Middle School Learning Specialist

General Summary:

Under the supervision of the Middle School Head, the Middle School Learning Specialist engages in all facets of academic support, serving as a resource for students, faculty and families. This position helps sustain a dynamic, student-focused and socially and emotionally responsive learning environment, collaborating both within and outside of the school to help students develop effective learning strategies that promote academic improvement. This person also oversees and reports to administration on student transitions from 4th to 5th grade and is responsible for supporting the 5th and 6th grade math curriculum.

Essential Duties:

• Provides one-on-one support for students in developing effective coping strategies for managing academic challenges;
• Supports students and faculty with organization and executive functioning;
• Collaborates with other faculty, parents and administration to review accommodations and student goals;
• Develops, implements, and oversees support plans and evidence-based interventions for students;
• Helps coordinate professional development opportunities for teachers focused on supporting students in the classroom;
• Teaches as needed;
• Organizes and oversees the after-school math support program;
• Works with 5th and 6th Grade Math teachers;
• Serves within the learning support team, facilitating and meeting regularly with team members;
• Develops and maintains communication and documentation related to academic support;
• Supports faculty by offering resources, assistance, advice and training to enable faculty to better meet the needs of all students;
• Supports the implementation of accommodations and interventions;
• Gathers and tracks data on students requiring support, provides regular reports to administration;
• Provides one-on-one and small-group support/instruction for students, both in push-in and pull-out environments;
• Works with Division Heads and Department Chairs;
• Attends support meetings with Psychology Department;
• Makes regular observations and reports on student progress and achievement;
• Coordinates information shared between the School and outside specialists;
• Consults with tutors and evaluators in creating dynamic, individual academic support plans that target the student's specific learning needs;
• Attends parent-teacher conferences to discuss student progress and identify action plans;
• Performs related duties as assigned.

Education and Experience:

A Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in education or related field required. Master's degree or higher preferred. Must possess a minimum of two years of experience as a learning specialist or related role.

Special Requirements:

Must be able to complete a background check

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Ability and willingness to participate fully in a dynamic day school located in New York City;
• Full understanding of differentiated instructional strategies across the curriculum;
• Excellent communication skills, both orally and in writing;
• Strong knowledge of literacy and math support and enrichment programs;
• Ability to collaborate with faculty, staff, administration and parents;
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail;
• Positive attitude, flexible approach and a passion for learning;
• Ability to follow all policies and procedures of the School as written in the employee and parent handbooks.