Elementary Learning Specialist

At Oak Hall School, educators who value nurturing young learners are the heart of our welcoming and supportive learning community. Our Lower School (Preschool through 5th grade) seeks to develop inquisitive thinkers and joyful learners, and to plant the seeds for lifelong learning. School life for Oak Hall students in these early years of development is designed to provide opportunities for young learners to embrace and explore their intellectual curiosities within a warm, welcoming and supportive educational environment that prioritizes character development and personal growth.

As part of our commitment to supporting students in our school community, Oak Hall School is seeking a Learning Specialist to join our Lower School team. The Learning Specialist will support and enhance the academic experience of students in the Lower School, with primary emphasis on serving students with academic and social-emotional learning differences in 2nd and 3rd Grades. The Learning Specialist will provide support to the entire Lower School community through instruction, professional development, and parent resources. We invite well-qualified candidates to apply for this position which will begin August, 2024.

Key Responsibilities:

Facilitate Professional Development

• Under the direction of the Director of Learning Support, provide Lower School facultywith training, guidance and support on various learning styles, learning differences, and learning challenges
• Guide teaching faculty on learning strategies that can be utilized to successfully manage these differences and challenges within the classroom setting
• Be a trusted and knowledgeable resource for faculty, staffand parents on learning differences and differentiated instruction
• Assist teachers with implementing individual support plans and other strategies to ensure improved learning of identified students, while balancingthe learning needs of other students in the class
• Work with individual teachers and grade level teams to adapt lessons to meet the needs of students

Support Student Learning

• Read/interpret psychological evaluations to determine academic levels and needs
• In collaboration with teaching faculty,identify students experiencing learning or behavioral social-emotional difficulties
• Observe identified/referred students in their regular classroom settings
• Assist in the development of support plansfor identified students, as appropriate

Communicate Clearly and Regularly to Support Student Success

• Work collaboratively with faculty, parents, administrators and other learning specialists in the Lower School
• Recommend/refer students for formal evaluations, as needed, and liaise with outside professionals
• Communicate clearly and regularly with parents of students being directly served
• Work closely with the teachers and administration to ensure coordination of appropriate messaging regarding students with learning differences
• Participate in grade and team level meetings, as needed

Use Data to Drive Decisions and Actions

• In collaboration with the Director of Learning Support, coordinate and co-facilitate benchmark testing
• Monitor the progress of identified students and evaluate strategies for effectiveness
• Document and discontinue non-effective strategies and modify support plans as needed
• Participate in parent meetings, as needed
• Keep accurate, thorough, and confidential records of all support services and communications

Demonstrate Professionalism

• Develop and maintain a keen understanding of laws, policies, procedures, and ethical standards as related to the needs of students with learning differences
• Stay abreast of current research and research-based practices on learning differences, strategies, and interventions
• Support and advance the mission of Oak Hall School in all aspects of engagement
• Serve as a mentor and advocate for your students
• Be a role model of integrity and professionalism
• Work positively and professionally with all constituencies of the school
• Meet regular and predictable attendance requirements, including attending division and other school meetings, professional days, graduation, and other required events
• Adhere to School policies as described in the Employee Handbook and other materials
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications:

• Masters Degree in Education or in similar/related focus, required
• A minimum of 5 years of experience in a learning support, resource specialist, or related role
• A keen understanding of the developmental and social-emotional needs of Lower School students
• Working knowledge and understanding of federal and state laws applicable to supporting students with disabilities
• Experience in individual student case management preferred
• Ability to effectively communicate the needs, services, and accommodations of students to both faculty and parents with confidence, tact, and genuine compassion and empathy
• Strong knowledge of learning resources, and working knowledge of assistive technologies
• Ability to cultivate a professional referral network of learning specialists, mental health professionals, and other outside experts
• Experience in an independent school setting, preferred
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• A high degree of professionalism, collegiality, and personal conduct, both in and outside of school
• Ability, willingness, and judgment to communicate thoroughly, accurately, and concisely with all constituents in the school community
• Enthusiasm and commitment to the vision and mission of the School

Qualified candidates should be prepared to upload a cover letter, resume, and copies of transcripts.

Oak Hall is proud to offer a comprehensive employee compensation package, including a competitive salary, health and wellness benefits, generous holiday pay and paid time off, and a range of retirement plan options to benefits- eligible employees.

Oak Hall School is committed to the principle of equal opportunity in employment. It is Oak Hall’s policy to provide equal employment opportunities and administer terms and conditions of employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, pregnancy, genetic information, marital status, or other legally-protected characteristic in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws.

This employer participates in E-verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the US. If E-Verify cannot confirm that you are authorized to work, this employer is required to give you written instructions and an opportunity to contact Department of Homeland Security (DHS) or Social Security Administration (SSA) so you can begin to resolve the issue before the employer can take any action against you, including terminating your employment. Employers can only use E-verify once you have accepted a job offer and completed the Form I-9.