Part-Time Language Arts Learning Specialist

Position Description:

The Learning Specialist is a part-time employee managing a caseload of approximately 15 students and reports to the Director of Student Services. This staff person works closely with the Leadership Team and the 5th and 6th grade faculty. 

The Learning Specialist supports early middle school students with developing literacy skills; provides primarily push-in support; individual and small group instruction as appropriate; follows an MTSS framework; and serves as a resource for staff and families alike. 

 Duties and Responsibilities 

• Provide one-on-one and small-group support/instruction for students, both in push-in and pull-out environments. 
• Recognize signs of learning challenges and identify students in need of intervention.
• Assist classroom teachers in the differentiation of instruction to ensure effective delivery of content to a variety of learners. Regularly meet with classroom teachers for this collaboration and planning.
• Support the development of Learning Plans, with measurable goals and objectives. 
• Regularly collect data to accurately monitor, assess, and report student achievement and progress.
• Guest teaches in the Learning Lab, if necessary, to provide individualized instruction to students that require the highest level of intervention. 
• Attend Parent-Teacher Conferences to discuss pupil progress with parents, for students on caseload and to collaboratively present, with classroom teachers, on students supported in the general classroom.
• Meet with individual parents, as necessary, to discuss the progress of their children. 
• Oversee and ensure the implementation of classroom accommodations, as the caseload manager. 
• Support teaching staff by offering resources, assistance, advice, and training to enable faculty to better meet the needs of all learners. 
• Assume an active leadership role in Student Problem Solving and Planning (SPSP) meetings. 
• Coordinate with outside specialists when necessary, regarding Psychoeducational evaluations, and collaborate with tutors. Read and summarize all Psychoeducational evaluations. 
• Plan and coordinate services with other part-time Language Arts Learning Specialist.
• Perform other duties as determined by the Director of Student Services. 

Minimum Qualifications 

• Bachelor’s degree in Special Education or related field. Master’s degree in Special Education preferred. 
• At least three years of experience, as a Learning Specialist, or in a related role such as Resource Room Teacher.
• Independent school experience preferred. 
• Familiarity with legal responsibilities of independent schools related to IEPs, Nonpublic Service Plans, and 504 plans. 
• Preferred knowledge of The Science of Reading, Qualitative Reading Inventory (QRI), Orton Gillingham, etc.
• Ability to effectively collaborate with faculty, staff, leadership, and parents. 
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail required. 
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing. 
• Positive attitude, flexible approach, team-centered, and strong values needed.