Middle School Learning Specialist

National Association of Independent Schools; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading independent school in Chicago is seeking a Learning Specialist to support middle school students facing challenges in reading, writing, math, and social-emotional regulation. The role involves creating individualized learning plans, collaborating with teachers and parents, and providing direct instruction. Candidates should have a Bachelor's degree in special education and a commitment to fostering an inclusive learning environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in special education with LBS1 certification required.
• Preferred minimum of 2 years of teaching experience with diverse learning needs.
• Understanding of developmental stages for students aged 10-14.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct instruction to students with learning differences.
• Collaborate with classroom teachers to discuss student needs.
• Assist with behavior management and support executive functioning skills.

Skills

Differentiated Instruction

Collaboration

Behavior Management

Self-advocacy

Assistive Technology

Education

Bachelor’s degree in special education with LBS1 certification

Master’s degree

Job description

To Apply

Email your resume and cover letter to Tony Gleason at [e-mail]

About the Ancona School

The Ancona School (Ancona) is an independent school located in Chicago's historic Hyde Park Kenwood community, educating students 3 years old through 8th grade. Since our founding in 1962, Ancona has been dedicated to diversity in both our community and our curriculum, which draws upon the Montessori and Progressive Education models. Social justice education is the cornerstone of Ancona’s mission as a school; it informs what we teach and how we teach it. At every grade level, Ancona students learn to identify inequality and are empowered to address injustice in the world.

At Ancona, we seek diversity in our faculty and staff to broaden students’ academic experience and to enrich our school community. Ancona is looking for individuals who will contribute to our social justice mission and embrace the rich diversity of our school and city as we prepare our students for an increasingly complex world. Candidates must be sensitive to the needs of, and possess an interest in, working in a school community that is diverse with regard to gender, race, ethnicity, religion, nationality, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, and disability status.

Summary/Objective

The Ancona School is seeking a Learning Specialist to provide support to middle school-aged students who are experiencing challenges in the areas of reading, writing, math, executive function, and social-emotional regulation. Reporting to the Head of School and Director of Family and Student Services, the Learning Specialist will provide support and strategies to students, teachers, and parents, including classroom modifications, accommodations, and remedial instruction. This teacher will work with students both in the classroom and in a pull-out setting. Additionally, this teacher will create and implement an individual learning plan (Student Support Plan) for each student on their caseload. They will routinely communicate and collaborate with teachers, the Student Support Team, and parents of students on the caseload.

Specific Duties

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions

Provide direct instruction and service to students with learning differences in the areas of reading, writing, math, executive function, and self-advocacy

Differentiate instruction in a manner that is consistent with evidence-based practice

Support and collaborate with classroom teachers, meeting regularly to discuss students

Assist students in their use of assistive technology (e.g., Google platform, text-to-speech)

Identify and utilize special materials and teaching strategies pertinent to individual student needs

Assist with behavior management

Provide appropriate activities and opportunities to enhance students’ understanding of their learning profiles and help them develop self-advocacy and self-determination skills

Participate in multidisciplinary staffings, which include speech-language therapists, occupational therapists, tutors, psychologists, etc.

Communicate with parents on a regular basis to discuss student progress and make adjustments to services as needed

Work as an integral part of the Student Support Team to continually assess and develop how we support students

Other job duties as assigned

Required Qualifications

Education

Bachelor’s degree in special education with LBS1 certification

Master’s degree is preferred

Experience

Preferred minimum of 2 years of teaching experience working with elementary or middle school-aged students with diverse learning needs

Have an understanding of the developmental stages of learning for students aged 10-14

Have an understanding of formative and summative assessments as well as other authentic strategies

Experience with supporting executive functioning skills within a school setting

Willingness to learn and grow professionally

EEO Statement

It is the policy of Ancona School not to discriminate against any employee or any applicant for employment because of age, race, religion, color, handicap, sex, physical condition, developmental disability, sexual orientation or national origin. This policy shall include, but not be limited to, the following: recruitment and employment, promotion, demotion, transfer, compensation, selection for training including apprenticeship, layoff, and termination.