Learning Specialist

Hong Kong International School; Hong Kong; On-site; HKD 335,000 - 513,000; Full time

Job summary

Hong Kong International School seeks an experienced Special Education teacher to provide targeted instruction and accommodations for students with mild to moderate learning needs, collaborate with classroom teachers, and design interventions within a tiered support framework.

You will apply ISTE standards and Universal Design for Learning, maintain progress documentation, advocate for students, and participate in the school's mission of inquiry, compassion, and global understanding within a

Qualifications

• Special Education certification or licensure.
• Undergraduate College degree.
• Masters degree preferable.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct and indirect support of students with special educational needs within collaboration with classroom teachers to deliver specialized instruction and accommodations.
• Use curriculum-based and standardized assessments to determine intervention needs and to design instructional modifications.
• Plan and implement research-based strategies leveraging student strengths to enhance learning experiences.
• Maintain documentation and monitor progress across the curriculum in collaboration with staff and parents.
• Communicate regularly with classroom teachers, specialists, administrators and parents, supporting transitions and advocating for students.

Skills

ISTE Standards

Universal Design for Learning

Technology integration

MTSS/RTI

Progress monitoring

Data-driven decision making

Education

Undergraduate degree

Special Education certification/licensure

Masters degree preferable

Job description

Provide support and specialized instruction to meet the needs of students with mild to moderate special learning needs. Collaborate with classroom teachers in planning modifications and accommodations within the regular curriculum. Direct instruction individually and in small groups as required to address particular disabilities and skill deficits. Applies knowledge of a tiered system of support to design and deliver interventions at varying levels of intensity, ensuring that students receive timely and appropriate support tailored to their individual needs. It is understood in carrying out these responsibilities that the teacher supports the school mission which follows: Dedicating our minds to inquiry, our hearts to compassion, and our lives to service and global understanding: An American style education grounded in the Christian faith and respecting the spiritual lives of all.

KEY AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY

Student Support

• Direct and indirect support of students with special educational needs: Work within a collaborative team with other specialists and classroom teachers to provide specialized instruction and classroom accommodations for students with special educational needs. Provide direct remedial instruction in literacy, foundational math skills, and other areas of identified special needs. Implement evidence-based interventions within a tiered system of support, differentiating instruction and services across Tier 2 (targeted small-group interventions, and Tier 3 (intensive individualized support). Act as liaison between outside specialists, ancillary and elective teachers, parents, administrations and students with special learning needs.

Assessment and Recommendation

• Assessment and Recommendation: Use and interpretation of curriculum-based and standardized assessment tools to determine the need for intervention. Design and provide instructional modifications and interventions.

Intervention Services

• Teaching: Provide direct remedial instruction in literacy and foundational math skills strategies, study skills, learning strategies and other areas of identified special needs.
• Plan and Implement: Research-based strategies that leverage students’ strengths to enhance their learning experiences.

Documentation and Monitoring

• Documentation and Monitoring: In collaboration with the classroom teacher, maintain appropriate documentation for students with special educational needs. Monitor progress in all aspects of the curriculum.

Other

• Communicate on an on-going basis with classroom teachers, other specialists, administrators and parents. Maintain a positive, nurturing, collaborative and consultative-type relationship. Assist in the transition of students to the next grade level.
• Serve as a positive advocate for students, ensuring student voices are heard and their needs are met within the educational framework.
• Undertake other duties and functions as required that will impact and strengthen the contributions of the department and overall operations of the school.

Minimum requirements and qualifications

Education:

• Special Education certification or licensure
• Undergraduate College degree

• Masters degree preferable

Experience:

• Learning Disabilities/Special Education or Resource Room experience and the relevant grade/age level. Teaching experience in a mainstream classroom preferred.

Required skills:

• Working knowledge of the ISTE Standards, Universal Design for Learning, and developmentally appropriate technology for the division's students
• Understanding the impact of mild to moderate Learning Disabilities on academic progress and demonstration of knowledge.
• Sound knowledge of techniques to address learning difficulties and ability to deliver specialized instruction to address student needs.
• Knowledge and experience providing intervention within a Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS) or Response to Intervention (RTI) framework, including progress monitoring and data-driven decision making.
• Knowledge of appropriate assessments for determining student needs and monitoring student achievement.
• Highly skillful at using technology particularly as it interfaces with student need for accommodations and modifications.
• Excellent interpersonal skills in order to collaborate with staff, parents, students, and administrators
• As a school grounded in the Christian faith, we hire Christian teachers and administrators as well as those of other faiths. HKIS seeks to hire candidates who are interested in the complex questions of faith and spirituality and who are keen to learn and interact with others of different faith traditions.

Child Protection Statement:

• At HKIS, each child’s welfare is paramount. We act to ensure that our students enjoy the right to be protected from harm and exploitation and have their welfare safeguarded.