Learning Specialist

An exciting full-time opportunity is available at Peninsula School, a leader in N-8 progressive education with a focus on fostering intellectual curiosity, social and emotional learning and social justice in a manner that is interactive and responsive to student interests.

Peninsula School is a unique educational environment with a rich history and situated on a tree-filled 6-acre campus. The school is in an exciting time as it approaches its centennial in 2025. As part of a new strategic plan currently being implemented, the Learning Specialist position complements the existing Lower School Literacy Specialist position.

Peninsula School actively promotes the principles and practices of diversity throughout the school community. We are an equal opportunity employer and encourage people of under-represented groups to apply. We offer competitive compensation and a progressive community dedicated to learning and engaged citizenship. (http://www.peninsulaschool.org/equity-and-inclusion/)

Job Title: Learning Specialist

Start Date: August 1, 2023 (open to an earlier start)

Salary Range: $66,510-$89,760, depending on experience

The Learning Specialist will be responsible for the overall learning support program for kindergarten through eighth grade students. The Learning Specialist meets with teachers to discuss individual children, screens children for learning and developmental differences; recommends teaching strategies and accommodations to meet individual needs; provides service directly to students individually, in small groups, and within the classrooms; and works with teachers and parents to recommend outside testing, tutoring or other indicated special services. The Learning Specialist educates faculty, parents and students about learning and teaching styles and strategies and works closely with the Lower School Literacy Specialist and other learning support professionals. The Learning Specialist reports to the Associate Head of School.

Learning Specialist – General Responsibilities

Support and promote Peninsula School’s mission and values
Develop school-wide systems to identify and serve children with learning needs
Provide and direct a flexible, progressive Learning Support Program using a broad spectrum of methods and materials that are responsive and appropriate to the intellectual, social and emotional needs of K-8th grade students and that fosters their positive learning and personal growth
Create and maintain a welcoming, safe, equitable and respectful learning environment that honors and values a diversity of learning, cultural, ethnic, racial and sexual identities of the student population
Recognize and address the unique needs and varied learning styles of all children, ensuring each child’s progress in all areas
Work with colleagues in a cooperative manner that encourages problem-solving, creativity, and critical thinking.
Remain current on educational research, topics and progressive practices
Participate in and contribute to the school’s process of continual reflection and evolution of its program
Provide a model for positive leadership

Specific Duties and Responsibilities

Clearly articulate the learning support program and goals to staff and parents
Monitor and implement a K-8 Learning Support Program integrated with the lower school Reading Support program and other learning support professionals
Consult with the Lower School Literacy Specialist on a regular basis about progress and needs of students in K-4
Provide teacher guidance (strategies, modeling, PD) to ensure curricular accessibility for all students
Work cooperatively with teachers and Lower School Literacy Specialist when appropriate to develop accommodation plans for students who are struggling in academics
Coordinate and facilitate student support meetings with teachers, parents and other relevant stakeholders
Collaborate with teachers on curriculum differentiation for particular students as needed
Manage learning progress for identified students
Maintain and secure learning support documentation on students
Maintain open lines of communication with parents
Coordinate and foster communication between teachers, tutors, and families
Provide SEL/Executive Function  groups for  students
Attend meetings (Lower School (N-4), Upper School (5-8), Specialists and Heads & Specialists) to discuss and develop strategies to meet the needs of a variety of learners
Coach upper school students to further develop executive functioning as needed
Work in partnership with students, parents, faculty, and administration to interpret and understand psychoeducational testing
Provide professional development for teachers and timely presentations to parents
Meet with parents as needed

Other Responsibilities

Attend and contribute productively at staff meetings, inservice meetings, and other meetings and school events as applicable
Participate in school committees as needed

Qualifications and Requirements

B.A. required. Preferred qualifications include Educational Therapist certification or coursework, and a Master’s degree in Special Education or a related field.

The successful candidate will be excited about building out a learning support program and establishing new systems, passionate about working with children, will have an ability to work with a diverse population and will embrace progressive education ideals. Successful candidates will have a good working knowledge of best practices in multisensory research-based instruction such as Orton-Gillingham, Wilson Fundations, Slingerland and/or Lindamood-Bell, a familiarity with Reader’s and Writer’s Workshop.

Candidates should have experience working with students within a school setting, supporting students to access curriculum through differentiation, small group support or one-on-one coaching.  Proficiency and interest in technology to support differentiated learning is a plus.

Being caring, flexible, creative, organized, using good judgment and possessing a sense of humor are all important candidate qualities. Candidates must be able to interact with students, parents, and co-workers in a supportive and collaborative manner.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, ability to adjust focus, and sound hearing. The ability to speak clearly and coherently is required.  While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands, talk and hear.  The employee is frequently required to reach with hands and arms.  On occasion, the employee is required to stand, walk, stoop, kneel, or crouch. Employee is required to operate a computer and office productivity machinery, communicate across a variety of media, and work in close proximity to others. The role may also require the employee to work in inclement weather during special activities.

To Apply

To apply please fill out an employment application

https://www.peninsulaschool.org/s/PS-Application-for-Employment-2018-V02.pdf

and  send a letter of interest and resume to Joanne Walsh at joanne.w@peninsulaschool.org