Primary Academic Support Coordinator

Fort Worth Country Day seeks a Primary Academic Support Coordinator (Grades JK-2) who will partner and collaborate with the Lower School Academic Support Coordinator. 

Reporting to the Head of Lower School, the Primary and Lower School Academic Support Coordinators are specially prepared professionals who have responsibilities for supporting the learning needs of the Lower School students. The Academic Support Coordinator provides high-level support for students and teachers in the Lower School. The position works closely with the Head of Lower School, Assistant Head of Lower School, Lower School Counselor (Grades JK-4), Lower School Academic Support Coordinator (Grades 3-4), teachers, and parents to help ensure students are as successful as possible while working within the framework of the mission and philosophy of Fort Worth Country Day and the Lower School. A professional mindset and collaborative personality are critical, as the work in this position will help students of all backgrounds find success in their day-to-day experiences. 

Major Roles of the Academic Support Coordinator:

Curriculum and Instruction:

• Provide instructional support within the classroom by leading guided reading groups and modeling differentiated learning techniques
• Provide short-term instruction that supports, supplements, and extends classroom instruction to designated students, either in small groups or individually, by working collaboratively with the classroom teacher and implementing a research-based program that meets the needs of the students. (Primary focus will be reading instruction.)
• Use a range of effective strategies, analyze instruction, and provide clear specific information on strategy implementation
• Facilitate the integration of reading skills and strategies into the reading classroom
• Provide learning support (short-term) after school for students who may need additional support in study skills, organization, or other learning skills

Staff Development

• Provide training for teachers, parents, administrators, and others as needed
• Coach (model/demonstrate/provide feedback) on approaches for reading and the use of data from valid and reliable assessments to inform instruction

Assessment

• Support teachers in assessing students for appropriate instruction
• Uses assessment for designing instruction for individual students
• Can assess the reading strengths and needs of students and provide that information to classroom teachers, parents, and any other specialized personnel

Division Liaison:

• Meet regularly with the Head of Lower School and Lower School Academic Support Coordinator to assess the progress of the implementation of the support program and to modify elements as necessary
• Monitor learning progress of students with educational evaluations, assist teachers in meeting mission-appropriate accommodations, and document changes in areas such as medication, tutorials, and other specialized support
• Create an atmosphere of trust and collaboration among staff to promote professional growth and enhance student learning

Additional Responsibilities (include, but are not limited to):

• Full-time faculty member with associated duties
• Attend monthly divisional faculty meetings and JK-12 faculty meetings as scheduled by the Head of School
• Participate in the professional growth process through self-evaluation, goal setting, and professional development
• Participate in the life of the School by attending school functions

Required Qualifications:

• Valid certification/endorsements in appropriate areas (reading, language, etc.)
• Successful experience as a classroom teacher
• Ability to use data to monitor learning and guide instruction
• Evidence of a deep understanding of learning styles, brain functioning, and current reading trends and methodologies
• Ability to interpret educational evaluations for parents and faculty
• Ability to communicate effectively with adults and children
• Ability and willingness to fill advocacy roles and sensitivity to children who learn differently
• Proven effectiveness as a member of a collaborative team

Desired Qualities:

• Models lifelong learning by seeking avenues for professional growth and expanding their training and knowledge
• Ability to provide professional development
• Energy, positive attitude, and ability to model the School’s core values (even in difficult situations) to all in the community
• Certified Academic Language Therapist (CALT), Licensed Dyslexia Therapist (LDT), or similar certifications

Physical Requirements:

• Must be to stand for up to 8 hours per day
• Must be able to walk students to and from lunch, PE, art, music, etc. each day
• Bending, stooping, squatting, reaching, lifting

All Employees of FWCD Must:

• Exhibit generous community spirit, professional flexibility, and a sense of humor
• Collaborate and work well with colleagues, parents, and students
• Execute duties in a positive and punctual manner

Equal Opportunity Employer / Statement of Inclusivity:

Fort Worth Country Day is an Equal Opportunity Employer that maintains a policy of nondiscrimination with respect to all employees and applicants for employment. Employment decisions at FWCD are based on merit, qualifications, abilities and performance and are subject to the academic and business requirements of the School. As a school, we also believe that understanding and respecting differences not only inspires compassion and empathy, but also fosters intellectual curiosity and creativity. We embrace the diverse cultures, experiences and perspectives that comprise and enhance our learning environment.  We commit to sustaining and growing an intentionally inclusive community.

About Fort Worth Country Day and the City of Fort Worth:

Fort Worth Country Day earned the distinction of being ranked one of the Best Companies to Work for in Fort Worth in 2018.

Fort Worth Country Day is a coed, junior kindergarten through grade 12 college-preparatory day school with nearly 1,100 students and 250 faculty and staff.  The School seeks to promote inclusivity and retain a diverse faculty.  The 104-acre campus offers excellent facilities for academics, arts and athletics. Faculty and administration nurture a collegial professional environment in which innovation is encouraged. Opportunities for ongoing professional development are exceptional.  Fort Worth Country Day is proud of its school community where students, parents, faculty, staff and administration join together to develop an effective and enjoyable place to teach and learn.

Fort Worth ranks as one of the top 20 largest cities in the United States and is known for its vibrant arts, music, and cultural life.  The Dallas/Fort Worth metropolitan region is home to over 6.5 million people. More information about the School and Fort Worth community is available at www.fwcd.org.