Learning Specialist

Position Title: Upper Elementary Learning Specialist

Full-Time Equivalency: full time, or part time possibilities

Fair Labor Standard Act (FLSA) Classification: Exempt

Supervisor: Head of Lower School, Jennifer Arnest (with Director of Student Support)

Salary Range: 60,000-100,000 (pro rated depending on full or part time)

The School:

Founded in 1962 the Seven Hills School is a learning community whose mission is to develop the intellect, engage the spirit, and foster respect for, and responsibility to, our world. Our beautiful campus, located on nine acres of former ranch land near Heather Farm Park in Walnut Creek, CA (approximately 35 miles from downtown San Francisco), is home to our outstanding PS-8th grade program and offers over 420 students the daily opportunity to move freely from engaging classrooms to great expanses of natural outdoor space. We believe every student deserves a whole child education that harmonizes their academic growth and social and emotional development. At Seven Hills, learning is joyful–from the Preschool sandbox to the 8th grade position paper, learning is fueled by curiosity, exploration, and the love and encouragement of trusted adults. Our small class sizes allow for greater differentiation, building strong partnerships with parents, and employing passionate teachers who love what they do and bring creativity to their daily practice of challenging, nurturing, and inspiring each child.

The Position:

We seek a full time Learning Specialist to serve as a member of the Support Services team, which consists of our Director of Support Services, Learning Specialists, and our K-8 School Counselor. The Learning Specialist in upper elementary grades is responsible for supporting the academic learning, interventions, and overall developmental growth of identified Support Services students, with a particular emphasis on language based learning differences and interventions.

Overview of Responsibilities:

• regular planning with Support Services team to maintain continuity of K-8 program
• regular planning, and support of classroom teachers to develop student learning plans
• providing individual and small group, targeted and specific academic support to students, in both pull out and push in models
• support classroom teachers’ professional capacity for working with their students with learning differences
• work with support teachers, and various specialist teachers as needed in service to the whole child
• assisting classroom teachers with relevant benchmark assessments throughout the school year
• working closely with the parents, as student support case manager
• work with and maintain connections with outside professionals
• work closely with both Divisions Heads and the DIrector of K-8 Support Services in support of student and family transitions between divisions

Successful candidates will:

• Hold a Bachelor’s degree, teaching credential and/or other educational credentials
• Be committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion
• Have a demonstrated expertise in a range of learning differences, and intervention in schools.
• Have experience and an ability to help provide a differentiated program, addressing various skill levels and learning styles, including providing targeted intervention within a school setting
• Have knowledge of developmental stages of upper elementary aged children, with a deep respect for their capabilities
• Have excellent and empathic communications skills, often translating concerns for families and teaching staff over time
• Have experience with inquiry-based teaching strategies and real-world applications
• Have a demonstrated ability to help establish a classroom culture that is built on strong teacher-student relationships and allows for risk-taking
• Have a comfort level with the use of technology for teaching and learning
• Have a demonstrated ability to initiate, fully participate in and foster strong collegial relationships
• Be self-aware and able to build on others’ ideas, capitalize on others’ strengths and effectively share responsibility
• Have a demonstrated commitment to continuous learning and improvement
• Have a growth mindset, active sense of humor, warm personality, and excellent organizational and communication skills

Our Professional Culture 

At Seven Hills, our creed–be respectful, caring, positive, responsible, honest, mindful, and grateful–provides the foundation for the learning environment we strive to create. We are committed to fostering a sense of belonging, developing cultural competence and global understanding, and practicing effective stewardship of our resources. Every faculty and staff member is expected to act in accordance with the school’s mission and creed, and to meet a set of fundamental professional expectations, which include:

• Fostering a safe, predictable, and supportive environment for students
• Engaging in duties and responsibilities with a positive attitude
• Demonstrating integrity and a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion
• Interacting with colleagues in a respectful and collegial manner that fosters a healthy professional culture
• Upholding professional standards of personal presentation, courtesy, and discretion
• Demonstrating appropriate planning and preparation; being punctual, reliable, and prompt
• Honoring the confidentiality of school, student, and family information
• Being thoughtful, timely, and professional when communicating
• Authentically engaging in self-reflection and learning opportunities to grow professionally
• Being self aware and building on others’ ideas and effectively sharing responsibility

Teaching at Seven Hills 

Seven Hills teachers are compassionate and experienced lifelong learners; they are well-versed on current research and educational trends that positively affect student learning. They are actively involved in curriculum development, planning, and implementation within their classrooms and wider school community. Creativity and innovation are encouraged and supported in order for teachers to engage their students through inspiring classroom experiences. Seven Hills teachers seek to create an inclusive environment that encourages student collaboration and risk-taking.

Application Process

Please submit your resume and a cover letter via email to Lower School Head, Jennifer Arnest, at jarnest@sevenhillsschool.org. In your cover letter, please explain your interest in this position, including in what ways your background has prepared you for this role, and what draws you to Seven Hills school and mission.

As an equal opportunity employer, Seven Hills School recruits, hires, and promotes without regard to sex, race, color, age, national origin, religion, disability, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, citizenship, pregnancy, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law.

Tagged as: K-6