Website Orinda Academy
Orinda Academy seeks a full-time Learning Specialist for the 2023-2024 academic year who supports students in grades 8-12 with learning strategies, organization, and study skills; provides individual instruction as appropriate; and serves as a resource for faculty. The Learning Specialist reports to the Head of School and works closely with faculty and the administrative team to maintain an effective learning support framework for the school. Experience with educational technology and applications are sought after attributes.
Who we are:
Orinda Academy is an intentionally small independent high school serving grades 8-12 in the town of Orinda, California, in the East San Francisco Bay Area. The majority of our students have a diagnosed learning difference, and they come to OA – and stay – because our high-support learning environment helps them to get organized, know themselves and their learning profiles better, and take ownership of their education.
We aim to send our graduates out into the world with self confidence, pride, and a good sense of how they are going to make themselves better and make the world a better place.
We are committed to honesty, justice, clarity, and the pursuit of knowledge. We want our students and faculty to understand that the things that make us different as individuals make us stronger as a community.
We know that all students learn differently, and with our inclusive mission as a foundation, we provide pathways to solid core and elective class offerings that fully prepare each graduate for college, or for any career path they choose. Our teachers and staff members care, and it shows!
Duties and Responsibilities:
Provide one-on-one and small-group support/instruction for students in all learning environments.
Attend parent/student/teacher conferences to discuss student progress with parents, if required
Read and summarize all Psych-Ed evaluations for Admissions as necessary.
Create individual learning plans (ILPs) that will target students’ specific curricular/learning needs.
Support teaching staff by offering resources, advice, and training to enable faculty to better meet the needs of all learners.
Provide learning opportunities & resources to parents
Develop and maintain communication and documentation protocols related to learning support.
Assume an active role in Student Support Team (SST) meetings.
Organize and oversee standardized testing with accommodations at OA.
Coordinate the use of external tutors and Educational Therapists.
Act as the liaison with local school districts and attend IEP meetings as appropriate.
Perform other duties as determined by the Head of School.
Minimum Qualifications:
Master’s degree in special education, educational therapy, or related field.
At least two years of experience as a learning specialist or in a related role. Independent school experience preferred.
Familiarity with legal responsibilities of independent schools related to IEP and 504 plans.
Ability to collaborate with faculty, staff, admin, and parents.
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, verbally and in writing.
Positive attitude, flexible approach, and a sense of humor
All faculty and staff employed by Orinda Academy must submit results of a negative TB test and obtain fingerprints for a Live Scan criminal background check by the California Department of Justice. They must also be fully vaccinated against Covid-19 or submit an official medical exemption.
Interested candidates are asked to submit a cover letter and resume to the Head of School at nancy@orindaacademy.org.
Salary range: $75,000-$90,000 – salary commensurate with experience. Health, dental, and 403b retirement benefits offered.
Orinda Academy is an inclusive and welcoming school that celebrates diversity, including race, color, religion, national and ethnic origin, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, disability, age or any other status protected by applicable law. We welcome candidates representing the diversity of today’s global world.
