<p>Shady Side Academy Junior School is seeking a Learning Specialist for the 2025-26 school year. The Learning Specialist is a member of a three-colleague Junior School Learning Support team that works with teachers and families to support all students, particularly those who benefit from additional support and/or enrichment. The learning specialist will work closely with the other learning specialists, counselor, teachers, and administration to create a learning environment that is advantageous for all learners.</p> <p>Primary Responsibilities</p> <ul> <li>Advocate for students, particularly those with documented learning differences and/or those in need of academic enrichment </li><li>Provide academic support and enrichment services to students in one-on-one, small group, or in-class format to best meet the needs of an academically diverse student body </li><li>Be knowledgeable of various research validated approaches to delivering academic accommodations to students- including, but not limited to the Orton Gillingham approach to teaching reading and/or the Wilson Intervention Program, and Number Worlds </li><li>Knowledge of the Fountas and Pinnell Classroom, Simplify Writing, and the Singapore Math/Math in Focus curricula is preferred but not required </li><li>Use quantitative and qualitative data and collaborate with teachers to monitor student progress. Gathering such data would include but is not limited to monitoring math assessment data, conducting Fountas and Pinnell reading assessments, and conducting student observations </li><li>Provide consistent follow-up with parents, teachers, and students </li><li>Read and analyze neuropsychological, psycho-educational, and other student evaluation reports (including such disciplines as speech, occupational therapy, etc.) </li><li>Design and coordinate the implementation of student learning support accommodation plans </li><li>Lead grade level and specialist team meetings to ensure all student needs are being met through intra-grade curricular consistency and inter-grade curricular alignment </li><li>In partnership with the Junior School learning support team and the administration, plan and lead professional development opportunities for faculty and learning opportunities for families and students as needed </li><li>Facilitate positive, productive partnership and communication between students, families, and the school </li><li>Communicate with teachers, parents, outside providers, and administrators regarding a student's learning needs and how best to meet those needs inside and outside of school </li><li>Serve as the liaison between outside providers and the Junior School </li><li>Coordinate and manage files and/or paperwork in relation to students with learning differences </li><li>Educate and collaborate with faculty to ensure comprehensive support to students with documented learning differences and/or those in need of enrichment </li><li>Collaborate and communicate with the other learning specialists across the four Shady Side Academy divisions to ensure a continuum of care for all students with learning differences as they advance throughout the Academy </li><li>Other duties as assigned by the Head of Lower School or the Assistant Head </li></ul> <p>Qualifications</p> <p>Requirements</p> <p>A bachelor's degree is required and a master's degree in special education and/or a reading specialist certification is strongly preferred. Ideal candidates will have at least three to five years of school experience, an understanding of differentiated instruction, a flexible and team-oriented approach, excellent written and oral communication skills, exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail, superior interpersonal skills, a sense of humor, and a commitment to confidentiality. Successful completion of state-mandated clearances is required.</p> <p>Compensation</p> <p>Salary is competitive with area independent schools and commensurate with experience. Excellent health and retirement benefits are part of the employment package. Funding exists to support continuing education and professional development. Financial benefits include tuition remission for children of full-time employees, discounts on summer programs, and after-school programs.</p>