Lower School Learning Specialist

Sinai Akiba Academy•Los Angeles, CA

2d•$65,000 - $80,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Lower School Learning Specialist works on a collaborative team with other learning specialists, an advanced learning teacher and the ECC Child Development Specialist to provide and support push-in and pull-out instruction for students experiencing academic difficulties and challenges. The Lower School Learning Specialist works closely with colleagues to coordinate instruction to best meet individual student’s learning needs. This full-time, exempt position reports directly to the Director of Student Services. Sinai Akiba Academy is a preeminent private Jewish day school in Los Angeles, serving students in Early Childhood through Grade 8. Sinai Akiba Academy is undergirded by our school mission to engage students in the joy and discipline of learning, and nurture a community of ethical, critical thinkers who, shaped by our evolving Jewish tradition, walk through the world with confidence and humility. Our core values of Kehillah Kedoshah (Sacred Community); Talmud Torah (Academic Excellence); Derech Eretz (Kindness, Empathy, & Respect); Tzedek, Tzedek Tirdof (Ethical Responsibility); Avodat Halev (Soulful Intention), and Ahavat Yisrael (Love for Israel) serve as a commitment with the students, families and community members that we serve to energize the present, explore the past, and embrace the future.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree; Master’s Degree in Special Education or a related field preferred
Minimum of four years working with Lower School students as a Learning Specialist
Experience with MAP is strongly preferred but not required
Ability to work on-campus 7:45 AM – 3:45 PM, Monday - Friday
Deep working knowledge of typical content knowledge covered in Lower School
Outstanding understanding of neurodiversity and diverse learning profiles including typical accommodations and modifications that support learning for students including but not limited to students that demonstrate Attentional Deficits, Specific Learning Disabilities, challenges with Executive Functioning and Processing Deficits
Ability to collaborate professionally and efficiently with Staffulty, parents and students
Outstanding verbal and written communication skills
Excellent organizational and time management skills with the ability to prioritize and multitask
Literacy: Teachers College Reading and Writing Workshop; any specialized reading background such as Wilson, Lindamood Bell, or Orton Gillingham preferred
Math: Illustrative Math (training is available) and math background preferred
Ability to adapt to and master technology related to job function including but not limited to Google Suite tools, Universal Assessment and record keeping
Behavior Management skills
Warm, energetic, and engaging personality

Nice To Haves

Master’s Degree in Special Education or a related field
Experience with MAP
Specialized reading background such as Wilson, Lindamood Bell, or Orton Gillingham
Illustrative Math background

Responsibilities

Provide a mixture of push-in and pull-out literacy and math support based on the needs of the students and classrooms, as determined by analysis of student data
Assist assessment team with universal assessments given to all K through 5 students - assessing and analyzing
Assess students currently enrolled in the Learning Support Program as well as students referred to the program with running records (DRA, Fountas and Pinnell), phonics assessments, phonological awareness assessments, spelling inventories, and other assessments
Analyze assessments to inform instruction; guide classroom teachers in closely looking at assessment data for instructional purposes
Communicate regularly with classroom teachers about student progress; discuss and support the implementation of modifications and accommodations for students
Become familiar with the school-wide curriculums across content areas
Work with the Director of Student Services to coordinate curriculum that caters to the diverse learning needs of all students, including: curriculum development, faculty coaching, model teaching, developing shared norms for assessment, and guiding assessment-informed instructional planning
Demonstrate a solid understanding of child development
Meet with administrators and Director of Student Services as needed to discuss student progress
Collaborate with families, provide updates on progress and advice on strategies and structures for home; and attend Student Success Meetings
Coordinate instruction with outside providers of students in the Learning Support Program (speech-language, tutors, educational therapists, psychologists, etc.)
Have an understanding of neuropsychological assessments and the ability to work with the team to provide interventions and accommodations
Attend and participate in the following: Staffulty in-service meetings, student assemblies, and other school functions
Attend and occasionally lead weekly Staffulty meetings and actively participate in curricular discussions
Participate in professional development opportunities and keep current on educational issues and trends
Oversee students, ensuring safety and supporting healthy social dynamics, during assigned supervision responsibilities
Learn, use, and apply technology as required by School to enhance learning, provide feedback to students and parents, and engage with colleagues. Technology includes but is not limited to JagNet, Google Workspace, Paylocity, and any other School approved software.
Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor and/or Head of School in support of the school’s mission