Job Title: Learning Specialist, Primary Focus on MS and US

Reports to: Lead Learning Specialist

FLSA Status: Exempt, Part-Time Preferred

Job Summary:

The Learning Specialist will report to the Lead Learning Specialist and work collaboratively with students, teachers, division heads, and families to develop effective learning plans and implement effective learning strategies that promote differentiated instruction and academic improvement.

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Focus on enhancing Middle and Upper School TNS teachers’ ability to provide differentiated instruction and improve their teaching by providing professional development, resources, classroom-based demonstrations, collaborative and one-on-one support (literacy, math, science, social studies, classroom management, student behavior, etc)

• Lead the process for MS and US student evaluation, documentation, monitoring, intervention, and remediation; interface with faculty, parents, and private contractors on behalf of students who require specialized academic instruction (including advanced learners)

• Collaboratively foster a learning environment supporting the specific educational objectives, mission, and vision of the school

• Provides teachers with practical strategies to embrace neurodiversity in the classroom

• Meet frequently with teachers, division head, counselor, and parents to discuss student progress and monitor/adapt Learning Profiles at the Middle School and Upper School levels to best ensure student success

• Help define appropriate general and specialized instruction, collaborating with the faculty to help ensure instruction is of high quality

• Guide students to develop effective learning strategies that promote academic improvement

• Provide intervention to struggling students

• Educate faculty and parents on topics relevant to learning differences and nurture a network of community professionals to support The New School students and families

• Stay up to date with teaching methods and best practices by participating in professional development opportunities and professional research and reading

• Build supportive, trusting relationships with students

• Continue to develop shared beliefs based on the vision and mission of the school and align the instruction between divisions

• Deliver professional development that educates teachers in the enduring principles and latest advances in education through one-on-one support, team meetings or division meetings

• Support and assist in the school-wide goals for academics, including updating and creating horizontal/vertical curriculum alignment within the K-12 program

• Participate in Tuesday afternoon Faculty and Staff meetings

• Other duties as assigned

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills

• Excellent interpersonal skills with a proven ability to maintain professionalism and tact in high-stress situations

• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail

• Thorough understanding of pedagogy and the best practices of education

• Desire to teach and ability to adapt to individual learner needs

• Creative analytical and problem-solving skills

• Ability to use relevant technology to plan, supervise, instruct, support and differentiate instruction

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree required

• Certification in Special Education and/or Master’s Degree preferred

• At least two years of experience in Special Education, including Orton Gillingham certification

Physical Requirements with or without accommodations:

• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer or standing to teach

• Must be able to lift or move up to 40 pounds at times

• Must be able to traverse classroom and adjust one’s tone and height, by bending, leaning, stooping, kneeling, or crouching in order to teach each child

• Specific vision abilities required include close, distance, peripheral, and depth perception