Learning Specialist

Riverbend School

Job Description

Position: Learning Specialist

Reports to: Children’s House Director

Classification: Full Time exempt

Supervises: NA

Scope of work: Responsible for learning support needs as identified by Head of School

Experience Requirements:

• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and writing


• Ability to use learning support materials, and understanding of curriculum


• Clear CORI and MA fingerprinting


• Must be comfortable working in a culturally diverse environment and committed to embracing differences  and valuing multiple perspectives

Education/Certification Requirements:

• Bachelor’s Degree


• Montessori certification preferred


• Special Education degree or experience preferred


• Phonics training preferred

General Responsibilities: 

• Work with classroom teachers to identify and support students who may be struggling academically or behaviorally


• Lead pull-out groups and provide pull-out services when needed


• Design and prepare learning support plans for individual students in the Toddler and Primary programs


• IEP or 504 support for individual students


• Service coordination with outside service providers

Specific Responsibilities:

Educational Program and Student Service

• Provide academic support to students through co-teaching, one on one and small group instruction 


• Work collaboratively with teachers to identify students in need of support and help differentiate instruction 


• Coordinate with outside service providers to provide in school support 


• Work with families who are receiving outside support and communicate services to teachers


• Read and analyze psychoeducational evaluations, and act as a liaison between the teachers, families and outside providers


• Work in partnership with the Upper School and Children’s House Directors to ensure students, teachers and families are supported


• Meet regularly with Children’s House Director and Children’s House Learning Specialist, working collaboratively to create and share curriculum related to Social Emotional Learning, Language, and any other identified areas that need more attention


• Demonstrate competency with Montessori philosophy and methods


• Maintain a safe, calm, engaging environment for students 


• Set clear expectations for academic responsibilities and class routines


• Help teachers and/or students with any work plan or classroom differentiation necessary for their success


• Give lessons to individual students, and in small groups as instructed


• Give input on curriculum planning and implementation


• Regular classroom observations of whole class and individual students to observe and consult on behavior management strategies


• Recognize when students are not progressing as expected and communicate this to teachers/administration for collaboration and follow-up


• Follow recommendations for students with an IEP, 504 or neuropsych evaluation and insure that they have the supports in place to be successful


• Support students with individual behavioral plans


• Train and supervise children regarding emergency practices such as fire drills

Constituent Relations

• Build productive relationships with parents through parent education events, Parent/Teacher conferences (twice a year), additional parent meetings if concerns arise, and parent volunteer opportunities in the classroom.

• Build collaborative relationships with other faculty and administrative staff

• Build positive relations with community organizations (Wellesley Speech and OT, etc.) to support specific classroom curriculum and service learning

Administration 

• Provide input on written progress reports for each child (twice yearly) regarding academic, organizational, developmental and social growth.  


• Maintain daily attendance in Renweb


• Work collaboratively with administration to address concerns regarding  students, parents and staff


• Report all accidents/ incidents to administration and complete accident forms as needed


• Attend staff meetings, including but not limited to student support, level, divisional and teaching team meetings, workshops, and professional development


• Attend weekly level and faculty meetings if requested


• Perform duties related to the arrival/dismissal of school at Children’s House

School Culture

• Demonstrate a strong commitment to professional ethics


• Demonstrate an understanding of and commitment to Montessori Education by modeling the Montessori values of grace and courtesy, respect and responsibility in visible daily actions


• Demonstrate commitment to competent communications and conflict resolution efforts across the school community


• Protect the privacy and confidentiality of each student and colleague


• Consistently give input on teacher leadership

Other

• Take on other duties as assigned

It is expected that all staff will function as self-directed members in a team effort.  All activities and performances should meet appropriate professional standards and adhere to the philosophy and mission of the Riverbend School.