Whippany, New Jersey
Posted: 03-Jun-25
Location: Jacksonville, Florida
Type: Full Time
Salary: Based on experience
Categories:
Preferred Education:
LEARNING SPECIALIST
LEARNING SPECIALIST
At San Jose Episcopal Day School (SJEDS), everything we do is a loving and joyful expression of our mission: to inspire a passion for learning, a life of integrity, and a heart for Christian service. Our faculty are the heart of our school, beloved by students and parents alike for their warmth, responsiveness, creativity, professionalism, and exceptional commitment to helping every child meet his or her great potential. As lifelong learners themselves, our faculty model the characteristics they seek to cultivate in their students: love, wisdom, open-mindedness, responsibility, service, honesty, respect, patience, faith, and gratitude.
KEY ATTRIBUTES
San Jose Episcopal Day School is seeking an experienced, compassionate, student-centered Learning Specialist who brings deep knowledge of differentiated instruction and early literacy development to our PreK3–6th grade program. With an advanced degree in education and certification in special education, this individual will serve the needs of students with Learning Plans. Expertise in Orton-Gillingham or a similar structured literacy method, and experience with interventions such as Lindamood Bell and Great Leaps, this educator creates a warm and supportive environment where students feel empowered to learn and grow. They skillfully use assessment data and psychoeducational evaluations to guide instructional planning, develop individualized learning plans, and support student progress.
An excellent communicator and collaborative partner, this specialist works closely with faculty, families, and outside professionals to ensure a consistent and unified approach to academic support. They serve as an instructional leader, offering resources and professional development to teachers while managing the daily operations of the Support Center with organization and care. Above all, they bring joy, empathy, and a passion for helping every child thrive.
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Adhere to the school’s Faculty Characteristics of Professional Excellence and the guidelines put forth in our Faculty Handbook.
- Embrace and live out the school's mission and educational philosophy.
- Demonstrate careful preparation for instruction, a commitment to utilizing best practices in teaching and learning, and effective strategies for evaluating all students' progress continuously and effectively.
- Develop, implement, and monitor individualized learning plans for students based on classroom data, standardized assessments, and psychoeducational evaluations.
- Provide direct academic intervention using research-based special education methodologies, such as Orton-Gillingham, Wilson, Barton, or a similar multisensory structured literacy approach.
- Offer small-group and one-on-one support across subject areas, with a particular emphasis on early literacy development and executive functioning.
- Collaborate with faculty to differentiate instruction and modify curriculum for exceptional learners within the general classroom setting.
- Partner with parents and external professionals (e.g., psychologists, therapists) to align strategies and ensure consistency of support.
- Serve as a resource for faculty by providing ongoing professional development and consultation related to best practices in academic interventions and classroom accommodations.
- Lead and meet with the Student Support team on a bi-weekly basis to ensure alignment, share strategies, and provide instructional guidance.
- Coordinate standardized testing.
- Coordinate and manage in-house tutoring services, including scheduling, communication with tutors, and matching students with appropriate support providers.
- Use assessment data to inform instruction, support curriculum review, and contribute to continuous school improvement efforts.
- Maintain accurate records, documentation, and communication regarding student progress, accommodations, and interventions.
- Lead the daily operations of the school’s Support Center, including scheduling, protocol development, and parent communication.
- Provide referrals for external evaluation or support services when necessary and appropriate.
- Maintain professional credentials and/or certification.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Master’s degree in education
- Special Education certification
- Formal training in Orton-Gillingham or a similar structured literacy approach (e.g., Wilson, Barton)
- Experience with literacy intervention programs such as Lindamood Bell, Great Leaps, or Bright Start is desirable
- Strong knowledge of developmental benchmarks from early childhood through upper elementary
- Experience developing and managing individualized learning plans
- Exceptional interpersonal skills and a team-centered approach to collaboration
- Ability to lead professional development and support a growth mindset among faculty
- A deep and abiding Christian faith that is joyfully shared in classroom life and relationships with students.
- A current state teaching certification
- Credentials that meet FCIS’ Teaching Requirements