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’s Learning Support Program Manager plays a vital role in assisting students who demonstrate learning needs or those with identified learning differences as well as those who require challenge and stretch in their learning. This educator oversees a comprehensive Kindergarten through Eighth Grade learning support program, leads Villa’s Learning Support team, and collaborates with faculty. 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.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

Program Manager: 0.60

Institutional Leadership

• Oversee the Kindergarten through Eighth Grade Villa Learning Support (VLS) program, align processes and procedures across divisions, and support data management for DIBELS, F&P and ERB
• Define the strategic goals for the VLS program in alignment with the initiatives of Villa’s Academic program and the school’s strategic priorities, and effectively communicate the program’s vision and goals to all stakeholders
• Develop a flexible support model that includes both push-in and pull-out models of instruction
• Serve as a bridge between senior leadership and teaching teams, providing direction, managing resources, and ensuring that initiatives within the program are executed efficiently and cohesively
• Supervise, evaluate and coach the Learning Specialist team. Define, articulate, and align learning support practices and procedures. Oversee scheduling to maximize student support across multiple grade levels

• Oversee 3rd through 8th grade standardized testing accommodations 
• Support Division Directors with organization and administration of Admissions assessments and consult on Admissions applications
• Attend and/or support family conversations for K - 2 and 6 - 8 students. 
• Coordinate Spring Academy services for students, including attending service plan meetings, setting up the schedule, and coordinating 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 Service Plans and partner with families when they are up for re-evaluation
• Coordinate both the Villa Learning Support Team and families to submit requests for evaluation

Instructional Leadership

• Support  professional development to faculty on strategies for differentiated instruction, intervention, and assessment systems as they align to school wide programmatic priorities.This could include planning, facilitation, and/or coordination with community partners
• Lead and support Student Support meetings with grade levels and specialist teachers
• Support teachers with implementing Villa’s literacy based benchmark assessments (DIBELS and F&P)
• Supports teachers with interpreting student data in order to make instructional decisions and plan for student support
• Partner with classroom teachers to identify, refer, respond to, and support students needing intervention and/or stretch and challenge
• Consult with teachers to provide insights and recommendations for how to support students with varied academic learning needs
• Consults with Division Directors, Director of Counseling and Wellness, and Director of Teaching and Learning for Inquiry and Equity on schoolwide student support

Teacher: 0.40

• Provide a combination of intervention-based instruction and classroom push-in support for 3rd through 5th grade students; specific case-load allocation and services to be determined by the Program Manager based upon student need and caseload year to year
• Utilize expertise in interpreting psychoeducational evaluation reports and developing Student Support Plans (SSP) for students, outlining strengths, needs, and recommended accommodations and interventions
• Meet with families and students to design and finalize individualized Student Support Plans (SSP) promoting goal achievement and academic growth
• Conduct scheduled SSP reviews with parents and students throughout the academic year 
• 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 supports regarding students' progress, challenges, and learning needs
• Participate in grade level and division meetings, and perform other duties as assigned

PROFESSIONAL QUALITIES:

The ideal candidate for the Villa Learning Support Program Manager should demonstrate the following qualities:

• Instructional Expertise in Diverse Learning Needs
  Deep understanding of learning differences, neurodiversity, and advanced learning needs.
• Leadership and Team Management Skills
  Proven ability to supervise, coach, and align a multidisciplinary team while setting a shared vision and direction.
• Strong Communication and Collaboration Abilities
  Able to work effectively with faculty, families, students, and external professionals across multiple grade levels.
• Strategic and Programmatic Thinking
  Capacity to define and execute goals aligned with schoolwide priorities and implement a dynamic, flexible support model (push-in/pull-out).
• Data-Informed Decision-Making
  Proficiency in using assessments (DIBELS, F&P, ERB) to interpret data and inform instruction and intervention.
• Commitment to Equity, Inclusion, and Antiracism
  Culturally responsive and committed to inclusive practices that support all learners.
• Student-Centered Advocacy and Relationship Building
  Strong ability to advocate for students and build trusting, affirming relationships that foster academic and personal growth.
• Psychoeducational and Instructional Planning Knowledge
  Skilled in reading evaluations, writing support plans, and guiding instructional accommodations/interventions.
• Adaptability and Organizational Agility
  Able to manage changing caseloads, coordinate with various teams, and navigate both day-to-day operations and long-term goals.
• Professional Integrity and Growth Mindset
  Demonstrates emotional resilience, curiosity, and dedication to continual learning and professional development.

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 differences, as well as with students who are neurodiverse. Experience as a Learning Specialist or in Special Education preferred.
• Knowledge of and teaching experience with Wired for Reading phonics approach or related phonics approaches based on the Science of Reading preferred.
• Knowledge of or teaching experience with Multi Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) preferred.
• School leadership experience 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.

• Emotional Resilience, 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.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE:

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

• A cover letter detailing interest in and readiness for the role, addressed to Ms. Jackie Hughes, Director of Teaching and Learning for Inquiry and Equity. 
• 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.

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