Posted: 21-Sep-23
Location: Pasadena, California
Type: Full Time
Salary: 90,000 - 110,000
Preferred Education:
SUMMARY:
The Learning Specialist is a collaborative member of the Student Support team and works closely with the Counselors, Learning Center staff, Deans of Student Life and Academic Life, as well as Lower and Middle School Division directors to implement a dynamic and comprehensive program of academic, social, and emotional support for all students.
As members of the teaching faculty, the Learning Specialist should be ready to chaperone class trips and engage fully in all school or division-wide events/experiences that develop the whole child in a Catholic, independent school community.
As with any employee at Mayfield Junior School, there is an expectation that this person will be open to peer feedback, creative discussion, and child-centered in their approach. All employees at Mayfield Junior School should familiarize themselves with the mission and vision statement and be prepared to actively teach with Holy Child goals in mind.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
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Provide short-term, one-on-one, and small-group learning support for students with learning differences.
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Collaborate with faculty and the student support team in the identification of students with learning differences.
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Coordinate testing of students by outside specialists, as needed.
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Evaluate reports, evaluations, and recommendations for accommodations from outside sources within the context of MJS policies and resources; clarify for families and Students MJS policies with respect to accommodation.
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Develop learning plans for students diagnosed with learning differences, in collaboration with specialists, as appropriate. Communicate plans with faculty and parents, to ensure consistent understanding and implementation.
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Communicate regularly with Team Leaders and participate actively in Grade Level Meetings to identify emerging student needs and to communicate strategies for meeting student learning needs with faculty.
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Facilitate and coordinate student accommodations for assessments, both at MJS and
with outside testing organizations (e.g. ERB). -
Liaise with parents, outside testing providers and specialists, and the faculty in supporting students with diagnosed learning differences.
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Communicate with and provide counsel and education to parents in supporting student learning.
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Support faculty in the development of teaching strategies to meet the learning needs of neurodiverse students in collaboration with the WCLT.
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Collaborate in the development and maintenance of research-based, professional resources for student support, accessible to students and faculty through the school website, school library, and school social media.
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Promote and support the school’s commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice.
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Research and maintain resources for alternative education/independent study programs for students requiring a leave of absence and liaise with such students as needed.
OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES
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Is visible and present on the school campus and at school activities.
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Performs any other job-related tasks deemed necessary and/or assigned
CANDIDATE STRENGTHS:
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Ability to lead and collaborate with colleagues in a team environment
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Strong communication skills since the role requires communicating to various constituent groups including faculty, parents, students, administration
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Strong organizational skills
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A collaborative, cooperative, and patient mindset
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Aligned with the school Mission and Goals
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
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Experienced Learning Specialist with a preferred Master's Degree or equivalent in related field
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5 years or more experience in elementary and middle school education, ideally in an independent school
Working Conditions: Work is normally performed in a typical office/Classroom environment.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Persons with disabilities may be able to perform the essential duties of this class with reasonable accommodation. Reasonable accommodation will be evaluated on an individual basis and depend, in part, on the specific requirements for the job, the limitations related to disability and the ability of the human resources department to accommodate the limitation.
Ability to work at a desk, conference table or in meetings of various configurations. Ability to sit for extended periods of time. Ability to circulate for periods of time. Ability to see for purposes of reading rules and policies and other printed materials and observing students. Ability to hear and understand speech at normal levels. Ability to communicate so others will be able to clearly understand normal conversation. Ability to employ the dexterity of hands and fingers to operate a computer keyboard and manipulate testing materials. Ability to consistently and independently lift 20 to 30 pounds.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
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Experienced Learning Specialist with a preferred Master's Degree or equivalent in related field
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5 years or more experience in elementary and middle school education, ideally in an independent school
