The Learning Specialist is a full-time employee managing a caseload of approximately 25 students and reports to the Director of Student Services. This staff person works closely with the Leadership Team and the 7th and 8th grade faculty. The Learning Specialist supports middle school students with learning strategies, organization, and study skills; provides individual and small group instruction as appropriate; follows an MTSS framework; and serves as a resource for staff and families alike. This position will start in August 2024.
Duties and Responsibilities
Provide one-on-one and small-group support/instruction for students, both in push-in and pull-out environments.
Assist classroom teachers in the differentiation of instruction to ensure effective delivery of content to a variety of learners.
Regularly meet with classroom teachers for this collaboration and planning.
Develop Accommodation Plans and Section 504 Plans, with measurable goals and objectives.
Regularly collect data to accurately monitor, assess, and report student achievement and progress.
Facilitate Learning Lab, as a class, to provide individualized instruction to students that require the highest level of intervention.
Utilize scientifically research-based interventions to promote growth and grade students on report cards.
Offer Check-Out, at the end of each day, to assist students with executive functioning, prioritization, and planning.
Attend Parent-Teacher Conferences to discuss pupil progress with parents, for student son caseload and to collaboratively present, with classroom teachers, on students supported in the general classroom.
Meet with individual parents, as necessary, to discuss the progress of their children.
Read and summarize all Psychoeducational evaluations for Middle School and for Admissions as necessary.
Oversee and ensure the implementation of classroom accommodations.
Support teaching staff by offering resources, assistance, advice, and training to enable faculty to better meet the needs of all learners.
Develop and maintain communication and documentation protocols related to learning support.
Assume an active role in Student Problem Solving and Planning (SPSP) meetings.
Coordinate with outside specialists when necessary, regarding Psychoeducational evaluations, and collaborate with tutors.
Assist in organizing and administering standardized testing such as i-Ready and ERB-CTP Testing. Review the resulting data to help identify students who require interventions and/or measure growth of caseload students.
Perform other duties as determined by the Director of Student Services.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in special education or related field. Master’s degree in Math preferred.
At least three years of experience, as a Learning Specialist, or in a related role such as
Resource Room Teacher.
Independent school experience preferred.
Familiarity with legal responsibilities of independent schools related to IEPs, Nonpublic
Service Plans, and 504 plans.
Preferred knowledge of CMP3 and/or other relevant math curricula.
Ability to effectively collaborate with faculty, staff, leadership, and parents.
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail required.
Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing.
Positive attitude, flexible approach, team-centered, and strong values needed.
Hillel Day School's mission is to deliver academic excellence in a caring Jewish environment. Fulfilling Hillel Day School's mission requires the support of talented people who share a common vision. Our faculty and staff are dedicated and knowledgeable, caring and innovative, collegial and generous of spirit. They are well-versed in their chosen areas of specialty, and they are energized by young people. They engage students and the community on a variety of levels and in a variety of settings. They are open to new approaches to curriculum and to new teaching strategies.
Hillel Day School faculty and staff are powerful role models. By being both demanding and compassionate, they bring out the best in their students and command their respect.