Educational Support Specialist

EDUCATIONAL SUPPORT SPECIALIST

Overview

To provide academic and behavioral support to students and teachers in Grades 1–4, working collaboratively with classroom teachers and the Educational Support Group (ESG) to develop, support and implement individualized Service and Accommodation Plans, facilitate small-group social skills programming, and serve as a supportive partner with families.

Hours on Campus: 15-20 hours per week; schedule to be determined in collaboration with the Executive Director and class teachers.

Required Qualifications

• Experience supporting or teaching children with service/accommodation plans in an elementary school setting


• Demonstrated interest and ability in supporting students both academically and behaviorally


• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to speak with families in a warm, accessible way
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Educational background or experience in Special Education, School Counseling, or Applied Behavior Analysis


• Experience with creating and implementing Service and Accommodation Plans


• Experience facilitating social skills groups, Lunch Bunch programs, or similar peer support activities


• Preference will be given to candidates who have completed, or are actively pursuing, Waldorf Teacher Training for Grades 1–8

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with the class teacher and ESG to develop, support, implement, and monitor Service and Accommodation Plans for individual students


• Provide direct academic and behavioral support to students in Grades 1–4, working both within classrooms and in a dedicated support space, on a schedule developed together with the class teachers and ESG


• Plan and facilitate small-group social skills sessions and Lunch Bunch programs to support positive peer dynamics among students with behavioral or social challenges


• Collect and maintain clear behavioral and academic data to evaluate the effectiveness of interventions and adjust support strategies as needed


• Attend parent conferences and meetings as requested by the class teacher to present and discuss student support plans


• Serve as a member of the Educational Support Group (ESG) and attend committee meetings


• Recess Duties as assigned


• Participate in all-faculty professional days, grade school and full faculty meetings as needed, and August and June work days
  


• Fulfill all mandatory staff training requirements


• Commit to ongoing professional development by attending lectures, workshops, and conferences that deepen one’s understanding of child development and Waldorf pedagogy
  


• Participate in peer review and self-evaluations as outlined in the appointment letter
  

Time Commitment

This is a part-time, salaried position beginning at 15-20 hours per week. It follows the established school calendar. Hours may be adjusted over time in response to student and school needs.

Supervision and Evaluation

Conducted as outlined in the Staff Development Guidelines.

Hiring

Hiring is completed through the Teacher Search Committee and approved by the College of Teachers, as outlined in the Teacher Search Guidelines for hiring.

Housatonic Valley Waldorf School is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based on religion, national origin, color, race, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, or physical disability in our programs and activities or in our hiring, admissions, financial aid, or scholarship practices and policies.