PT K-8 Learning Specialist

JOB SUMMARY
The K-8 Learning Specialist works within the Student Support Program at New Roads and will work closely with the K-8 Assistant Director of Learning. This position ensures that New Roads develops the capacity of its educators to serve a range of learners, fostering an environment that promotes “the recognition, appreciation, and encouragement of each person’s full and unique human potential,” and provides specific strategies and supports to enable each student the opportunity to actualize his or her full potential. The K-8 Assistant Director of Learning works, individually and collaboratively, with the Student Support Learning Services Team to support our neurodiverse student population at the school.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• With the K-12 Director of Learning Support Services and the K-8 Assistant Director of Learning, oversee the administration, allocation and delivery of Learning Support from Kindergarten to 8th Grade.
• Support students both inside and outside the classroom by providing individualized strategies that address their unique learning needs, collaborating with teachers to adapt instruction, and offering ongoing guidance to help students build confidence, independence, and academic success across all environments.
• Collaborate with administration and faculty regarding each student to responsibly convey and meet their needs.
• Collaborate and communicate proactively with families to support their child’s individual needs and well-being.
• Collaborate with teachers to identify and help implement differentiated strategies within the classroom to support all students.
• Regularly follow-up with teachers to monitor effectiveness of accommodations / minor adjustments implemented and / or provide new strategies for differentiation.
• Work as the liaison between school and any additional service providers.
• Develop responsive curriculum for and oversee student support classes for students who would benefit from this explicit program.
• Participate in the Admissions process and support the Admissions team.
• Attend Divisional Meetings and lead those related to Learning.
• Attend all student support meetings and implement specific strategies and mechanisms that promote accountability for students  and their support network.
• Execute student accommodations/minor adjustments, including on standardized tests.
• Prepare and administer standardized testing.
• Work as the liaison between school and any additional service providers.

           GENERAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Be flexible, understanding and display a good sense of humor.
• An understanding of, and commitment to, New Roads’ Mission, Philosophy and approach to education.
• Have a genuine desire to be an exemplary model of compassion, competence, humility and curiosity with the capacity to  vulnerably make mistakes, learn   from them and move on.
• Communicate respectfully, thoughtfully yet assertively with parents/guardians, remaining sensitive and open to different families’ cultures, values and needs.
• Ideal candidates will be excited to join our vibrant school community, attend our varied events, participate where possible and  contribute to this exciting next chapter of New Roads’ history.
• Other duties as assigned.
   

Qualifications

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Master’s or equivalent, in Educational Psychology, Educational Therapy, or Neuropsychology or a related field (recommended), Bachelor’s (required).
• Ability to maintain confidential information.
• Extensive knowledge of learning differences coupled with a commitment and respect for diversity.
• Strong collaboration skills with children and adults.
• Understanding of and commitment to motivating students in ways appropriate to their diverse backgrounds and learning styles.
• Commitment to increasing knowledge of best practices and current research.
• Ability to perform all of the essential functions, skills, and specification of the position
• Background with instructional coaching, specifically in supporting teachers with curricular, instructional, and assessment development
• Demonstrated success with direct student learning support, especially with executive function interventions, in both one to one and group settings.
• Demonstrated proficiency in science of reading methodologies and evidence-based literacy instruction (for example: Orton-Gillingham).
• Knowledge of best practices in pedagogy, child development, and social-emotional learning.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities while maintaining a calm and thoughtful approach to problem-solving.
• A sense of humor, warmth of personality, and energy