Middle School Learning Specialist

Annual Salary Range:$73,085.46 –$82,484.33

Thayer Academy’s Upper School seeks a student-focused collaborator to work in its Middle School Hale Learning Center (HLC). This full-time, salaried position provides academic support for students, particularly those with language-based learning differences. The Middle School Learning Specialist reports to the Hale Learning Center Director.

Thayer Academy established the Hale Learning Center in recognition and celebration that students learn differently. Through strategic instruction and support, the Hale Learning Center is committed to providing strategic instruction and support to students with diagnosed language-based learning differences, so that they may develop the tools necessary to be successful, independent learners in Thayer Academy’s rigorous college preparatory program, and in academic pursuits beyond.

• Develop, implement, coordinate, and supervise on-campus academic support of students with learning differences.
• This includes: executive functioning skills, reading, writing, math, and study strategies
• Acquire and maintain a thorough understanding of Thayer’s curriculum in order to support teachers in differentiating instruction for students.
• Utilize direct, explicit, research-based interventions to help foster and develop independence and self-advocacy skills.
• Provide direct support to students through one-on-one sessions and/or small groups throughout the school day.
• Communicate with teachers of Hale students regarding approaches that should be utilized in the classroom setting, and provide push-in support through observation and teaching collaboration when appropriate.
• Collaborate with Middle School Counselors to support families in the process of psycho educational/neuropsychological testing for identified students for the purposes of reviewing evaluations.
• Communicate with parents and families to foster a partnership and support students’ academic and social-emotional growth.
• Create Academic Support Plans for students with educational testing; distribute and educate faculty on these plans; and continue to monitor and refine plans throughout their Middle School years.
• Oversee and implement assessment accommodations i.e., separate setting and extended time.
• Serve as a school representative to coordinate testing with outside providers.
• Contribute to the school community as an athletic coach (preferred) and/or leader of student activities.
• Apply inclusive practices that value the humanity of all students.
• Participate in professional growth opportunities.

• $73,085.46 – $82,484.33

• A degree in Special Education or a related field (i.e., Reading Specialist) with particular strengths in supporting students with language-based learning differences.
• Experience working in an educational setting with students with learning differences.
• Preferred familiarity or training/certification in science of reading and structured literacy, such as Orton-Gillingham, LiPs, Wilson, SRS, TWR
• Familiarity with educational/ neuropsychological testing, IEPS, 504s, and learning plans; confidence in summarizing, discussing, and sharing results with faculty and families
• Strong organizational skills and confidence in developing, implementing, and coordinating academic support for a broad range of students.
• Passion for working with middle schoolers and desire to build meaningful relationships.
• Commitment to working in and fostering an inclusive community.
• Demonstrated knowledge of and commitment to engagement and belonging practices in the classroom, in curriculum, and in relationships with members of the school community.
• Willingness to work on a team in a collaborative department.
• Ability to communicate and listen effectively with students and families.

• Experience with co-teaching
• Experience working within schools and interdisciplinary teams
• Experience working with middle school-aged students
• Experience with differentiated instruction and leading professional development

• Please  to complete an application and upload your resume, cover letter, and the names and contact information for three to five references, including two…