| Middle School Learning Specialist (with a focus on Math) Learning at UNIS is guided by the UNIS Mission and Guiding Principles, and is defined in the UNIS Teaching and Learning Policy. All academic job descriptions at UNIS are interpreted in the context of these standards. Position Purpose: The United Nations International School (UNIS) is seeking individuals with extensive teaching experience to fill the role of Learning Specialist in the Middle School Section. While this dedicated learning support teacher should have the expertise and/or understanding of a wide range of learning differences (including executive function, reading, writing, processing and memory issues), he or she should also have a strong background in Math and in learning profiles and differences in this subject area so that he or she can provide direct support to children and teachers. The Learning Specialist (with a focus on Math) should be open and reflective, team oriented, passionate, and interested in supporting UNIS students learning across the age spectrum in Middle School. Reporting Relationship: This role reports to the Middle School Principal Responsibilities: Working with Students - Provide direct student remediation or extension through small group and one-to-one instruction within the classroom and outside of the classroom, as needed throughout the school year.
- Assess students who are receiving direct services from the Learning Support Specialist in order to modify instructional approach and to document progress.
Working with Faculty - Serve as a resource to faculty about their students who are experiencing difficulties with their academic work and support teachers in understanding how to best serve children who are experiencing difficulties with their academic work.
- Collaborate and coplan with teachers to develop effective small group interventions, and individualized learning activities.
- Support teachers in differentiating plans for students based on their unique learning profiles so that all students are making progress.
- Responsible for ongoing check ins with teachers to assess and monitor classroom accommodations for students in order to document progress and modify and evaluate.
- Maintain and update a complete record of educational evaluations for all Middle School students with special needs, summarizing and explaining these evaluations to faculty, and working with parents to understand how the school can implement necessary accommodations.
- Review assessment data from common assessments and MAP testing.
Working with Parents - Bring parents’ concerns to principal, referral team and/or faculty. Refer them to the appropriate person at UNIS.
- Facilitate finding outside support if necessary for the student and offer possible sources, such as the NYC Department of Education.
- Help parents to better understand their child's learning concerns and the ways UNIS interfaces with the student’s learning style.
- Explain what recommendations UNIS can accommodate.
- Help parents to find alternative schools that might be appropriate for their child when a parent or UNIS determines that UNIS is not the appropriate school for a student.
Working with the Referral Team: - Carry out diagnostic evaluations for students whom teachers and/or principals think may have learning issues or skills deficits with the referral team by:
- Speaking to teachers, principal, assistant principal, other members of the support team
- Observing students in the class or outside the class
- Looking at samples of students’ work; reading student reports
- Meeting with students for a short series of diagnostic assessment sessions
- Writing short diagnostic notes and recommendations
- Collaborate with the support team to make appropriate referrals for student support, including outside support if necessary, evaluations, and meetings with teachers and parents.
- Assist in the counseling-out process when asked.
Regular Meetings - Weekly meetings about students with Middle School referral team
- Weekly faculty meetings
Professional Requirements - Education: MSEd, MEd, MA, or equivalent degree required.
- Written and Oral Communication Skills: Superior interpersonal skills, patience and sense of humor required. The Learning Specialist must be comfortable engaging with students, parents, faculty and administrators.
- Knowledge of Common Core Standards
- Experience: Three to five years relevant experience required.
- Specialisation in Mathematics or experience in teaching mathematics for students with learning differences in Middle School preferred.
Please apply by visiting: https://www.unis.org/about-unis/employment |
