3rd-5th Grade Learning Specialist & Coordinator

Opportunity Statement

Villa Academy is an inclusive independent school community dedicated to developing the whole child in the Cabrinian tradition of “education of the heart.” Through dynamic, inquiry-based learning, Villa students become active agents of their own intellectual growth in preparation for lives of service and purpose. 

Villa Academy seeks a full-time 3rd - 5th Learning Specialist & Coordinator to join its team beginning August 20th, 2026. This role plays a vital role in supporting students who demonstrate a range of learning needs or those with identified learning differences. This educator serves as part of Villa's Learning Support team, collaborates with faculty, and oversees case-load management and coordination of outside providers and partners. This is a full-time, ten-month, non-exempt position that follows the academic calendar, reporting to the Director of Teaching and Learning for Inquiry and Equity.

The ideal candidate is a compassionate, student-centered educator who is professionally trained and experienced in best practices of learning support. The candidate will delight in working with young learners and their families, be a dedicated problem-solver, and support Villa Academy’s commitment to “education of the heart.”

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

Learning Specialist:  75%

• Provide a combination of push-in, pull-out, small group, and one-on-one support for 3rd through 5th grade students.
• Collaborate with the Villa Learning Support team and the Director of Teaching and Learning for Inquiry and Equity to ensure K-8 alignment of learning support practices and procedures.
• Utilize expertise in interpreting psychoeducational evaluation reports and developing Student Support Plans (SSPs) for students, outlining strengths, needs, and recommended accommodations and interventions.
• Meet with families and students to design and finalize individualized Student Support Plans (SSPs) promoting goal achievement and academic growth.
• Conduct scheduled SSP reviews with parents and students throughout the academic year. 
• Joins Student Support meetings with grade levels and specialist teachers.
• Collaborate with teachers to plan instruction and co-teaching, identify supplemental instructional materials, develop assessments and intervention supports.
• Consult with teachers to provide insights and recommendations for how to support students with varied academic learning needs.
• Partner with the Counseling team to provide holistic support and intervention strategies, ensuring a cohesive approach to student wellbeing.
• Collaborate and maintain active communication with outside providers regarding students' progress, challenges, and learning needs.
• Communicate clearly, kindly, professionally, and effectively with colleagues, teachers, students, and families.
• Supports students and families in the transition across the Lower School to Middle School divisions.
• Design and implement a curriculum for the 5th grade Middle School Success class with a focus on executive function, and reinforce strategies taught in 5th grade Humanities courses.
• Participate in division meetings, and perform other duties as assigned.
• Commit to the mission, vision, and values of Villa Academy.

Learning Support Coordinator: 25%

• Support the Director of Teaching and Learning for Inquiry and Equity with coordination of 3rd through 8th grade standardized testing accommodations. 
• Support professional development to faculty on strategies for differentiated instruction, intervention, and assessment systems as they align to school wide programmatic priorities.This may include planning, facilitation, and/or coordination with the Director of Teaching and Learning for Inquiry and Equity and Division Directors.
• Support Division Directors with organization and administration of Admissions assessments and consult on Admissions applications.
• Organize Spring Academy services for students, including attending service plan meetings, setting up the schedule, and ensuring consistent communication between the tutor and classroom teachers.
• Assist new-to-Villa families with transferring IEPs from Seattle Public Schools into Service Plans to gain access to Spring Academy.
• Monitor existing Student Support Plans and partner with families when they are up for re-evaluation.
• Coordinate both the Villa Learning Team and families to submit requests for evaluation.
• Support teachers with coordinating, evaluating, and implementing Villa’s academic assessments.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• A Master’s degree in Special Education or a related field, with emphasis on teaching/learning.
• 3+ years of working with students experiencing a broad range of learning needs, as well as a strong background in interventions for diverse learning profiles.
• Knowledge of and teaching experience with structured phonics instruction and Science of Reading based approaches.
• Knowledge of or teaching experience with Multi Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) preferred.
• A commitment to relationship-building, growing student confidence, and establishing a meaningful and collaborative learning environment for and with students.
• Knowledge and application of instructional technology including document cameras, interactive whiteboards, web-based learning software and Google apps.
• Excellent communication skills for working with students, parents, teachers, and outside professionals.
• Ability to collaborate with colleagues as part of a professional learning community.
• Positive energy and enthusiasm for working in a Preschool through Eighth Grade independent school.
• A commitment to ongoing professional growth, curiosity, cultural humility, and antiracism, as well as an understanding of its critical role in academic excellence and student growth.
• Ability to think critically, make sound decisions, communicate effectively, remain composed in challenging situations, and build positive, trusting relationships with others.

SALARY RANGE AND BENEFITS:

The anticipated salary range for this position is $54,900.85–$126,246.40 annually, in accordance with the Villa Academy Faculty Salary Scale and based on education and experience. Villa Academy also offers a robust benefits package for full-time employees, including employer-paid medical, dental, vision, and life insurance, 401(k) retirement plan with employer contributions, Flexible Spending Accounts, free parking, potential for graduate school tuition reimbursement, paid time off, and professional development opportunities.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE:

Please provide, via email to villa-hiring@thevilla.org, (preferably in one PDF document): 

• A current resume including relevant educational experience and three professional references.

Villa Academy is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all federal rules and regulations. Villa Academy does not discriminate in admission, access, treatment, or employment on the basis of race, color, religion, gender identity, gender presentation, sex, sexual orientation, creed, age, national origin, marital status or ability.

About Villa Academy

Villa Academy is an inclusive independent school community dedicated to developing the whole child in the Cabrinian tradition of “education of the heart.” Through dynamic, inquiry-based learning, Villa Academy students become active agents of their own intellectual growth in preparation for lives of service and purpose.

Connections working at Villa Academy