Lower School Learning Resource Department Head and Learning Specialist

The Spence School

Lower School Learning Resource Department Head and Learning Specialist

Full time position to begin August 2025

Overview:

The Spence School seeks a dynamic educator to lead our Lower School Resource Department. The Lower School has approximately 280 students, K-4. The Lower School Resource Department Head affirms all of our students’ potential by leading the integration and coordination of the Resource Center with the K-4 academic program. They believe in the inherent abilities of all children and know how to foster a sense of independence and self-confidence in students who may need individualized approaches to learning. The Lower School Resource Department Head joins a team of three passionate and committed Lower School learning specialists who work closely with children, teachers and families. The LS Department Head is a member of the K-12 Learning Support team and reports to the K-12 Director of Student and Family Support.

Responsibilities:

Instructional Leadership 

• Lead team of three learning specialists to support the academic needs of all Lower School students
• Oversee learning specialist classroom placements 
• Plan and lead department meetings
• Monitor individual professional development, goal-setting and evaluations
• Lead faculty and staff professional development on student learning and developmental needs, in tandem with the Lower School Head, Assistant Head, Director of Lower School Curriculum
• Support teachers, administrators, and parents’ understandings of academically vulnerable students
• Partner with psychoeducational evaluators, families, and tutors 
• Interpret psychoeducational evaluations, summarize and provide information to classroom teachers and administrators
• Oversee support plans for students with learning disabilities
• Collaborate with the Director of Student and Family Support on program coordination and professional learning for the faculty
• Coordinate and lead teacher and family meetings in support of individual students
• Coordinate after school and early morning programs in collaboration with learning specialists
• Collect and analyze academic assessment data in collaboration with the learning specialists
• Review and provide feedback on biannual reports for students receiving direct support from the Learning Specialist team

Teaching

• Provide direct and daily support in math and literacy to Lower School students through co-teaching, one-on-one and small group instruction
• Partner with homeroom teachers to articulate students’ learning needs at parent conferences
• Write biannual student reports

Institutional Leadership

• Lead hiring searches for department faculty, in tandem with the administrative team
• Represent department to all constituents
• Manage department business and budget 
• Provide continuity for students with specific learning needs as they move from Lower School to Middle School
• Foster the school’s understanding of an inclusive approach to teaching 
• Serve on school-wide and divisional committees 
• Maintain necessary student records 

Qualifications:

• Has sustained teaching and leadership experience with elementary students with diagnosed learning disabilities
• Brings broad expertise working with students with diagnosed learning disabilities
• Has advanced degree or equivalent experience working with students with diagnosed learning disabilities
• Demonstrates skill in working with children and an appreciation for the craft of teaching
• Has training and expertise in various literacy intervention programs
• Has experience teaching math to students with diagnosed learning disabilities (preferred)
• Finds joy in working with children and in school life 
• Demonstrates cultural competency and skills engaging with and learning from people with diverse backgrounds and experiences
• Supports Spence’s vision and commitment to equity
• Approaches work with energy, kindness, maturity, curiosity, flexibility, and a sense of humor
• Considers collaboration an essential component of professional growth and values working on a team
• Enjoys a commitment that extends beyond the classroom, including contributions to the larger school community

Spence is committed to an equitable program and a diverse faculty and student body. We therefore actively seek candidates from diverse backgrounds.