Career Center

Purpose: This position is responsible for collaborating with all community members (teachers, families, students, admissions personnel, outside consultants, school counselor, nurse, and academic administration) to maximize opportunities for success for students at Wye River Upper School (WRUS). All WRUS faculty/staff are expected to work towards our mission.

Wye River Upper School

Wye River is an independent, college preparatory school serving bright students with learning differences. Students who learn differently discover through innovation, develop with rigor, and celebrate the strengths at Wye River Upper School while preparing for success in college, career, and life.  

Position Description:

Wye River Upper School is reviewing applications for a skillful and resourceful Learning Specialist. We are looking for a candidate committed to cultivating an exceptional academic experience for students with learning differences. This specialist is a collaborator in an innovative and dynamic educational community. The candidate of choice applies a personal and professional growth mindset; they inspire others to do the same through optimism, flexibility, and teamwork. The selected candidate should want to contribute to the school community by sharing their passions and participating in school functions, professional development, field trips, and other special activities. 

We are searching for a Learning Specialist for the current 2022-2023 school year. The Learning Specialist will work closely with the Counselor and Director of Student Services.

Wye River is an equal-opportunity employer. We welcome diverse candidates of all backgrounds. Please visit our website, https://www.wyeriverupperschool.org/, to learn more about our school community and vision.

Areas of responsibility include, but are not limited to:

Professional Responsibilities:

• Compliance with WRUS policies/procedures as stated in the personnel handbook
• Regular and punctual attendance

• Participation in staff meetings
• Completion of non-teaching duties, including lunch and trips

• Involvement in school-wide events, including assemblies, open houses, Back to School Night, etc.
• Compliance with deadlines
• Participation in regular goal-setting, reflection, and professional growth opportunities
• Assessment of prospective and current students

Instruction & Curriculum:

• Alignment with WRUS mission, philosophy, and program goals
• Knowledge of how disabilities may manifest themselves in the classroom
• Observation of individual students in the classroom to assist the teachers in assessing and supporting students who require accommodations
• Deliver specialized supportive instruction in reading, math, written language, organization, and behavior management as needed
• Collaboration with teachers and Counselor to modify/adapt the curriculum in order to meet the needs of students
• Consider modifications and the scaffolding necessary for each student to access the grade-level curriculum
• Individual meetings with students to address various needs (organizational support, study support)
• Collaboration with teachers  and Counselor to formulate educational plans for students
• Purchasing supplies/materials to support student learning using the allotted budget

Assessment & Feedback:

• Preliminary screenings/assessments of students (with family consent)
• Review of report cards and other student records

• Documentation of accommodations/modifications to instruction and/or curriculum
• Recommendations for auditing/not attending a particular class due to learning differences
• Attendance of student conferences when appropriate

Collaboration & Communication

• Consultation with teachers on the interpretation of diagnostic testing, use of medications, auxiliary aids, adaptive devices, teaching techniques, learning accommodations, etc.
• Ongoing communication with parents of students
• Assistance for families finding appropriate outside support (testers, tutors, therapists)
• Collaboration with Enrollment Team in reviewing student files
• Participation in the Admissions Committee
• Collaboration with teachers and the Counselor on homework load, grade-level expectations, etc.
• Collaboration with colleagues on school-wide initiatives
• Parent education around supporting students

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree with a background in Special Education
• Mastery of skills/content/understandings of special education and developmental stages of students, 9-12
• Experience using standard office equipment and school technology
• Ability to work collaboratively as a member of a team
• Effective communication skills (written and verbal)

About Wye River Upper School

Wye River is an independent, college and career preparatory school serving bright students with learning differences. We provide an individualized and supportive high school education in a low-stress, yet challenging academic environment. Diagnostic information, observation and parent input serve as the basis for understanding each student's unique learning profile. Our program ensures a well-rounded experience including athletics and the arts, offered within a daily structure that is responsive to the needs of teenagers. We are committed to affecting lifelong change in the lives of our students, many of whom have struggled in traditional settings. Our belief in the power of each student's unique talents, skills, interests and goals is our guiding force. Students who learn differently discover through innovation, develop with rigor, and celebrate their strengths at Wye River Upper School while preparing for success in college, career and life.

Connections working at Wye River Upper School