Academic Teacher / Learning Support Specialist

Salary Rate: $48,397.82 - $96,526.62 – Check out the YMCA’s total compensation package !

Stipend: $3,500

Work Hours: Must be able to participate in staff meetings, parent-teacher conferences, and professional development sessions

Number of Vacancies: 1

Deadline to Apply: January 29, 2026

Be the Spark! Join our passionate YMCA Academy team and help us to achieve great things in our community!

The Academic Teacher/Learning Support Specialist provides personalized academic support to students and staff in one-on-one and small group settings, while maintaining classroom order and operating a Resource Room alongside the Special Education Advisor. The role collaborates with teachers to implement Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and differentiated instruction for an inclusive learning environment, with a focus on neurodiverse learners. Strong communication, adaptability, and a passion for education are essential for success in this dynamic role.

In this role, you will:

• Provide individualized assistance and small group support to students, offering guidance and encouragement to help them succeed academically and socially.


• Develop learner profiles and support plans outlining strategies, accommodations and instructional needs.


• Work with teachers to monitor student progress and adapt interventions throughout each reporting period.


• Help maintain a positive and respectful learning environment by implementing behaviour management strategies, developing executive functioning skills, and providing additional support or reminders to students as needed.


• Assist teachers with preparation of lesson plans, and instructional materials, where needed.


• Provide leadership and coaching for teachers in identifying and implementing differentiated teaching practices, universal design for learning (UDL), and differentiated assessment for students with special education needs.


• Collaborate with teachers to implement specialized programs or interventions for individual students or groups.


• Conduct professional development opportunities for staff to enhance skills and stay updated on best practices in education and student support.


• Commit to maintaining professional knowledge of legislation, policies and procedures, child and youth development, and best practices to effectively serve and protect children, youth, and vulnerable people.


• Teach courses determined by the Head of School based on qualifications and experience within the Middle or High School, monitor student well-being, and intervene in situations where safety or welfare may be compromised. Collaborate with school staff to address any concerns promptly.


• Maintain open and effective communication with teachers and other school personnel regarding student progress, concerns, and achievements.


• Serve as a member of the Student Success Team and help oversee students during non-classroom times, including in-between classes, lunch, and field trip excursions.


• Lead workshops or training sessions related to learning support, executive functioning, SEL integration, and inclusive classroom practices.


• Help develop systems for tracking and documenting accommodations and modifications across subjects.


• Collaborate with Student Services and Guidance to align academic, mental health, and transition support.


• Work collaboratively with teachers, administrators, and other educational assistants to create a supportive and inclusive learning environment for all students.


• Participate in staff meetings, parent-teacher conferences, and professional development sessions.


• Perform other duties as assigned.

You bring:

• Bachelor or Masters in Education and Special Education and Ontario College of Teachers certification required, or equivalent experience. 


• Member in good standing with the Ontario College of Teachers.


• Successful experience working with teachers in a mentoring capacity and in an Additional Qualifications instructional role.


• Demonstrated experience and enthusiasm for working with youth who are neurodiverse and under-performing or disengaged from their learning process.


• Experience in print and electronic media in an educational setting.


• Experience in non-traditional teaching environments with neurodiverse learners is preferred.


• Knowledge of current curricular trends, use of manipulatives, and assistive technologies.


• Well-developed interpersonal and relationship-building skills, with the ability to establish rapport and communicate effectively with students and staff.


• Excellent written communication skills.


• Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and building a sense of belonging.

What you need to succeed:

• Commitment to the YMCA’s Mission, Vision and Values


• Focus on the health, safety and wellbeing of all children, youth, and vulnerable people in YMCA programs including understanding legal and moral obligations related to reporting suspected child abuse to Child Protection Services


• YMCA Competencies: Accountable, Relationship-Builder, Improvement-Orientated, Team Player & Leader, Equity and Wellbeing Promoter

Why work for the YMCA?

The YMCA of Greater Toronto is a charity that ignites the potential in people, helping them grow, lead, and give back to their communities. We are committed to helping our employees reach their full potential and are recognized as a great place to work. We offer meaningful jobs and the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of individuals and the health of our communities. See what you can expect from the YMCA

Joining the Y means contributing to over 170 years of providing opportunities for people to shine through programs and services, such as health and fitness, licensed child care, camps, employment and immigrant services, education and training, and services for youth, families, and seniors. Learn more in our 2025–2030 strategic plan, , which outlines how we are focused on building communities where people feel healthier and more connected to their neighbours.

The YMCA of Greater Toronto is committed to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging. We strive to remove barriers to employment and recognize that diverse staff who reflect the communities we work in enrich the experiences of our participants and our team. As an equal opportunity employer, we invite applications from all qualified candidates including racialized people/people of colour, Indigenous Peoples, disabled people/people with disabilities and members of 2SLGBTQIA+ communities.

If we can make the recruitment process more accessible for you, please let us know when we reach out about a job opportunity so we can work with you to accommodate your needs.

In keeping with our commitment to safety and child protection, job offers are contingent on the successful completion of a Police Records Check. Within the first four months and every three years thereafter, a Vulnerable Police Records Check is required. Learn more about these checks here .

The YMCA only considers applicants who are legally entitled to work in Canada. We thank all applicants for their interest, however, due to the volume of applications we receive, we can only contact candidates who are selected for an interview.

Check out the next steps in our recruitment process and see what others are saying about working at the YMCA.