Phillips Academy seeks a full-time learning and accessibility specialist who will provide academic support to all students, including students with learning disabilities. The specialist will work in the Academic Skills Center (ASC) where we teach strategies for organizing work, managing time, reducing procrastination and improving study skills using effective learning strategies. Accessibility support includes reading neuropsychological evaluations, writing formal accommodation plans, working with students with a wide range of disabilities and supporting teachers in implementing accommodations in their classrooms. We are especially interested in candidates with a math/STEM background who can provide targeted support and intervention to students struggling in their STEM classes. The role includes some administrative tasks that support the overall mission of the ASC/SAS team.
Strong candidates should enjoy spending time with high school students and have a sincere desire to support students through challenging times, while bringing a sense of empathy, humor and caring to their work. This role requires a high-level of attention to detail, organization and professionalism and candidates should be prepared to read and respond to a large volume of email. Familiarity with Excel, Outlook calendar/Teams/Microsoft 360 along with a willingness to learn and utilize multiple online systems is also necessary.
Candidates who have tutored, worked in math/science study centers or participated in TRIO or other student success programs, are encouraged to apply. Some availability in the late afternoons/early evenings is necessary.
The ideal candidate will:
- Work with students to build their capacity to approach mathematics and science courses with effective learning and study strategies, along with utilizing effective test-taking strategies and reducing test-taking anxiety.
- Provide targeted support in time management, organization and executive functioning in individual and small group settings.
- Evaluate the individual academic needs of each student referred to the ASC to determine the most appropriate support intervention.
- Maintain clear notes for meetings with students and communicate a summary to students via email after their session. Communicate the same information to the student’s team.
- Be proactive in reaching out to students to schedule appointments by using Microsoft Outlook, following up on missed appointments and rescheduling appointments as needed.
- Maintain close communication with the key players on a student team, including the cluster dean, academic advisor, house counselor and/or Sykes Counselor when a student is experiencing challenges. Attend Full Team Meetings for specific students and other students at risk.
- Review and interpret neuropsychological evaluations to develop educational plans for students with documented disabilities.
- Meet with students and student teams to ensure students have equal access to Andover’s educational program, and assist with the implementation of accommodations, as needed.
- Meet with students with illnesses or injuries to provide temporary supports.
- Assist with our Peer Tutor Program in a variety of ways (contributing to recruitment, training and managing assignments, as needed)
- Liaise with our student leaders and Community and Multicultural Affairs team to help students better understand academic support services and to build relationships
- Perform other duties as assigned, including some administrative tasks.
EDUCATION, TRAINING and EXPERIENCE
- Minimum of Bachelor’s Degree required from an accredited college or university, with courses in general education, special education, mathematics/science and/or related service areas.
- Experience working closely with high school students (as a teacher, counselor, tutor or learning specialist) to coach students towards change through goal-setting, practicing new strategies, and reflection.
- A background in teaching or tutoring in STEM courses.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS and ABILITIES
- Exceptional interpersonal skills for a diverse community and for working effectively with campus adults, parents and campus-wide colleagues.
- Organized and attentive to detail.
- Ability to work in a collaborative team environment in the fulfillment of duties and responsibilities.
- Excellent oral and written communication, and ability to read and respond to email in a timely manner.
Phillips Academy is committed to equal employment opportunity and providing reasonable accommodations to applicants with physical and/or mental disabilities. We value and encourage diversity and solicit applications from all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender expression, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, military service, application for military service or any other characteristic protected by law. Any offers of employment will be contingent upon successful CORI/SORI, ADP (RMV) and fingerprinting background checks as well as unrestricted authorization to work in the United States.