Description

Background and Rationale for Position

St. Therese Catholic Classical School is driven by the mission of being in joyful pursuit of Truth, Beauty, Goodness, and Unity as we grow as disciples of Jesus Christ. Through the use of an integrated humanities curriculum and a Catholic liberal approach to education, our students are led to a beautiful encounter with Jesus Christ, who is the author of all that is True, Good, and Beautiful. We believe that all students, regardless of income, academic ability, cultural heritage, or language of origin deserve this type of education. It is a great blessing for our school to serve a highly diverse population of learners and young disciples; however, with this blessing comes challenges. Many of our students do not speak English as a first language (ELL students) and some struggle with various learning disabilities, both diagnosed and undiagnosed. Consequently, many of our students in PreK-8th grade are in need of academic support, in addition to the instruction they receive in their general education classroom.

St. Therese is experiencing a significant increase in enrollment which allows us to bring our mission of providing all students with a Catholic education to more families. We anticipate having more students in need of additional academic support, and therefore would like to add a full-time Academic Support Specialist position to help coordinate and provide intervention support for ELL students and students with learning challenges as well as ensure that all students receive the proper accommodations and modifications necessary for their growth.

Job Overview and Responsibilities

The Academic Support Specialist is a full-time teaching position and reports directly to the principal. Specifically, the Academic Support Specialist is responsible for:

• Attending all staff meetings and parent/family meetings as necessary

• In conjunction with the principal, holding a clear and comprehensive vision of the school’s plan for academic support services

• Building and coordinating the school’s intervention program to ensure best practices are being used and that optimal academic growth is being made for all ELL students and students with learning challenges

• Teaching intervention classes that support growth for ELL students and students with learning challenges

• Using appropriate and effective teaching strategies that foster growth for ELL students and students with learning challenges

• Leading professional development for staff with regard to academic support strategies for both ELL students and students with learning challenges

• Communicating and collaborating with members of the Office of Catholic Schools regarding academic support services, when necessary

• Ensuring his/her own professional growth within the realm of academic support strategies and working with ELL students and students with learning challenges

• Maintaining and promoting the school’s mission of joyfully pursuing Truth, Beauty, Goodness, and Unity as we grow as disciples of Jesus Christ in all work related to academic support

• Communicating with parents and other stakeholders regarding student progress and goals as well as the academic support program in general

• Utilizing data to assess the effectiveness of the academic support program and using that data to promote necessary changes

• Completing other duties as assigned by the principal

Qualifications

Qualifications and Application

Applicants for this position should have at least three years of teaching experience. A degree or background in special education is a plus, as well as certification for working with ELL students. Applicants should model discipleship and possess a deep and abiding love for Jesus Christ and His Church, which should be reflected in how he/she interacts with staff, students, and the school community. The Academic Support Specialist will receive a yearly salary based on their years of experience and level of education as specified by the Archdiocesan salary scale.

Interested applicants should submit a resume and cover letter to Steve Vaughan, Principal.