Position Description

The Learning Specialist is a member of a three-colleague Junior School 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 a 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.
• Knowledge of the Lucy Calkins reading and writing workshop, 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 learning support accommodation plans
• Lead grade level and specialist team meetings to ensure all student needs are being met, intra-grade curricular consistency, and inter-grade curricular alignment. 
• In partnership with the Junior 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 Junior 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.
• Work closely and collaboratively with the Support Team that includes other Junior School Learning Specialists, school counselor, assistant head of Junior School and Head of Junior School.
• Serve as a member of the Junior School Leadership Team.
• Collaborate and communicate with the other learning specialists across the four Shady Side Academy divisions and the Director of Learning Support to ensure a continuum of care for all students with learning differences as they advance throughout the Academy.
• Other duties as assigned by Head of the Junior School, the Assistant Head or the Director of Learning Support.
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Compensation

Salary is competitive with area independent schools and commensurate with experience. Excellent health and retirement benefits are part of the employment package. Lunch is included when school is in session. Funding exists to support continuing education and professional development.

Application Information

Shady Side Academy is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age or disability. Our campuses are tobacco-free.

 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. 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 and athletics, and to meaningful ambitions in life. Visit the school’s web site at www.shadysideacademy.org.