Academic Support Specialist

Academic Support Specialist

La Jolla Country Day School is seeking a collaborative and student-centered Academic Support Specialist to join our Learning Resource Center (LRC). The program offers one-on-one and small group remediation as well as academic support that is fully integrated with each student's academic program with a focus on advocacy. This specialist serves as an essential early point of contact for Middle and Upper School students who may not be eligible for LRC services, often because they do not have a diagnosis connecting them to those services. The ideal candidate brings expertise providing short-term Tier 2 intervention and executive functioning support, as well as a strong understanding of learning differences and a passion for inclusive education.

The LRC plays a vital role by supporting the development of neurodiverse learning profiles across all divisions. Specialists focus on leveraging each student's strengths to build areas of growth, providing targeted instruction and strategies that empower students to thrive in LJCDS's rigorous academic environment. Through individualized support, skill-building across subject areas, and close collaboration with faculty and families, the LRC ensures that all students have equitable access to learning and the opportunity to reach their full potential.

If you enjoy working closely with students, designing targeted supports that make rigorous academics more accessible, and collaborating with a community of educators who are deeply committed to inclusion and student success, we encourage you to apply. This is an opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the lives of students while contributing to a thoughtful, mission-driven program that values both innovation and compassion.

What You'll Do

• Screening & Intervention
  • Provide one-on-one and small-group instruction through both push-in and pull-out settings
  • Design and implement targeted, time-limited interventions that build executive functioning and academic skills
  • Develop and implement individualized support plans with clear goals, timelines, and exit criteria
  • Conduct academic screenings at the conclusion of an intervention period, as needed, to determine whether a student should continue receiving support or be referred for further evaluation
• Student Assessment & Progress Monitoring
  • Observe students and monitor progress throughout the intervention period
  • Use progress-monitoring data to evaluate student growth and guide decisions about continued intervention, release from services, or referral for additional evaluation
• Family Engagement & Communication
  • Maintain regular communication with families regarding student progress, instructional strategies, and recommendations
  • Guide parents/guardians in understanding academic supports and student progress
  • Participate in Parent-Teacher Conferences and Student-Led Conferences, as needed
• Collaboration & Program Integration
  • Partner with classroom teachers, administrators, and coaches to coordinate student support
  • Collaborate with learning specialists to ensure smooth transitions for students requiring formal, diagnosis-based services

Who You Are

• Student-Centered Educator: You are passionate about helping Middle and Upper School students navigate short-term academic challenges and build lasting self-advocacy skills.
• Content-Skilled Specialist: You bring experience and confidence supporting adolescent students, with particular strength in executive functioning and data-driven academic screening.
• Collaborative Professional: You work effectively within a multidisciplinary team and value strong partnerships with colleagues and families.
• Skilled Communicator: You listen with empathy, communicate clearly, and build trust with students, parents, and peers.
• Organized and Analytical: You manage multiple responsibilities, use data thoughtfully, and approach challenges with strong problem-solving skills.
• Growth-Oriented: You demonstrate a growth mindset, adaptability, and a commitment to ongoing professional development.
• Community-Minded: You contribute to a culture of belonging, respect diversity, and uphold the values of integrity and inclusion.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required; Master's degree preferred
• Minimum of 3+ years of experience as a special education teacher, learning specialist, or related role
• Experience working with students in grades 5-12 required
• Ability to conduct academic screening and provide short-term, time-limited academic and executive functioning support
• Ability to provide effective instruction in both classroom and individualized settings
• Excellent communication, organizational, and time-management skills
• Ability to work independently while managing a dynamic, rotating caseload
• Proficiency with Google Workspace and student data systems

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

• Full-time, in-person, campus-based role
• Work performed in classroom and office environments with typical interruptions and varying noise levels
• Requires sitting, standing, walking, and movement across campus throughout the day
• Ability to lift up to 25 lbs and work at a computer for extended periods
• Ability to bend, reach, and move independently around campus
• Physical presence on campus is required to perform essential duties

Salary Range

$65,000-$120,000 annualized. The salary offer to a successful candidate will depend on factors including experience, education, training, and relevant skills.

To be considered, please submit:

• A current resume
• A cover letter expressing your interest in joining the LJCDS community and relevant experience

We value authenticity in the application process and ask candidates to refrain from using AI tools to generate their application materials.