Career Center

Golda Och Academy, recognized as one of the top Jewish day schools in the country, is a vibrant learning community that focuses on the individual intellectual, social, and spiritual needs of each child. We cultivate in students a lifelong love of learning within the context of Jewish knowledge and heritage. Our school is located on two campuses — one for the Lower School and one for the Upper School — located about two miles apart in West Orange, serving approximately 425 students from more than 60 communities across New Jersey.

Golda Och Academy is accepting applications for a Learning Specialist who will work at the Upper Campus for the 2023-2024 school year.

SUMMARY

The Learning Specialist supports students in successfully implementing learning strategies that promote awareness, agency, self-advocacy and ultimately, a path toward independence in learning. Student support requires customization and a personal approach to the learner’s needs as well as the coordination of support across subjects, classes and the home. The  Learning Specialist uses a “push in” model to join and observe classes to both support the individual learner and/or faculty who are implementing accommodations for students. The Learning Specialist role extends beyond the classroom as a liaison for families of students with learning differences and is often the first point of contact to initiate, confirm, or adjust learning profiles and accommodations for students.  The Learning Specialist works closely with the guidance counselor, Director of Student Services and Coordinator of Learning Support to guide learning needs across the grades they are assigned to.  The ideal candidate will possess a solid understanding of academic, social, and emotional development and the ability to best align the needs of learners at GOA with the appropriate scope of support the School can offer.

PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES OF A LEARNING SPECIALIST

• Manage a caseload of 8th and 9th grade students with identified learning differences
• Help students understand their unique learning style and develop agency to maximize learning and leverage classroom experiences
• Regularly communicate and consult with students, faculty and families on the efficacy of support strategies for learning.
• Observe students and classes for specific insight on accommodation practices with an eye to identify and recommend any necessary adjustments
• Develop and maintain Learning Profiles while also notifying families of necessary reevaluations as needed
• Hold and appropriately disseminate accurate, current, and confidential records or family information that capture formal evaluations, Learning Profiles, accommodations, and observations
• Facilitate and direct Study Skill sessions, oversee student planner and organizational   strategies
• Work closely with the faculty to embed support within standard lessons for students with learning differences and to guide best teaching practices
• Participate in teacher team meetings and grade level meetings
• Engage in and support daily operations of the school community by participating in recess and lunch duties, committees, team and staff meetings, occasional evening events and additional school activities as needed
• Engage in ongoing and essential work to foster a culture of respect, equity, belonging
• Provide direct instructional support to individual students in small group settings in both in and outside of the classroom. Emphasis on individual student meetings times to provide learning support and supplemental instruction
• Attend annual and triennial IEP meetings with the Child Study Team
• Review report cards and periodically review student progress to determine student growth
• Participate in professional development

Requirements

• Preference will be given to Master’s degree in Education and/or LDTC
• 3+ years working with middle and/or high school students required
• Willingness and ability to learn content of classroom teachers in all subjects
• Experience with and knowledge of CST meetings, development of IEPs, 504 and I&RS process and procedures preferred
• Strong organizational and communication skills in managing multiple projects
• Strong affinity for the mission of Golda Och Academy and an educational philosophy consistent with the school’s core values
• Commitment to building and sustaining an inclusive community and program which reflects the diverse learners and families in our school community.

Golda Och Academy is a an inclusive community and makes all employment decisions without regard for an individual’s race, creed, color, religion, national origin, nationality, sex, pregnancy, affectional or sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, veteran status, physical or mental disability (including AIDS and HIV related illness), genetic information, refusal to provide genetic information, refusal to submit to genetic testing, ancestry, familial status, marital status, domestic partnership status, civil union status, atypical cellular or blood trait, military service, application for military service, or any other basis protected by applicable law.

The School conducts pre-employment screening for all positions which includes a criminal background check, verification of work history, academic credentials, licenses, and certifications. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of the background check.

Eligible employees receive a competitive benefit package that includes health insurance coverage, paid leave and retirement plan options and many other valuable programs information.

About Golda Och Academy

Golda Och Academy is a vibrant learning community that focuses on the individual intellectual, social, and spiritual needs of each child. We cultivate in students a lifelong love of learning within the context of Jewish knowledge and heritage. Our school is located on two campuses — one for the Lower School and one for the Upper School — located about two miles apart in West Orange, serving more than 425 students from more than 60 communities across New Jersey.

Connections working at Golda Och Academy