LEARNING SPECIALIST - Middle School

Oak Hall School, a private independent day school in Gainesville, Florida is a learning community where students, with the support of their teachers and parents, have rich and abundant opportunities to grow as people, to challenge themselves in academics, the arts, and athletics, and to learn to care for others. Our faculty and staff members are our greatest asset, and are committed to living our mission of being a welcoming, diverse and supportive learning community, empowering students to pursue their academic, artistic and athletic passions.

Our Middle School is an academically rigorous, and yet emotionally supportive, learning environment. Academic course offerings are balanced with abundant opportunities in the arts and athletics. Our small class size creates an atmosphere where academic achievement is universally supported, and where personal success is appreciated, and celebrated.

Oak Hall is seeking a student-centered, collaborative Learning Specialist to support and enhance the academic experience of students in the Middle School, with primary emphasis on serving students with academic and social-emotional learning differences. The Learning Specialist will provide support to the entire Middle School community through instruction, professional development, and parent resources.

We invite well-qualified applicants to apply for this position, which will begin August, 2024.

Essential Functions:

• Support and advance the mission of Oak Hall School in all aspects of engagement
• Provide Faculty and Staff with general training on various learning styles, learning differences, and learning challenges
• Train Faculty and Staff on learning strategies that can be utilized to successfully manage these differences and difficulties within the classroom setting
• Be a resource for Faculty, Staff, and parents on learning differences and differentiated instruction
• In collaboration with Faculty, parents, and Team Leaders, identify students experiencing learning or behavioral social-emotional difficulties
• Work collaboratively with Faculty, parents, and Specialists in the Lower School, to ensure that students in fifth grade are prepared for a smooth transition to Middle School
• Observe identified/referred students in their classroom settings
• Assess the students individual skills and difficulties in consultation with teacher, parents, and others, as appropriate
• Develop individualized Student Action Plans for identified students, as appropriate
• Assist teachers to implement individual Student Action Plans and other strategies to ensure improved learning of identified students balanced with the learning needs of the other students
• Recommend/refer students for formal evaluations, as needed, and liaise with outside professionals
• Work with individual teachers and grade level teams to adapt lessons to meet the needs of students
• 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
• Monitor the progress of identified students and evaluate strategies for effectiveness
• Document and modify/adjust Student Action Plans as necessary to address academic barriers
• Participate in parent meetings, as needed
• Facilitate Student Success meetings aimed at creating actionable plans to support students identified as needing additional assistance
• Keep accurate, thorough, and confidential records of all support services and communications
• 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
• 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, and other required events
• Adhere to School policies as described in the Employee Handbook and other materials
• Other duties as assigned

• Masters Degree in Education or major in similar/related focus, required
• A minimum of 5 years of experience in a learning support, resource specialist or related role
• Ability to effectively communicate the needs, services, and accommodations of students to both faculty and parents with confidence, tact, and genuine compassion and empathy
• Experience in individual student case management preferred
• A keen understanding of the developmental and social-emotional needs of Middle School students
• Working Knowledge of Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, including Individual Education Plans, 504 plans, etc.
• Strong knowledge of learning resources, 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 is a plus
• 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

Oak Hall is proud to offer a comprehensive employee compensation package, including a competitive salary, health and wellness benefits, paid time off, and generous 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.