Middle School Learning Specialist

UNIVERSITY PREPARATORY ACADEMY • Seattle, WA

21h • $66,723 - $121,310 • Onsite

About The Position

University Prep (UPrep) is seeking a talented, engaging, and compassionate Learning Specialist for our Middle School. We look for staff and faculty who share our belief that a culturally rich and inclusive school community provides students with the best possible environment for a quality education. The ideal candidate has a passion for student growth and well-being and thrives on working independently as well as part of a team. If that sounds like you, we’d like to hear from you. Who We Are: University Prep (UPrep) is a 6–12 independent school in northeast Seattle, WA, one of the country’s most dynamic cities. We offer an intellectually rich education that fosters deep inquiry and critical thinking that is powered by student engagement. Our students graduate prepared for college and life. UPrep is a strong and vibrant community of students, families, faculty, staff, and alumni that joins together to support our students in becoming caring and productive adults. UPrep is a place where all students and families have equitable access to all the school has to offer, and we aspire for all community members to feel like they belong. We believe that our shared values of integrity, respect, and responsibility are essential to accomplish our mission to develop each student’s potential to become an intellectually courageous, socially responsible citizen of the world. Job Summary: The role operates as a member of the Integrated Learning team to provide access and direct learning support to middle school students. The Learning Specialist provides one-on-one academic coaching and small group instruction to build successful student skills for students with diagnosed or identified learning needs.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from a four-year college or university required
• Strong understanding of learning differences, executive functioning, and strategies to support diverse learning needs
• Adaptability to meet the needs of the students and the program
• Commitment to educational access for under-served students
• Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging
• Flexibility, maturity and a sense of humor
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills to work with students, teachers, and families
• Understanding of the developmental needs of middle school students
• Creativity and flexibility to contribute to a growing and responsive program within the school
• Excellent attention to detail
• Ability to work effectively and collaboratively with a team
• Ability to maintain confidential information
• Ability to work and communicate well with all levels of faculty and staff
• Ability to work and communicate well with students and their parents
• Proven track record of organization, follow-through, and task completion
• Ability to multitask
• Demonstrated high level of cross-cultural competency
• Ability to work efficiently in a Microsoft Windows or Mac environment using Office; ability to master common automated systems for record keeping, and confidently learn new technology; experience with school-focused technology is a plus; experience with Schoology a plus
• Ability to talk on the phone
• Timely response to emails
• Ability to sit and keyboard up to 8 hours per day

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree in education, special education, counseling, or related field preferred
• Experience working with underrepresented populations preferred
• Experience in teaching or academic coaching preferred

Responsibilities

• Oversees ILP (Individualized Learning Plan) case management for a group of assigned middle school students which includes individual student support, creation/oversight of ILPs, attending student services meetings, and other related duties.
• Teaches up to two sections of UPrep’s small group study skills class, Middle School SchoolHacks
• Works collaboratively as a member of the Integrated Learning team to ensure that students with documented and/or identified preferences for learning have access to the supports and structures that will help them find success
• Partners with teachers, advisors, deans and counselors to provide real-time support for students demonstrating struggle to access the curriculum
• Serves as a grade-level advisor for 10-12 middle school students
• Actively participates in the life of the school outside of the classroom through chaperoning, joining grade level trips, and attending school events
• Establishes and cultivates community relations by maintaining open dialogue with all of the school’s constituencies
• Vigorously engages in their own professional development; is a life-long learner who enhances their skills, using state-of-the-art technologies to maintain high standards of performance to efficiently and effectively produce work products
• Is familiar with and complies with all policies and regulations as put forth in the school’s documents
• Since safety and security are everyone’s responsibility, takes all necessary and reasonable precautions to protect students, faculty, staff, equipment, materials and facilities
• Works 7:45am – 3:45pm
• Performs other non-teaching duties as assigned

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Employer-Seeded Health Savings Account or Health Reimbursement Account
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Employer-Paid Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• Employer-Paid Life Insurance
• Voluntary Life Insurance
• 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan with employer contribution and match after one year of service
• Paid Time Off
• Paid Parental Leave after one year of service
• commuter benefits
• Professional Development opportunities

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level