Learning Specialist

Lake Forest Country Day School; Illinois; On-site; USD 45,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

An established educational institution is seeking a dedicated Learning Specialist to join their Student Support team. This role focuses on providing specialized instruction to students with diverse learning needs in grades 5-8. The Learning Specialist will work collaboratively with teachers, parents, and administrators to create individualized strategies that enhance academic growth. With a commitment to fostering a supportive learning environment, this position offers the opportunity to make a significant impact on students' educational journeys. If you are passionate about education and eager to support diverse learners, this is an exciting opportunity to contribute to a nurturing community.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or master's degree in education with special education certification required.
• Extensive knowledge of learning strategies and diverse learners.

Responsibilities

• Support students with remediation and enrichment in grades 5-8.
• Conduct assessments to monitor student progress and needs.
• Collaborate with teachers and parents to implement accommodations.

Skills

Knowledge of learning differences

Interpersonal communication skills

Organizational skills

Ability to work with diverse learners

Emotional maturity

Education

Bachelor's degree in education

Master's degree in education

Tools

Individualized Education Plans (IEPs)

RTI (Response to Intervention)

Job description

LFCDS, located on a 30-acre campus about 30 miles north of Chicago, Illinois, is a co-educational, independent day school serving 400 students from age 2 through eighth grade. The School has a long tradition of producing thoughtful, confident, and successful students. Children are known, loved, and challenged at LFCDS, and a state-of-the-art facility provides a remarkable setting for inspired teaching, academic rigor, and attention to individual needs.

The Opportunity

Lake Forest Country Day School (LFCDS) seeks a talented and dedicated full-time Learning Specialist, starting in August 2025. This qualified candidate will join the Student Support team in providing research-based specialized instruction to students with a diverse range of learning needs and learning differences. The candidate will work collaboratively with the Student Support team, classroom teachers, parents, and administrators to problem-solve and help students in preschool--8th grade develop skills and strategies that adhere to their individual needs and enhance academic growth.

The central mission of the Learning Specialist is to ensure that Lake Forest Country Day School identifies and supports its students during elementary grades through middle school and provides appropriate instruction and intervention based on educational best practices supported by neuroscience research.

Key Responsibilities

1. Focus primarily on grades 5-8 to identify, monitor, and support students needing remediation or enrichment. This involves working with faculty, parents, private contractors, and evaluators on behalf of students who require specialized academic instruction.
2. Provide one-on-one and small-group support/instruction for students, both in push-in and pull-out environments.
3. Support students using specialized instruction in the areas of reading, written language, mathematics, executive functioning, and study skills.
4. Conduct ongoing assessments and progress monitoring to identify needs and evaluate student growth and responsiveness to intervention.
5. Write, maintain, and update Individualized Service Plans and 504 plans.
6. Guide teachers in differentiating instruction and implementing classroom accommodations and modifications.
7. Actively participate in monthly consult meetings and weekly team meetings with teachers, Learning Specialists, Counselors, and Division Heads.
8. Assume an active role in Learning Development and Student Support Team meetings.
9. Collaborate with LFCDS School Counselors to support students’ social-emotional needs.
10. Support teaching staff by offering resources, assistance, advice, and training to enable faculty to better meet the needs of all learners.

Professional and Personal Qualifications

1. A bachelor’s degree or master’s degree in education with special education/LBS1 certification or endorsement from an accredited college or university is required; a graduate degree is preferred.
2. Extensive knowledge of learning differences and strategies.
3. Experience teaching diverse learners and age groups.
4. Knowledge of early intervention, RTI, formative and summative assessments, acquisition of reading, and facility with the general teaching of reading, writing, and mathematics.
5. Knowledge and experience in reading and math instruction with an ability to progress monitor and use progress monitoring data to guide and inform instruction.
6. Experience delivering support services in a middle school Language Arts and math setting.
7. Training/certification in a multisensory reading program such as Wilson, SLANT, or Orton-Gillingham is preferred.
8. Knowledge and experience writing measurable goals and Individualized Education Plans.
9. Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills as well as proven ability to work with a diverse group of colleagues and stakeholders at all levels.
10. A willingness to learn and grow professionally.
11. Outstanding judgment and emotional maturity.
12. Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
13. High level of energy, creativity, positive attitude, sense of humor, and flexibility.

Mission Statement:

Through inspired teaching and partnership with families, Lake Forest Country Day School nurtures a love of learning and builds a foundation of strong character, preparing students to navigate their path with purpose.

Core Beliefs:

Childhood is championed, Community is our core, Curiosity is a gift, We aim high

Interested applicants should send a letter of interest, resume, and the names of three professional references (personal statement optional) in PDF format to the attention of Robin Baasen, Director of Student Support, at [e-mail] with the subject line “Learning Specialist Application.”

Lake Forest Country Day School seeks and embraces diversity among our faculty, staff, and student body. LFCDS is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and it does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, religion, marital status, disability, sex, gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, military or veteran status, order of protection status, genetic information, or any other category protected by applicable law.