Polytechnic School is seeking an energetic, dynamic, collaborative, detail-oriented, and forward-thinking Learning Resources Specialist who excels at supporting all students and their learning, especially those with learning differences. Reporting to the Upper School Director, the Learning Resources Specialist will partner with our faculty and lead the student support process for identifying, monitoring, and guiding students who learn differently; support students with a variety of learning styles by providing intervention and remediation as determined and in alignment with our accommodations policy; inform teachers in their efforts to advance students with different learning needs within the classroom; and work with parents/guardians, students, and outside professionals in order to better support students with learning differences. They will join a student support team led by the Dean of Students that values collegiality, espouses the highest standards, and provides mutual support and collaboration. A successful candidate will take a student-centered approach to their work and will use the school’s mission to help design and foster the academic, social, and emotional success of students through equitable and inclusive practices. 

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Manage all steps of the school’s formal accommodations protocol (process, implementation, documentation, and communication);
• Develop a solid knowledge base of the Upper School curriculum and assist teachers in the classroom to help adjust, accommodate, and enrich curricular approaches and improve pedagogy to better support students with learning differences;
• Submit documentation and manage accommodations for ISEEs, APs, ACTs, and SATs;
• Educate faculty and parents on topics relevant to learning differences;
• Collaborate with deans, teachers, the school nurse, and athletic department to assist in managing the school's temporary concussion accommodation protocol;
• Collaborate with members of the student support team, the Upper School faculty, and the entire K-12 community; 
• Engage robustly in fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion to promote a healthy learning environment;
• Regularly participate in professional development opportunities to maintain and grow both field expertise and inclusive best practices;
• Coordinate the Upper School Peer Tutoring Program;
• Be knowledgeable in new trends and developments within the learning specialist field;
• Provide individual student support as needed, and grounded in a curiosity to fully understand the unique situations and resources that best accommodate growth;
• Be available to parents, students, administration, and colleagues outside the school day when needed; 
• Manage Upper School mid-year and final exam accommodations;
• Enthusiastically join in the greater life of the school, particularly extracurricular activities as an advisor, chaperone or spectator; 
• Willingly take on other duties as needed.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT 

• Work in an environment dealing with a wide variety of challenges and deadlines, as well as a diverse array of contacts;
• Work at a desk and computer for extended periods of time;
• Ability to lift up to 30 lbs;
• Work primarily in a traditional climate-controlled classroom environment;
• Work intermittently in outside weather conditions, including extreme heat and cold.

QUALIFICATIONS

• BA/BS degree. Advanced degree(s) preferred.
• Learning Specialist experience or relevant industry experience;
• Ability to articulate vision and strategy about learning resources while managing the systems and processes necessary for its organized and effective implementation;
• Experience creating inclusive learning environments and opportunities;
• Demonstrated professional presence, strong interpersonal skills, and excellent written and verbal communication skills (including public speaking);
• Ability to manage competing demands and adapt to frequent or unexpected changes;
• Ability to respond quickly and wisely to an emergency or crisis involving a student;
• Ability to work collaboratively and methodically with students, parents, faculty, and staff on a regular basis.

About Polytechnic School

Founded in 1907, Polytechnic School is the first nonprofit, coeducational, K-12, independent school in Southern California. The meaning of polytechnic as “many arts” is reflected in the school’s ambitious and student-centered educational program. Nationally recognized as a K-12 educational leader, Poly develops the unique intellect, talents, and character of each student through transformative teaching within a diverse community devoted to academic excellence, the creative arts, the camaraderie of team sports, and service to others. Poly strives to be an inclusive community that fosters academic excellence and personal growth by ensuring that all of our 870 students, nearly 65% of whom identify as Students of Color, are seen, heard, and valued as their authentic selves. We respect the dignity and worth of every individual and seek to celebrate the joy, the love, and the creativity that emanate from the human spirit. Throughout our Lower, Middle, and Upper Schools, students, faculty, and staff commit to deepening our understanding and knowledge of ourselves, each other, and our ever-changing world. Within our community of care, Poly students build the confidence and capacity t...o think critically and creatively to become responsible global citizens and intellectual leaders. Taught by an extraordinary faculty, Poly graduates are ready to fulfill the promise of their talents and lead meaningful, purposeful lives. To learn more about Polytechnic School, please visit us at www.polytechnic.org.

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Connections working at Polytechnic School