Learning Specialist

Newark Academy•Livingston, NJ

5h•$70,000 - $80,000

About The Position

Newark Academy seeks a Learning Specialist to join our Student Support Team. This position is highly collaborative, requiring both expertise and flexibility. Our next Learning Specialist must be skilled in fostering strong working relationships with parents, teachers, and students. The Specialist will join with our current Learning Specialist to coordinate, create, and implement support and accommodations between and for students and teachers. They will assist in the development of resources to educate teachers in research-based teaching practices and provide them with ongoing support and professional development. The Specialist will coordinate and manage Official Accommodation Plans for students, provide small group and individual instruction for recommended students, and lead parent education opportunities. The Learning Specialist will have at least five years of experience working with students in grades 6-12 and will possess observable skills in evaluating and aiding students with various learning needs. It is fundamentally important that the Learning Specialist be culturally competent and able to promote an inclusive and equitable community, including by having a nurturing, caring, and clear tone with students. The successful candidate must be highly organized, have excellent interpersonal skills, and be able to provide practical, specialized instruction. This position follows a faculty work schedule, with an additional five days of remote summer work required for managing and responding to summer correspondence.

Requirements

Experience with interpreting psycho-educational testing reports to develop individualized accommodation plans in line with the school’s philosophy
Advanced degree in special education, psychology, or another related field
At least five years of school-based experience providing learning support for middle and upper school students
In-depth knowledge and experience implementing multi-tiered educational assistance
Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to work collaboratively and collegially
Excellent verbal and written communication
Demonstrated high ethical and professional standards
A nuanced understanding of issues related to diversity, equity, and belonging in educational settings

Nice To Haves

Active NJ L.D.T.C Credential or Master’s level therapeutic licensure (LPCC, LCSW, NJ School Psychologist) is strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

Working directly with our current Learning Specialist, educators and Academic Support Team to evaluate strategies for supporting students and identifying students who may need additional diagnostic testing for learning differences.
Interpreting neuro-psychoeducational testing and designing official accommodation plans in MyNA will be implemented by classroom educators.
Working in partnership with parents, students, faculty, and administrators to interpret and understand neuro-psychoeducational testing and other relevant assessments to develop, monitor, and update student learning profiles.
Coach, support, and partner with faculty in 1:1 coaching sessions to develop strategies for implementing accommodations and supporting students.
Maintain communication with faculty, administrators, and families about students’ needs and progress and provide parent support as needed.
Develop trusting relationships with students, their families, and faculty members.
Communicate with students and parents regarding accommodations.
Lead psychoeducational testing consultation meetings with educators.
Maintain records of accommodation requests and implementation.
Maintain and regularly update the referrals list for testing providers and student support.
Oversee the testing center / extended time for grades 6-12.
Promote and lead professional development opportunities for educators, students, and parents.
Serve as the SSD coordinator and liaison for the Essex County Commission and for accommodation applications to ACT, College Board, and IB program testing.