Learning Specialist, Grades 6-8

Position Overview The Division 6-8 Learning Specialist works closely with teachers, parents and administrators to support students. The Learning Specialist provides targeted instruction, building essential academic skills in reading, writing and math as well as developing executive functioning skills, to students in a small classroom setting. The Learning Specialist collaborates with and assists teachers in implementing effective research-based strategies, differentiated instruction, and implementation of accommodations. The Learning Specialist reviews student assessment results and assists in interpreting and disseminating data to classroom teachers. The Learning Specialist reports to the Division Head, is supervised by the Director Academic Support, and is an integral member of the Student Support Team. Responsibilities Leads students to develop effective and lifelong learning strategies. Leads Learning Lab classes to build students’ executive function skills including time management, organization, planning and prioritizing, study skills, goal-setting, metacognition, self-regulation and test-taking skills. Provides classroom push-in or pull-out instruction to support teachers in meeting diverse learning needs. Partners with classroom teachers to implement strategies and modifications to best meet the diverse learning needs. Assists in developing curriculum modifications. Monitors student progress and develops support plans. Builds supportive, trusting relationships with students and families. Provides resources to parents and teachers to support students with learning differences. Works in partnership with parents, faculty and administration to interpret and implement accommodations as recommended in psychological and educational testing reports. Maintains clear and ongoing professional communication with parents and students. Assists in the administration of STAR Reading and various assessments. Serves as a Faculty Advisor for a group of 8-15 students by implementing the Advisory Curriculum and forming and nurturing strong relationships with students and parents. Engages with students outside the classroom through designated office hours, extracurricular activities, clubs, and school-wide programming. Pursues ongoing professional development. Other duties as assigned. Qualifications Strong sense of commitment to the Milken Community School Mission. Master’s Degree in Special Education, Educational Therapy or a closely related field, with a minimum of five years classroom teaching experience. Highly knowledgeable of child development with an expertise in needs unique to middle school-age students. Possess genuine commitment to working with and understanding middle school-age students. Highly knowledgeable in best practices of curriculum development, instruction, differentiation and assessment. Highly knowledgeable in literacy and academic instruction, executive function skills, and classroom management strategies. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Inspires collaboration among colleagues and is inclusive. Organized, flexible, able to contend with complexity and nuance. Proficient with educational technology platforms. Able to provide leadership and expertise in interpreting and disseminating data and psycho-educational assessment results. Effective in communicating with parents, administration, faculty, outside service providers, and the extended educational community. Efficient with time management, organizational skills, and meeting deadlines. Is professional, timely, and compassionate in responding to all constituents. Committed to professional development in all areas related to learning, curriculum and leadership. Standard On-Campus Hours Start: M - F by 7:45 AM. End: M - Th 3:30 PM, F 2:30 PM. Salary $75,000 - $90,000. #J-18808-Ljbffr