Description

Colorado Academy seeks a full-time Middle School Learning Specialist starting in the 2024-2025 school year (Grades 6th-8th). This faculty member will join an established community of caring, experienced educators and will be responsible for providing knowledgeable support to students and families with learning plans and identifying students who would benefit from evaluation. The ideal candidate will have an extensive background and training in working with students with a full spectrum of learning differences and experience guiding families through the often emotional process of pursuing cognitive and educational testing. They will have experience supporting a community of diverse backgrounds and a deep respect for middle schoolers' intellectual and social-emotional development. The Learning Specialist reports to the Middle School Principal.

Core responsibilities include:

• Create and manage student learning plans from educational testing and support families in updating evaluations when necessary.
• Collaborate with and support teachers, advisors, and the Middle School Counselor in implementing learning plans by providing resources, assistance, advice, and training in best practices methodologies.
• Facilitate the MTSS system for teachers and staff to coordinate efforts for students who may benefit from additional learning or behavioral support needs with the help of the Middle School Counselor, the Middle School Principal, and the Middle School Dean.
• Work collaboratively with the Middle School Counselor, the Middle School Principal, and the Middle School Dean to establish systems/ protocols related to learning support.
• Coach students in understanding their learning profiles and how to utilize strategies for self-advocacy and eventual independence.
• Develop academic and/or behavior goals for students, provide appropriate interventions, and monitor students’ responses to interventions.
• Provide direct learning support/coaching to assist students with organizational skills, academic planning, executive functioning, time management, and study skills/strategies.
• Utilize both push-in and pull-out models to support students, including proctoring students with extended time or separate location accommodations.
• Keep current on all state and federal laws as they apply to independent schools and learning differences.
• Perform basic expectations of all middle school faculty, including staffing supervision duties, chaperoning outdoor education trips, and offering interim experiences as needed.

Colorado Academy Middle School

The Middle School program combines a strong academic curriculum with the care needed to grow students through the developmentally dynamic middle school years. Teachers in the Middle School work to support students’ growth as curious, kind, courageous, and adventurous leaders and learners. Students at CA benefit from small classes, high standards, robust arts and athletic offerings, and teachers’ intentional efforts to bring joy to daily school life. Learning at CA is not confined to the classroom, as students grow through our experiential interim program, outdoor education trips, clubs, service learning, and a plethora of field trips.

Requirements

• A Bachelor’s degree in special education or related field is required.
• A credential or master’s degree is preferred.
• Training in learning support and neurodiversity is necessary.
• The ability to collaborate and a sense of humor are essential.

Candidates should be eager to join a professional community where collaboration is valued and where openness to growth is the norm. Excellent interpersonal skills are required. 

Ultimately, we are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and that candidate may come from a less traditional background. We would encourage all interested candidates to apply.

This position will remain posted until filled. Applicants, please include a cover letter with your application submission. 

The pay range for the position is $75,000-$95,000. Colorado Academy reserves the right to pay more or less than the posted range.

Any discrepancies that may exist do not relate to sex. The Academy offers an excellent compensation package, wide-ranging opportunities for professional development, and an environment notable for its dedicated teaching professionals and supportive administrators. Medical, Dental, Vision and Life Insurance benefit programs are available, as is a 403(b) retirement plan. Eligibility for all benefit programs is defined by the applicable plan document. 

Applicants are invited to visit the Colorado Academy website (www.coloradoacademy.org) to learn more about the program and the school.

Colorado Academy does not discriminate or allow unlawful harassment in any of its programs, procedures or practices on the basis of age, color, disability, national or ethnic origin, ancestry, political affiliation, race, religion or creed, gender, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, military service, marital status or other protected classifications defined by applicable law. The policy applies in all aspects of employment with the Academy.