Learning Specialist Position for the 2023-24 School Year The Opportunity/Key Responsibilities: The Learning Specialist (LS) position is a full time, co-teaching position spanning two grade levels. The LS will work collaboratively with general education teachers in the classroom to plan and execute lessons, making modifications and accommodations to allow all students to access the St. Michael’s curriculum. The Learning Specialist will work closely with the Dean of Students, consulting Occupational Therapist, consulting counselor, and other LS on staff. The Learning Specialist will help to implement student support services, serving as a resource for students and teachers and providing direct service to students, both individually and in groups, as well as providing services to students during a resource block once per week. They will foster self-advocacy, support academic challenges and executive functioning, and work with students on the development of reading, written expression, and mathematics. They should possess knowledge about a range of learning disabilities, social-emotional well-being, test anxiety, and general executive functioning challenges and their impact. Know how to plan and implement individualized lessons to target direct skills and deficits for students with learning challenges. Ability to create individualized learning plans based on student evaluations. The LS should also be comfortable providing family education and serving as a resource for families. Capacity to relate to, establish rapport with, and motivate students to succeed, self-advocate, and take advantage of resources and support. Additional responsibilities, as assigned.Desired Qualifications: Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree in a relevant subject area, with a preference for a master’s degree in special education, and school teaching experience. Familiarity working in a co-taught setting is desirable. Certification in Orton Gillingham or Wilson Phonics instruction is strongly preferred. To Apply: Submit the following to Walter Landberg, Head of School at jobs@smcds.org:· cover letter explaining interests and qualifications;· resume;· three references including names, email addresses, and phone numbers; The School: Founded in 1938, SMCDS is an independent day school of 250 students serving children from toddler through grade eight, with toddler class sizes ranging from 7-12 students. The school’s well-appointed 7-acre campus is situated in historic Newport, Rhode Island. Teachers have the opportunity to integrate the geographic and cultural surroundings into their curricular programming. There are numerous universities and colleges close by, adding to the cultural and intellectual climate of the area. Newport is very close to Providence and Boston is less than 2 hours away. This is a highly desirable place to live and work. Statement on DiversitySt. Michael’s Country Day School has an institutional commitment to the principles of diversity. In that spirit, the school believes that each individual is entitled to equal employment opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, and gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected under federal, state, or local anti-discrimination laws.