Learning Specialist at Worcester Academy – Worcester, Massachusetts

The Center for Learning supports students with neuropsychological evaluations in the Middle & Upper School divisions of Worcester Academy. It provides the implementation of effective strategies to support students with executive functioning and study skills as well as problem-solving, time management and self-advocacy. The CFL is seeking a Learning Specialist who will work with students to address their learning needs, including limited content support in Math when necessary.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND KEY OBJECTIVES

• Provide academic support one-to-one for students with documented learning disabilities in grades 6 through post-graduate.
• Collaborate with the Director of CFL and classroom teachers to develop plans to implement recommendations identified in students’ neuropsychological evaluations.
• Manage appropriate school-based accommodations.
• Provide information to help teachers understand learning issues.
• Work with students, their teachers, and their families to develop support plans for both school and at home.
• Teach students strategies for executive functioning skills, writing, reading comprehension, active reading strategies, and technologies that support the reading and writing process. Provide support in problem-solving, calculation, and other math-related strategies when necessary.
• Collaboration with the Director in writing educational profiles based on neuropsychological evaluations.
• Work with CFL team to develop and deliver professional development both within the Worcester Academy community and outside of the school.
• Members of the CFL are faculty members and will serve as advisors, support our co-curriculars and earn at least 4 activities points, and serve on rotating weekend duty teams for residential life.
• Other duties as assigned by Director.

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Maintain classroom and shared spaces as conducive to teaching, learning, and working.
• Maintain daily student attendance and adhere to tardiness procedures.
• Attend and participate in school trips.
• Maintain mature and age-appropriate judgment and boundaries.
• Demonstrate a commitment to professional development and integration of new learning into practice.
• Follow accident & illness procedures.
• Participate in all safety drills, including fire, lockdown, and evacuation.
• Represent the school and what it stands for positively at public events, admissions events, community events, development events, etc., some of which take place outside of the regular school day and calendar.
• Develop and sustain relationships with colleagues that benefit their students and further one another’s professional growth.
• Special consideration will be given to applicants who are also interested in coaching.

EDUCATION

• Advanced degree in Moderate Learning Disabilities preferred.
• Expertise in teaching math to learning disabled students is a plus.
• Training/experience in educational technologies.

EXPERIENCE

• Wide-ranging intellectual and educational interests and the ability to understand and support a challenging college preparatory curriculum.
• Experience working individually with students who have unique learning profiles within an academically rigorous environment.
• Experience strategizing techniques in executive functioning skills, study skills, time management, and organization as well as math-related skills such as problem-solving.
• Strong skill set in interpreting educational assessments.
• Ability to meet the needs of students in all areas, including social and emotional as well as academic.
• Experience teaching differentiation strategies to fellow faculty members.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Must possess strong oral and written communication skills.
• Experience working with educational technology.
• Willingness to work within a flexible boarding school schedule including evenings.
• Commitment to Diversity and Collegiality.
• Strong desire to work as part of a team.
• Willingness to collaborate with the faculty.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Ability to effectively communicate in person and digitally with faculty, staff, students, parents and external contacts.
• Occasional travel in a safe and expeditious manner to off-site locations.
• Work full-time and maintain regular and predictable attendance.
• Work occasional evenings and weekends.
• Ability to sit at a computer for long periods of time.
• Ability to move throughout campus during all weather conditions.