Lower School Learning Support Specialist

University School of Nashville

Lower School Learning Support Specialist

August 2026

The Lower School Learning Support Specialist serves as both a generalist and specialist in student learning and development, guiding a comprehensive approach to academic and behavioral support. This role partners closely with teachers to ensure recommended accommodations are thoughtfully implemented and effectively managed within the classroom setting. Through ongoing coaching, collaboration, and professional learning, the Specialist builds faculty capacity to meet the diverse needs of students and foster inclusive learning environments. The Learning Support Specialist provides targeted interventions, consults with teachers on instructional strategies, and works closely with families as they navigate their child’s learning journey. For students who receive services from outside providers, the Specialist acts as a liaison among families, providers, and the school to ensure alignment, clear communication, and continuity of support.

Skills:

• A commitment to support the mission and vision of the school
• A strong understanding of child development and differentiated learning strategies
• Outstanding communication and organizational skills
• The ability to maintain confidentiality of student/family information with integrity and fidelity
• Maintain commitment to best practice through ongoing professional development
• Actively participate in all required school events/activities

Faculty Support:

• Create and update Learning Profiles (LPs)
• Share LPs with classroom teachers and relevant staff each year
• Collaborate with classroom teachers to differentiate instruction and provide appropriate accommodations within the general education classroom.
  • Follow up with implementation and support of classroom accommodations/recommendations
    • Monitor student progress with accommodations
• Manage folders containing student information cards and pass along information each year
• Provide instructional resources and strategies, and support the implementation of them in the classroom
• Source resources and instructional materials for supporting students
• Provide professional development and coaching for faculty on best practices in differentiation and inclusive instruction.

Student Support:

• Student Observations - as part of data collection when responding to concerns about students
• Provide small group support as needed in literacy, math, and EF
  • Both inside and out of the classroom
• Create visual and behavioral supports
• Conduct relevant screeners and assessments
• Review data and assessments as part of the Learning Support Team to identify potential student needs

School/Home Partnerships:

• Type and save meeting notes for parent and in-house meetings and share with relevant stakeholders
• Facilitate parent education sessions
• Manage tutors, seek new outside providers
• Liaise with evaluators and outsider providers
• Communicate regularly with families regarding student progress and support strategies.
• Attend parent conferences (where appropriate) and provide resources to support learning at home.
• Help families navigate evaluation processes and external referrals when necessary.
  • Coordinate referrals for outside evaluations
  • Coordinate evaluation review meetings with families and relevant faculty

Qualifications:

• Education and Certification:
  • Bachelor’s degree in Special Education, Education, Psychology, or a related field required.
  • Master’s degree in Special Education, Learning Disabilities, or a related field preferred.
  • Valid teaching credential or certification in special education or learning support.
• Experience:
  • Minimum of three years of experience working with students with diverse learning needs in an educational setting.
  • Experience with assessment tools and the development of individualized learning plans.
• Skills and Abilities:
  • Strong knowledge of learning differences, special education laws, and best practices in inclusive education.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Ability to work collaboratively with colleagues, parents, and outside professionals.
  • Proficiency in using technology to support student learning and record-keeping.

The School

University School of Nashville is an independent, non-sectarian, co-educational day school with enrollment of 1,068 students kindergarten through twelfth grade.  In 1915, the George Peabody College for Teachers opened Peabody Demonstration School, USN’s predecessor, which earned acclaim for its curriculum and faculty. In 1974, Peabody College announced plans to close PDS, and a group of parents, alumni, students, and teachers reconstituted and re-chartered the school as University School of Nashville. 

USN’s midtown location next to Vanderbilt University and its Peabody College for Teachers reminds us every day of our 105-year-old roots in the demonstration school culture of innovation and educational best practices. It’s a vibrant educational community for both students and teachers in the midst of a dynamic city.

A deep-rooted culture of achievement at USN means that students expect much of each other, and faculty benefit from that high standard. We seek educators who are enthusiastic about their own learning to complement their teaching, and we offer many opportunities for professional development.

Since USN is an institution focused on the growth and development of 21st century learners, diversity and inclusion are critical to the fulfillment of our mission. USN is committed to creating an institutional environment that mirrors the cultural and ethnic composition of greater Nashville. USN encourages a diverse applicant pool and provides equal employment opportunities for employees and job applicants. 

To apply for this position please upload the following items and complete the online application for this position:

Cover Letter

Resume

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