators (QBIs).

This position is an integral part of the Horizons NYC at LAGCC leadership team and is intended to grow alongside the program as it expands by one Pre-Kindergarten cohort each year. The Learning Specialist will contribute to creating a dynamic, inclusive learning environment that reflects the broader mission of Horizons while helping strengthen instructional quality and student outcomes. The role offers opportunities for professional growth through the broader Horizons National network, which provides access to resources such as strategic guidance, peer learning, and professional development.

Horizons NYC at LAGCC launched in 2025 with one Pre-Kindergarten and one Kindergarten class of 15 students, and will add a Pre-K class each year. In 2026, the program will serve Pre-K, Kindergarten, and 1st grade students. This is a summer position that is considered full-time (35-40 hours per week) from June through August during the summer program.

Responsibilities

Instructional Leadership

• Support teachers in developing and refining lesson plans aligned with Horizons’ goals and best practices
• Provide feedback, coaching, and check-ins to teachers throughout the summer to ensure high-quality instruction
• Analyze STAR test results to identify students in need of academic intervention and collaborate with teachers to develop small-group strategies

Student Support & Assessment

• Plan and lead small-group or one-on-one instruction to support literacy and math development
• Coordinate and administer the STAR assessment and ensure data is reported accurately and on time
• Use assessment results to inform instruction and measure student growth
• Maintain student learning profiles and communicate progress to teachers, Program Director, and other relevant leadership

Collaboration & Planning

• Participate in pre-summer planning meetings and teacher orientation
• Provide guidance on curriculum materials, pacing, and differentiation strategies
• Collaborate with the Program Director to ensure instructional alignment with Horizons’ standards
• Support family engagement by sharing insights on academic progress and learning goals, as appropriate

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Education or a related field (Master’s degree preferred)
• At least 3 years of teaching or instructional coaching experience, preferably in elementary education
• Experience with data-informed instruction and administering academic assessments
• Strong collaboration, communication, and organizational skills
• Commitment to culturally responsive teaching and equitable learning opportunities