Learning Specialist

Description

Lower School Learning Specialist
 Center for Academic Excellence | Maclay School
 10- or 12-month position

The Lower School Learning Specialist is a key member of Maclay’s Center for Academic Excellence (CAE) team, dedicated to supporting the learning needs of students in grades K-5. This role involves delivering specialized reading and math instruction, implementing evidence-based interventions, and collaborating closely with teachers, parents, and administrators to ensure student success.

The ideal candidate has a strong foundation in elementary education, a deep understanding of reading development and intervention, and a passion for supporting diverse learners. Experience with Orton-Gillingham or structured literacy approaches is preferred; candidates without this training must be willing to participate in school-sponsored professional development.

Primary Responsibilities

• Provide individual and small-group reading and math intervention using research-based strategies.
• Apply a structured literacy approach to reading instruction, with attention to phonological awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension.
• Support students with learning differences by implementing targeted accommodations and strategies.
• Develop and revise quarterly goals based on data and monitor student progress.
• Collaborate with classroom teachers to align interventions with classroom instruction and ensure continuity of support.
• Communicate regularly with parents and faculty about student progress and instructional plans.
• Serve as an advocate and mentor for students with diagnosed or suspected learning disabilities.
• Participate in occasional test proctoring and provide support during classroom assessments when appropriate.
• Engage in school-related professional development and training, including required CAE team meetings and initiatives.

Qualifications

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in elementary education, reading, or a related field (Master’s preferred).
• At least three years of experience as a classroom teacher or learning specialist in an elementary school setting.
• Training in or commitment to structured literacy methods (Orton-Gillingham preferred).
• Familiarity with multi-tiered systems of support (MTSS), progress monitoring, and learning profiles.
• Strong organizational and relationship-building skills.
• Clear and effective communication skills, both verbal and written.
• A flexible, compassionate approach and a collaborative mindset.

Physical Requirements

This position is regularly required to sit, stand, walk, talk, hear, operate a computer and hand-held learning devices, and must occasionally lift and/or move up to 20 pounds.

*As part of our hiring process, we conduct a social media review for all candidates. This review helps us ensure alignment with our school's values and professional standards.

ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) Requirements:
To comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the following physical and mental requirements are essential to the successful performance of this job:

• Physical Demands: While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to sit, stand, walk, talk, and hear. The role requires the ability to lift and/or move up to 20 pounds occasionally. Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
• Work Environment: The noise level in the work environment is typically moderate, similar to a standard school environment. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.
• Cognitive and Emotional Requirements: The candidate must be able to analyze, reason, and problem-solve effectively. The ability to manage multiple priorities, maintain emotional control under stress, and communicate clearly and professionally is essential.

About Maclay School:
Maclay School is an independent, non-sectarian college preparatory school located on 100 beautiful acres in northern Tallahassee, Florida. Our Lower School program, which begins with a nurturing preschool for three- and four-year-old children, continues in the Jablon Lower School. Here, students are supported in a warm, family-oriented environment that emphasizes personal growth, academic rigor, and character development. With a focus on individualized learning and a commitment to excellence, Maclay School provides a safe space where students are encouraged to take risks, stretch their thinking, and achieve their fullest potential.

This role offers the opportunity to make a lasting impact on the academic success of Maclay’s youngest learners while supporting and developing the professional capacity of teachers.

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Statement:
Maclay School is committed to equal employment opportunity for all qualified candidates. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, sex, national origin, age, disability, military status, genetic information, or any other basis prohibited by law. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position