Career Center

Upper School Learning Specialist

Job Title: Upper School Learning Specialist

Department: Upper School

Reports To: Upper School Head, Mr. Eric Hedinger  

FLSA Status: Exempt

Position Status: Full-Time / 11 Month Position

Founded in 1970, Providence Day School is an independent, nonsectarian, coeducational college preparatory school serving approximately 1,825 students in transitional kindergarten through 12th grade. Committed to academic excellence, global diversity and character development, PDS seeks to inspire in its students a passion for learning, a sense of social responsibility and a commitment to personal integrity. Cited for excellence by the U.S. Department of Education, the College Board Advanced Placement Program and the National Council of Teachers of English, PDS provides a challenging and diverse college preparatory curriculum.

PD is recognized as one of The Charlotte Observer’s “Top Workplaces 2022”, “Top Workplaces 2019”, as well as, “Top Workplaces 2018”.  This award is particularly special because the results are based solely on confidential responses from our employees. Additionally, PD is recognized as one of greater Charlotte’s 2018 and 2019 Healthiest Employers by the Charlotte Business Journal. This award demonstrates the school’s commitment to promoting the health and wellness of our employees and the importance of appropriate work-life harmony.  

The Providence Day School community welcomes people of diverse backgrounds and beliefs who share a commitment to respect one another and accept differences. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer with a policy of nondiscrimination in the treatment of employees or applicants for employment without consideration of race, color, ethnicity, religion, age, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, disability, gender or gender identity.

Providence Day School is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, is a member of ABC (A Better Chance), and holds memberships in the National Association of Independent Schools, Southern Association of Independent Schools, North Carolina Association of Independent Schools, Educational Records Bureau, National and Southern Associations for College Admission Counseling, the Association of Supervision and Curriculum Development, and the College Board.  

This position is a 11 month, full time, benefited position beginning August, 2023.

The Upper School Learning Specialist assists students as they become successful learners and self-advocates, helping them make use of a full range of school-based and community resources. This individual works with students who have been diagnosed with a specific learning disability or other learning related issues, those suspected of having a learning issue, and those undergoing an evaluation. The Learning Specialist serves as a resource consultant to administrators, counselors, teachers, and parents and acts as a liaison with other educational specialists. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities : The US Learning Specialist will hold parent/teacher conferences, when necessary, to review evaluations and organize meetings when documentation is initially submitted to the school. This person will determine accommodations for students with evaluations, create formal education learning plans, and disseminate that information to individual  students, parents, and teachers.  This person will support students who require classroom or testing accommodations, monitor students who have been evaluated or are undergoing an evaluation.  The US Learning Specialist will revise learning plans, as necessary, and serve as the primary contact between the home and school. This person  serves as the school’s Students with Disabilities Coordinator who is responsible for all applications for accommodations and documentation submitted to the College Board or ACT on behalf of students with disabilities. This individual will assist  parents of students who need extended time and other accommodations on standardized tests (ACT, SAT, AP) by completing the appropriate paperwork for submission to ACT, The College Board, ETS, or other testing agency.  

The US Learning Specialist, in collaboration with the PDS Tutoring Coordinator, consults with tutors and specialists on an as needed basis.  This individual creates and monitors academic support plans for students being placed on medical leave, those students diagnosed with concussions and other extenuating circumstances. 

The US Learning Specialist will collect and review data of students served throughout the school year,  both who receive school-based accommodations and those who do not.  In addition, the US Learning Specialist will review files annually to determine student eligibility status for receiving classroom and testing accommodations.  Formal Education Plans will also be reviewed, making adjustments as needed based on feedback from students, teachers, and parents. 

This individual will collaborate with the US counselors to better serve students with cognitive, social and emotional needs.  This person will communicate and partner with College Guidance to assist students with learning differences as they go through the college process. 

Other Duties and Responsibilities : 

Reviews files annually to determine eligibility status for accommodations at school and through the College Board and/or ACT.  This individual will work with Administrators, Counselors, and the Lower and Middle School Learning Specialists to develop a support system and policy that compliments the systems in the preceding divisions. This individual will offer and coordinate presentations for parents, faculty, and students on appropriate topics.  This person will work with teachers to help them with differentiating and designing classroom instruction in alignment with the learning needs of all students. 

In addition this individual will monitor the internal D/F list to better identify students in need of academic support and will assist students on academic probation. The US Learning Specialist will communicate with psychologists and other evaluators in order to clarify and implement appropriate recommendations. This person will assist with transitioning rising 8th grade students and new students into Upper School.

Qualifications:  A master’s degree in special education, school psychology, or school counseling is required.  The candidate should have a minimum of  5  years of experience in a similar role.  Experience in a school setting is preferred. Candidates should have a strong academic background and possess proficient technology skills. The candidate should also demonstrate a professional commitment to cultural competency and a strong commitment to leading, learning, and teaching in a diverse community.  The candidate should have superb organizational skills, excellent verbal and written communication skills, and the ability to work effectively as a team member. 

Salary and Benefits: Providence Day School is committed to attracting and retaining outstanding employees through a compensation plan that compares favorably with those of other independent schools both locally and nationwide.  Individual salary levels are competitive and are determined by educational background and experience.  A full benefits package includes TIAA retirement and medical/dental coverage.

Application Process: 

Applicants should submit a cover letter of interest, current resume, college transcript (if applicable), three letters of recommendation, and a list of references with contact information. Materials should be sent to the provided email address:

PDS.upperschoollearningspecialist@providenceday.org

This position is open until filled. Providence Day School is an equal opportunity employer (EOE).