Middle School Learning Specialist: Full Time

Overview of School

Prospect Sierra is an independent, coed TK–8 school located on two campuses in El Cerrito, California, serving 440 students. Prospect Sierra gives students the tools to build a better world by integrating rigorous academics with a deep understanding of human emotions. Every day our exceptional teachers connect students’ academic experiences to ethics, empathy, and social and emotional intelligence. The result is deeper intellectual engagement, greater self-knowledge, and compassionate relationships. Prospect Sierra students develop courage to become more than great students, but great people. Please visit our website, www.prospectsierra.org, for more information.

Overview of Position

Prospect Sierra is looking for a full time Middle School (5th-8thGrade) Learning Specialist. The successful candidate will report to the Middle School Division Head. As a Learning Specialist, the candidate will work closely with an additional learning specialist and the rest of the Student Support Team which includes the Dean of Students and the Middle School Counselor.

Responsibilities of the job

Oversee support planning for students with individual learning needs or concerns and monitor progress.
Conduct limited academic screenings and assessments.
Support classes in whole group, small groups, or 1:1 in the classrooms and in learning specialist office.
Collaborate with teachers/teams/departments to ensure a cohesive delivery of the learning services program and monitor the progress of students with identified learning differences.
Co-case manage student support with advisor.
Guide teachers in the design of materials and teaching strategies to be meet student learning needs, eg. accommodations and/or curricular modifications for students.
Work with teachers, Division Head, and Associate Head of Program and Professional Development in curriculum development.
Manage and maintain learning support resources materials for teachers.
Facilitate staff development sessions about cognitive development and learning differences.
Interpret assessments performed by outside service providers and develop individualized learning profiles.
Facilitate collaboration and meetings between parents, teachers, and outside providers.
Assist teachers, parents, and students to expand their understanding of the learning process.
Help parents, teachers, and students to articulate and address concerns about the student learning experience.
Serve as a resource to parents.
Consult with and/or provide counsel to admissions committee regarding prospective students.
Consult with and/or provide counsel to high school placement coordinator regarding student needs.

Required Qualifications

Appreciation for and desire to work with middle school students
Commitment to early adolescent education and social/emotional development
Knowledge of the essential role social emotional literacy plays in the workplace and interest in application of SEL within the educational setting
Knowledge of identity safe and anti-bias educational practices
Ability to support an inclusive classroom community that allows for a multitude of perspectives to be heard and respected
Ability to take initiative, work passionately and joyfully, and collaborate effectively with diverse constituencies
Willingness to be a team player, show initiative, and take on leadership roles as needed
A passionate commitment to creating an innovative, joyful environment for students
Strong communication skills, both written and verbal
Flexibility
Excellent interpersonal skills
Organizational skills and the ability to multitask
Knowledge of educational technology to support teaching and learning
Understanding of differentiated learning techniques

In addition to required qualifications, desirable additional skills include:

Bachelor of Arts or Science degree and/or professional coursework or certification, indicating training applicable to the responsibilities of the position
Nuanced understanding of DEI/social justice knowledge from a personal or programmatic perspective
Educational Therapy certification
Special Education Master’s Degree
Trainings, certificates, experiences, degrees that focus on working with kids with learning differences

School Wide Duties include:

Participation on committees as needed and appropriate
Participate in overnight study trips
Ancillary duties include responsibilities that are part of middle school life, e.g., team, staff meetings, recess duties, etc.

Prospect Sierra School is an equal opportunity employer. Our community is diverse in many ways, inclusive of race/ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender spectrum, age, ability, and more. We welcome and value the same in our faculty and staff.

Salary:

The salary and benefits are competitive.

How to Apply:

Please email a resume, cover letter, and contact information for 3 references to:

ATTN:  Nathan Tanaka

Email:  avisjobs@prospectsierra.org (Please put “Learning Specialist” in the subject line)

Tagged as: Middle School