Posted: 19-Nov-25
Location: Seattle, Washington
Type: Full Time
Salary: $251.62/per day worked
Categories:
Preferred Education:
Lower School Learning Specialist (Long Term Substitute)
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 long-term substitute for our Lower School Learning Specialist to join its team beginning February 2, 2026 and concluding June 12, 2026. The Lower School Learning Specialist plays a vital role in supporting students in Kindergarten through Third Grade needing additional support in literacy or those with identified learning differences. This educator teaches strategies and specific skills to help students achieve academic success, supports student agency, and works collaboratively with teaching teams and other student support staff. This is a temporary, long-term substitute position that follows the academic calendar.
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:
- Provide a combination of intervention-based and small group instruction for Kindergarten through Third Grade students.
- Collaborate with the Learning Support team and coordinate scheduling to maximize student support across multiple grade levels.
- Closely partner with the Counseling team to provide holistic support and intervention strategies, ensuring a cohesive approach to student wellbeing.
- Communicate regularly with teachers and parents regarding student progress.
- Advocate for the needs and accommodations of students with Student Support Plans.
- Support classroom accommodations for qualified students
- Interpret student neuropsychological evaluations or learning assessments and facilitate appropriate learning support.
- Contribute to classroom progress reports and report cards of supported students.
- Continually seek out and provide current resources to assist students and teachers.
- Support teachers with strategies or, when needed, lesson planning or co-teaching.
- Collaborate with the Academic Directors in coordinating, evaluating, and implementing Villa’s academic assessments.
- Assist teachers in utilizing the data from assessments to support student learning.
- Meet regularly with the Academic Directors, School Counselors, and other Learning Specialists.
- Participate in grade level and division meetings, and perform other duties as assigned.
- Commit to the mission, vision, and values of Villa Academy.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- A Bachelor’s degree in Special Education or a related field, with emphasis on teaching/learning; Master’s degree preferred.
- 3+ years of working with students experiencing a broad range of learning needs, as well as a strong background in interventions for learning disabilities.
- 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.
- Positive energy and enthusiasm for working in a Preschool through Eighth Grade, faith-based 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.
SALARY RANGE AND BENEFITS:
Anticipated salary is $251.62/per day worked for the tenure. This position is not eligible for benefits.
APPLICATION PROCEDURE:
Please provide, via email to villa-hiring@thevilla.org, items listed below (preferably in one PDF document):
- A cover letter detailing interest in and readiness for the role.
- 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.