Middle School Learning Specialist

Starting for the 2026-2027 Academic School Year

Thayer Academy’s Upper School seeks a student-focused collaborator to work in its Middle School Hale Learning Center (HLC). This full-time, salaried position provides academic support for students, particularly those with language-based learning differences. The Middle School Learning Specialist reports to the Hale Learning Center Director. 

Thayer Academy established the Hale Learning Center in recognition and celebration that students learn differently. Through strategic instruction and support, the Hale Learning Center is committed to providing strategic instruction and support to students with diagnosed language-based learning differences, so that they may develop the tools necessary to be successful, independent learners in Thayer Academy’s rigorous college preparatory program, and in academic pursuits beyond. 

• Develop, implement, coordinate, and supervise on-campus academic support of students with learning differences.
  • This includes: executive functioning skills,  reading, writing, math, and study strategies
• Acquire and maintain a thorough understanding of Thayer’s curriculum in order to support teachers in differentiating instruction for students.
• Utilize direct, explicit, research-based interventions to help foster and develop independence and self-advocacy skills. 
• Provide direct support to students through one-on-one sessions and/or small groups throughout the school day. 
• Communicate with teachers of Hale students regarding approaches that should be utilized in the classroom setting, and provide push-in support through observation and teaching collaboration when appropriate. 
• Collaborate with Middle School Counselors to support families in the process of psychoeducational/neuropsychological testing for identified students for the purposes of reviewing evaluations. 
• Communicate with parents and families to foster a partnership and support students’ academic and social-emotional growth. 
• Create Academic Support Plans for students with educational testing; distribute and educate faculty on these plans; and continue to monitor and refine plans throughout their Middle School years.
• Oversee and implement assessment accommodations i.e., separate setting and extended time. 
• Serve as a school representative to coordinate testing with outside providers.
• Contribute to the school community as an athletic coach (preferred) and/or leader of student activities.
• Apply inclusive practices that value the humanity of all students.
• Participate in professional growth opportunities.

• $73,085.46 - $82,484.33

• A degree in Special Education or a related field (i.e., Reading Specialist) with particular strengths in supporting students with language-based learning differences.
• Experience working in an educational setting with students with learning differences.
• Preferred familiarity or training/certification in science of reading and structured literacy, such as Orton-Gillingham, LiPs, Wilson, SRS, TWR 
• Familiarity with educational/ neuropsychological testing, IEPS, 504s, and learning plans; confidence in summarizing, discussing, and sharing results with faculty and families
• Strong organizational skills and confidence in developing, implementing, and coordinating academic support for a broad range of students.
• Passion for working with middle schoolers and desire to build meaningful relationships.
• Commitment to working in and fostering an inclusive community.
• Demonstrated knowledge of and commitment to engagement and belonging practices in the classroom, in curriculum, and in relationships with members of the school community.
• Willingness to work on a team in a collaborative department.
• Ability to communicate and listen effectively with students and families.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with co-teaching 
• Experience working within schools and interdisciplinary teams 
• Experience working with middle school-aged students 
• Experience with differentiated instruction and leading professional development

• Please click here to complete an application and upload your resume, cover letter, and the names and contact information for three to five references, including two present or past supervisors.

• Equal Opportunity Act: Thayer Academy is an equal opportunity employer. The Academy complies with and adheres to all state and federal anti-discrimination laws with respect to its employment practices. Thayer Academy does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, national origin or ancestry, age, disability, or any other category protected under state or federal law. This policy extends to recruiting, hiring, compensation, benefits, assignment, working conditions, promotions, transfers, termination, re-employment, education, tuition assistance, employee treatment, and all other terms, conditions, and privileges of employment. All employment-related decisions are made on a nondiscriminatory basis so as to further the principle of equal employment opportunity.

• Americans with Disabilities Act: Thayer Academy complies with all aspects of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and state disability laws. This means that we will not discriminate against qualified individuals with a disability in any phase of the employment relationship, including application for employment, hiring, promotions and/or advancement opportunities, termination, compensation, training, and any other conditions or privileges of employment.

About Thayer Academy

About Thayer Academy Thayer Academy's mission is “to inspire a diverse community of students to moral, intellectual, aesthetic, and physical excellence so that each may rise to honorable achievement and contribute to the common good.” In its hiring practices, Thayer Academy seeks candidates who come from a broad range of backgrounds and can contribute to a diverse community, who love working with young people, who thrive when engaged in multiple arenas of school life, and who welcome professional growth. Located next to Braintree's historic district and just up the hill from the MBTA’s final Red Line stop is the historic 34-acre campus of Thayer Academy. Since 1877, our coeducational day school for grades 5-12 has been a dynamic learning environment in which each student is affirmed, supported, and challenged to grow and meaningfully achieve as young scholars, athletes, artists and leaders. Thayer continues to be a place where tradition and innovation meet, and where students form lifelong relationships with one another and with inspiring teachers who care deeply about their students' personal growth and academic success. Thayer is rooted in the intentionally holistic educat...ion of our students, who are viewed as whole individuals with affinities and talents in many areas. Unique to Thayer, because of deliberately coordinated scheduling, it is possible to be both a varsity athlete and sing on stage in the school musical--students here are not forced to choose one path or another. There is a supportive and collaborative camaraderie that pervades our halls and campus--one where students view their classmates as partners, encouraging one another to discover their hidden talents and develop them into lifelong strengths. When you work at Thayer Academy, you join a warm community of students, parents, and colleagues who value not only academic achievement but also a supportive environment in which continual growth and learning is encouraged and supportive through a robust array of professional development opportunities.

Show more

Show less

Connections working at Thayer Academy