What are the responsibilities and job description for the Lower School Learning Specialist position at St. Mary's Academy?
St. Mary’s Academy Overview
St. Mary’s Academy, located in Englewood, Colorado, is Metro Denver’s premier Catholic, Independent school offering rigorous academics in its co-ed PreK-Grade 8, and all-girls High School. SMA offers a safe, yet innovative program that embraces all student backgrounds, and fosters character and moral development from Preschool - Kindergarten to graduation.
SMA is a close community where faculty and staff serve as role models for the students with a mission to foster excellence in each child through academic achievement, spiritual development, and service. The qualities of a strong work ethic, a desire for personal growth, and a commitment to lifelong learning that St. Mary’s Academy expects of students are likewise expected of faculty and staff. Each day, too, is an opportunity to live the Loretto School Values of faith, community, justice, and respect.
SMA is committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse faculty and staff dedicated to their profession and the well-being and life of the St. Mary’s Academy community. St. Mary's Academy does not discriminate on the basis of age, color, sex, disability, marital status, national or ethnic origin, race, sexual orientation, or religion. This policy applies to all areas of student concerns: educational policies, admission policies (historically, high school admission is open to women only), scholarship, and grant-in-aid programs, athletic and other school-administered programs, as well as employee/personnel concerns. St. Mary's Academy is an equal-opportunity employer.
Job Description
St. Mary’s Academy is seeking a warm, enthusiastic Lower School Learning Specialist to join our Lower School community. This is a wonderful opportunity to step into a vibrant, mission-driven school and work closely with a supportive team of dedicated educators and an encouraging principal who values collaboration, communication, and professional partnership.
In this role, you may provide small-group remedial literacy instruction for students PS –5, as well as enrichment opportunities for students eager for greater academic challenge. Ideal candidates bring both strong instructional skills and the ability to routinely assess student needs and tailor instruction accordingly. Familiarity with Orton-Gillingham, i-Ready, and DIBELS is preferred, though a growth mindset and willingness to learn are equally valued.
Most importantly, we are seeking someone who brings joy to their work—someone who delights in supporting young learners, approaches each day with positivity, and contributes to the warm, connected culture of our lower school team. As part of a highly collaborative department, you will work closely with colleagues to plan, organize, and implement meaningful instruction that nurtures confidence, curiosity, and academic growth in every student.
Major Duties And Responsibilities
Interested candidates should send a cover letter and resume to Jackie Neal at jneal @smanet.org . Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. We encourage early submission. No calls, please.
Qualifications/Requirements
Education and qualifications should include the following:
St. Mary’s Academy, located in Englewood, Colorado, is Metro Denver’s premier Catholic, Independent school offering rigorous academics in its co-ed PreK-Grade 8, and all-girls High School. SMA offers a safe, yet innovative program that embraces all student backgrounds, and fosters character and moral development from Preschool - Kindergarten to graduation.
SMA is a close community where faculty and staff serve as role models for the students with a mission to foster excellence in each child through academic achievement, spiritual development, and service. The qualities of a strong work ethic, a desire for personal growth, and a commitment to lifelong learning that St. Mary’s Academy expects of students are likewise expected of faculty and staff. Each day, too, is an opportunity to live the Loretto School Values of faith, community, justice, and respect.
SMA is committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse faculty and staff dedicated to their profession and the well-being and life of the St. Mary’s Academy community. St. Mary's Academy does not discriminate on the basis of age, color, sex, disability, marital status, national or ethnic origin, race, sexual orientation, or religion. This policy applies to all areas of student concerns: educational policies, admission policies (historically, high school admission is open to women only), scholarship, and grant-in-aid programs, athletic and other school-administered programs, as well as employee/personnel concerns. St. Mary's Academy is an equal-opportunity employer.
Job Description
St. Mary’s Academy is seeking a warm, enthusiastic Lower School Learning Specialist to join our Lower School community. This is a wonderful opportunity to step into a vibrant, mission-driven school and work closely with a supportive team of dedicated educators and an encouraging principal who values collaboration, communication, and professional partnership.
In this role, you may provide small-group remedial literacy instruction for students PS –5, as well as enrichment opportunities for students eager for greater academic challenge. Ideal candidates bring both strong instructional skills and the ability to routinely assess student needs and tailor instruction accordingly. Familiarity with Orton-Gillingham, i-Ready, and DIBELS is preferred, though a growth mindset and willingness to learn are equally valued.
Most importantly, we are seeking someone who brings joy to their work—someone who delights in supporting young learners, approaches each day with positivity, and contributes to the warm, connected culture of our lower school team. As part of a highly collaborative department, you will work closely with colleagues to plan, organize, and implement meaningful instruction that nurtures confidence, curiosity, and academic growth in every student.
Major Duties And Responsibilities
- Teach reading intervention classes for kindergarten through 5th-grade students using the Orton-Gillingham approach (preferred).
- Teach enrichment classes for kindergarten through 5th-grade students, providing opportunities for deeper exploration and academic challenge.
- Provide small-group remedial literacy instruction using targeted, research-based strategies to support diverse learners.
- Routinely assess student progress using a variety of tools (including i-Ready and DIBELS) and tailor instruction to meet individual learning needs.
- Collaborate closely with Lower School teachers, instructional specialists, and the principal to ensure cohesive and consistent support for students.
- Maintain clear, positive communication with colleagues to promote alignment, shared goals, and a joyful, supportive team culture.
- Create a warm, engaging learning environment that nurtures student confidence, independence, and joy in learning.
- Participate in team meetings, planning sessions, and professional collaborations as needed during the assignment period.
- Maintain accurate records of student work, progress, and instructional plans to support continuity of learning.
- Uphold St. Mary’s Academy’s mission, values, and commitment to fostering a supportive and inclusive school community.
Interested candidates should send a cover letter and resume to Jackie Neal at jneal @smanet.org . Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. We encourage early submission. No calls, please.
Qualifications/Requirements
Education and qualifications should include the following:
- Bachelor’s degree required; a Master’s degree preferred
- 3 years of teaching experience grounded in knowledge of instructional practices
- Certification in the Orton-Gillingham approach for reading instruction
- Experience administering and interpreting DIBELS and i-Ready assessments preferred
- Familiarity teaching phonemic awareness (Heggerty or Kilpatrick)
- Completion of the READ Act training is preferred
- Certification or endorsement in Gifted & Talented education preferred
- A positive, growth-oriented mindset and a joyful approach to teaching and learning.
- A sense of resonance with the St. Mary’s Academy mission.