Middle School Learning Specialist (34014)

SUMMARY

The Middle School Learning Specialist is a collaborative member of the Student Services team and works closely with teachers, the admissions director, the Counselors, Learning Center staff, Deans of Student Life and Academic Life, as well as Lower and Middle School Division directors to implement a dynamic and comprehensive program of academic, social, and emotional support for all students. The Middle School Learning Specialist must have the capacity to help support the technical elements of the Learning Services role and possess the emotional and empathic capacity to help students and families to succeed in middle school. The  Middle School Learning Specialist is responsible for their own learning and growth and seeks out professional development opportunities throughout the year in order to ensure they are aware of all the current educational pedagogy.

As members of the teaching faculty, the Learning Specialist should be ready to chaperone class trips and engage fully in all school or division-wide events/experiences that develop the whole child in a Catholic, independent school community. 

As with any employee at Mayfield Junior School, there is an expectation that this person will be open to peer feedback, creative discussion, and child-centered in their approach. All employees at Mayfield Junior School should familiarize themselves with the mission and vision statement and be prepared to actively teach with Holy Child goals in mind.         
                        
 

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Collaborate with the entire Learning Center team, including the Senior Learning Specialist, Math Specialist, Learning Center Teacher, Lower School Reading Coach to ensure cohesion across K-8 Learning Center programs.
• With the support of the Learning Center teacher, oversee the implementation of small-group learning support during 5th-8th grade independent study classes. 
• Review and interpret outside reports and accommodation recommendations within the context of MJS policies; Develop and oversee individualized learning profiles based on the suggested accommodations.
• Provide direct, individualized learning support for middle school students on the middle school caseload, aligned with each student’s learning profile and support plan. Services focus on executive functioning, organization and time management, self-advocacy and effective use of accommodations, task engagement, cognitive load management, and academic strategies such as note-taking, reading comprehension, and study skills.
• Communicate clearly with families and grade-level teams to ensure consistent understanding, alignment, and support for student learning needs.
• In collaboration with faculty, identify students of academic concern and design and implement targeted academic support plans to provide timely and effective intervention.
• Facilitate and coordinate student accommodations for assessments, both at MJS and with outside testing organizations (e.g.Map Growth, aimswebPlus). 
• Offer daily morning office hours beginning at 7:30 am to support student needs before the start of the academic day.
• Manage and maintain organized, up-to-date records for students on caseload, including learning profiles, evaluation summaries, necessary documentation, and ongoing communication with families and faculty.
• As part of the admissions team and process, administer admissions screenings and provide analysis and feedback regarding potential candidates. 
• Coach faculty in the development of teaching strategies to meet the learning needs of neurodiverse students.
• Promote and support the school’s commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice.           

    
             
OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES

• Is visible and present on the school campus and at school activities 
• Performs any other job-related tasks deemed necessary and/or assigned        
   

SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

• Ability to lead and collaborate with colleagues in a team environment
• Strong communication skills since the role requires communicating to various constituent groups including faculty, parents, students, administration
• Strong organizational skills 
• Strong sense of initiative 
• A collaborative, cooperative, and patient mindset
• Aligned with the school Mission and Goals 

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• Experienced Learning Specialist or Educational Therapist with a preferred Master's Degree or equivalent in related field
• 5 years or more experience in elementary and middle school education, ideally in an independent school
• Experience reading, interpreting, and evaluating Neuropsychologist reports a plus
• Familiarity with current trends and strategies for differentiating instruction and universal design.
• Experience in an educational setting is preferred.
   

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: 

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; frequently required to talk or hear; and occasionally required to stand, walk, and reach with hands and arms, and/or use hands to handle or feel. The employee is occasionally required to move and/or lift up to twenty-five (25) pounds. Specific vision abilities required for this position include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.  
 

WORK ENVIRONMENT 

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of their job. The job is performed under minimal temperature variations, and in a clean environment. Indoor classrooms, outdoor school yard and grounds. Exposure to student and playground noise. 

This job description is a general outline of the key responsibilities and requirements of the MJS Middle School Learning Specialist role. It may be subject to change based on the needs of the organization and specific circumstances.                                         
 

Salary : $95,000 - $125,000