The Gaynor Experience

Why Join the Gaynor Community?

At Gaynor, our teachers and specialists identify and create individualized learning programs for our students, all of whom have language-based learning differences. Our faculty and staff support students as they move along on their journey of learning and development.


We are dedicated to our mission and deliver with fervor the Stephen Gaynor School Difference: Unlocking Each Student’s Potential. We value our fun and collaborative learning environment, where our employees are encouraged to bring their own story. The joy of learning is fostered among our students and faculty.

Our Mission and Values

Personal Growth and Development

The Gaynor difference starts with setting a foundation of development that will ensure our teachers’ success in the classroom. Our classroom instructors are dynamic, creative, and adjust with ease to create individualized and innovative learning for each student. We contribute to the foundational success of our faculty, who have the unique opportunity to continue learning while at Gaynor. Faculty Development is provided on-site through speaking engagements with guest expert educators or attending enriching workshops.

  • Other Professional Development:
    • Summer Teacher Training Institute is attended by all faculty at the start of each school year. A program of development opportunities led by both our in-house experts and external providers. This training reinforces the Stephen Gaynor School philosophy, culture, and approach.
    • Our Orton-Gillingham Training Program is officially accredited by the Academy of Orton-Gillingham Practitioners and Educators. Gaynor is one of only two schools in the New York metropolitan area to be so certified.
    • Our Senior Educator Program which was launched in 2019 offers an opportunity for experienced teachers to receive training to help them continue at the highest level in their field and mentor new faculty members. 
    • Ongoing Coaching Support is provided to Head Teachers and Assistant Teachers through our experienced group of specialists including Reading, Writing and Math 
    • To support and encourage development we also provide financial support for faculty seeking to complete a Master’s Degree, including partial tuition reimbursement and salary increases upon graduation.
    • We also support staff development on our administrative side through workshops and external development opportunities, all facilitated via our Professional Development Portal.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging

Stephen Gaynor School is dedicated to promoting and advocating for diversity, equity, and inclusion within our school community. We recognize, value, and celebrate many types of diversity including neurodiversity, ethnicity, race, socioeconomic status, ability, religion, sexual orientation, family composition, language, and gender identity/expression.

Affinity Groups

As our mission states, Stephen Gaynor School is dedicated to building an inclusive community where everyone has a sense of belonging. Our employee affinity group program is one example of how we are working towards that intention. An affinity group/space is a group of people linked by a common bond. This common bond is something they identify with and can speak about from the “I” perspective. Affinity groups provide a safe and supportive space for those in historically marginalized communities to gather and share their experience. Currently, there are three affinity groups for employees: BIPOC, LGBTQIA+ and Jewish. 

Employee Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee (EDEIC)

The EDEIC is an opportunity for all employees to meet regularly and discuss the school’s diversity initiatives. As a generative body, EDEIC supports the Director of DEI in brainstorming, troubleshooting, processing and problem-solving efforts. In addition, EDEIC members engage in regular community-building activities and take on leadership roles within the school. 

Professional Development

As mentioned previously, Gaynor has a robust professional development program. Employees are encouraged to further their education on DEI-related themes by attending conferences, workshops and speakers. 

Benefits at a Glance