What are the responsibilities and job description for the Middle School Learning Specialist (Leave Replacement) position at Columbia Grammar and Preparatory School?
Middle School Learning Specialist (Leave Replacement)
The CGPS Learning Specialist appreciates the joy of teaching and embraces the challenge of teaching diverse learners. Learning Specialists believe in differentiated and developmentally aligned models of teaching and learning, understand the importance of cultural competency and instructional technology, and are attuned to students' social and emotional growth. They collaborate with other members of the department and division to utilize innovative assessments and differentiate instruction, creating a supportive and dynamic learning environment.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Support students in grades 6-8
- Assess and track student progress; provide students with accommodations as needed
- Collaborate with faculty, staff, other members of the learning support team, and the leadership team regularly
- Review and interpret evaluations and recommendations; support faculty to understand and apply recommendations in learning profiles
- Identify students in need of support and coordinate learning plans
- Maintain active communication with students' families and outside support team regarding students' progress, challenges, and learning needs
- Support students’ development primarily in reading, writing, and mathematics
- Support students’ study skills and work habits within a variety of subject areas
- Work with individual and small groups of students both inside and outside of the classroom
- Differentiate classroom instruction to meet the needs of diverse learners
- Share lunch/recess/park/special course coverage
- Attend Faculty & Team meetings
- Work in conjunction with the Department of Education to establish and maintain Individual Education Plans and communicate with outside providers
- Any additional duties as assigned by the Division Director
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Master’s Degree in Special Education, preferably with a concentration in Learning Disabilities
- Minimum of 3 years of full-time teaching experience
- Valid State Certification is helpful but not required, preferably in Special Education
- Understanding of learning styles and differentiated instruction.
- Skill at managing multi-faceted work within a supportive learning community
- Proven track record of high achievement in the classroom
- Ability to communicate effectively and establish rapport with parents
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Experience reading and interpreting psycho-educational evaluations to identify student needs
WORK HOURS:
- School Year ‘25-26, 7:45 am - 3:45 pm
- Weekly faculty and department meetings - until 4:30 pm
- Work Dates
- 25-26 School Year: March 9, 2026 - June 15, 2026
- 26-27 School Year: August 24, 2026 - October 23, 2026
COMPENSATION:
The salary range for this position is $71,000 - $118,500, based on completed degree programs and years of experience. We also offer a warm and supportive culture as well as exceptional benefits, including but not limited to:
- Comprehensive medical, dental & vision plans with a free medical coverage option for employee-only coverage
- Free vision coverage
- Flexible Spending Accounts for Medical, Dependent Care, Parking & Transit
- 8% Annual Employer Contribution to retirement after one year of full-time service
- Basic Life Insurance
- Enhanced Short-Term Disability Coverage
- Long Term Disability Coverage
- Low-cost additional benefits, including voluntary life insurance, critical illness coverage, and pet insurance
- Additional Aflac policies
- Free breakfast & lunch when school is in session
- Discounted parking
- Generous holiday schedule, sick and personal time
CGPS MISSION STATEMENT:
CGPS nurtures each student’s unique passions and talents inside and outside the classroom, unifying and inspiring members of its community in a rigorous but relaxed learning environment, preparing them for the finest colleges, and instilling in them the confidence, ethical values and sense of purpose to embrace challenges, to achieve their dreams and to improve the world.
Columbia Grammar & Preparatory School is an equal employment opportunity employer. Employment on the basis of race (including hairstyle), color, religion, creed, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender and gender identity, gender expression, national origin, alienage, age, pregnancy, marital/partnership status, immigration or citizenship status, status as a veteran or active military service member status, disability, genetic predisposition, status as a victim of domestic violence, prior arrest or conviction record, caregiver status, credit history, salary history, unemployment status, sexual or reproductive health decisions, or any other characteristic or status protected by applicable law (collectively, the “Protected Characteristics”).
Salary : $71,000 - $118,500