PreK - 1st Grade Learning Specialist

PRE-K - 1ST GRADE JUNIOR SCHOOL LEARNING SPECIALIST

Classification

Full-Time; Ten months, Exempt

Reporting

Reports to:  Head of Lower Schools, Assistant Heads of the Country Day School 

Position Description

Shady Side Academy Country Day School is seeking a full-time Learning Specialist for the 2024-2025 school year. The Learning Specialist is a member of a two-colleague learning support team that works with teachers and families to support all students, particularly those who benefit from additional support and/or enrichment. The learning specialist will work closely with the other learning specialists, counselor, teachers, and administration to create a learning environment that is advantageous for all learners. 

Primary Responsibilities

• Advocate for students, particularly those with documented learning differences and/or those in need of academic enrichment

• Provide academic support and enrichment services to students in one-on-one, small group or in-class format to best meet the needs of an academically diverse student body

• Be knowledgeable of various research validated approaches to delivering academic accommodations to students- including, but not limited to the Orton Gillingham approach to teaching reading and/or the Wilson Intervention Program, and Number Worlds Math Intervention Program

• Knowledge of the Fountas and Pinnell Classroom, Fundations, Simplified Writing, and the Singapore Math/Math in Focus curricula is preferred but not required

• Use quantitative and qualitative data and collaborate with teachers to monitor student progress. Gathering such data would include but is not limited to monitoring math assessment data, conducting Fountas and Pinnell reading assessments, and conducting student observations

• Provide consistent follow-up with parents, teachers, and students

• Read and analyze neuropsychological, psycho-educational, and other student evaluations (including such disciplines as speech, occupational therapy, etc.)

• Design and coordinate the implementation of student accommodation plans

• Lead grade level and specialist team meetings to ensure all student needs are being met through intra-grade curricular consistency and inter-grade curricular alignment 

• In partnership with the Country Day School learning support team and the administration, plan and lead professional development opportunities for faculty and learning opportunities for families and students as needed

• Facilitate positive, productive partnership and communication between students, families, and the school

• Communicate with teachers, parents, outside providers, and administrators regarding a student’s learning needs and how best to meet those needs inside and outside of school 

• Serve as the liaison between outside providers and the Country Day School 

• Coordinate and manage files and/or paperwork in relation to students with learning differences

• Educate and collaborate with faculty to ensure comprehensive support to students with documented learning differences and/or those in need of enrichment

• Collaborate and communicate with the other learning specialists across the four Shady Side Academy divisions to ensure a continuum of care for all students with learning differences as they advance throughout the Academy

• Other duties as assigned by the Head of Lower Schools or the Country Day Assistant Heads 

Personal Statement/Cover Letter

Shady Side Academy’s mission is “to challenge students to think expansively, act ethically, and lead responsibly. Inspired by this mission, Shady Side’s driving purpose remains the development of responsible, transformative leaders for the City of Pittsburgh and beyond. This reason for existing was embedded at our inception, as the pioneers of the American steel industry founded a preparatory school designed to ensure next generation leadership for what they envisioned would become the great, enduring industrial city of the 20th century. As we envision the Academy’s next chapter and consider a changing world, we have the opportunity to reimagine how we deliver on this mission.  Using the Mission in Action link on our Employment Page as a resource, please respond to the following prompt:   Providing past and current examples, how do you practice Relational Teaching, create opportunities for Civil Discourse, and offer Real Word Learning Opportunities within your teaching practices.

Requirements

A bachelor’s degree is required and a master’s degree in special education and/or a reading specialist certification is strongly preferred. Ideal candidates will have at least three to five years of school experience as a learning specialist, an understanding of differentiated instruction, a flexible and team-oriented approach, excellent written and oral communication skills, exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail, superior interpersonal skills, a sense of humor, and a commitment to confidentiality. Successful completion of state-mandated clearances is required.

Compensation 

Salary is competitive with area independent schools and commensurate with experience. Excellent health and retirement benefits are part of the employment package. Funding exists to support continuing education and professional development. Financial benefits include tuition remission for children of full-time employees, discounts on summer programs, and after-school programs. There may be free on campus housing opportunities available through participation in our Senior School Residential Life program.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Shady Side Academy is a diverse community of students and adults who share different cultural values and perspectives. We embrace each other’s differences and backgrounds, and we know that this diversity adds to the richness and depth of our students’ overall learning experience. Faculty members work to ensure a safe and open environment where understanding is central to all, and students’ differences are celebrated as an integral part of the educational experience.

 About Shady Side Academy

Shady Side Academy is a nationally respected private school in Pittsburgh for boys and girls in grades pre-kindergarten through 12, with an optional boarding experience in high school. Shady Side Boasts an 8:1 student-to-teacher ratio, with an average class size of 15.  Four age-specific campuses with extraordinary resources, teachers who actively mentor, a forward-thinking curriculum, a diverse and inclusive community, and a legacy of alumni accomplishments all inspire Shady Side students to high achievement in academics, the arts, athletics, and to meaningful ambitions in life. Visit the school’s web site at www.shadysideacademy.org  Our campuses are tobacco-free.