Primary Learning Specialist

Bucknell University • Norman, OK

41d • $35 - $35 • Onsite

About The Position

The Primary Learning Specialist (PLS) is responsible for the direct support, academic coordination, and executive functioning development of assigned students participating in Bucknell’s Comprehensive EF Coaching Program Pilot. The PLS serves as the students central academic support figure, coordinating closely with other Learning Specialists, faculty, OAR staff, academic advisors, the Counseling Center, and other university offices.

This position emphasizes proactive academic planning, skill development, consistent engagement with academic content, and cultivating strong faculty-student relationships. The PLS provides regular individualized support while maintaining comprehensive progress documentation and accountability measures throughout the academic term.

Requirements

• Master’s degree in related field
• Four years of experience in executive functioning challenges, learning disabilities, or ADHD in an academic environment
• Advanced understanding of executive function coaching models
• Familiarity with ADA accommodations and postsecondary student support structures.

Nice To Haves

• Credentialed coaching certifications (e.g., ICF, ADHD-CCSP)
• Experience supporting students with learning differences or executive functioning challenges

Responsibilities

• Student academic support and coaching, including an initial intake interview to understand each student's academic background, strengths, challenges, and interests.
• Helping students create realistic study schedules and patterns.
• Leading one weekly facilitated session and overseeing the drop-in Facilitated Study Space.
• Monitoring and supporting students in completing their academic tasks, including readings, assignments, and note-taking.
• Ensuring students can explain course material during sessions to boost their retention and comprehension.
• Ensuring student engagement and performance in both formal (exams, quizzes) and informal (participation, discussions) assessments.
• Tracking student class participation and communicating with faculty regarding student involvement and performance.
• Facilitating and tracking bi-weekly student-faculty meetings and coaching students to prepare meaningful questions for office hours and class.
• Reviewing syllabi and major assignments with students, creating an assignment calendar highlighting key academic periods, and coordinating with OAR for additional accommodations.
• Guiding students in creating detailed assignment work plans with dates, tasks, and time estimates, then monitoring their weekly progress and validating completion.
• Tracking all submitted work, grades, and participation, monitoring learning management systems for feedback and grade trends, and setting/revising performance benchmarks in consultation with students and faculty.
• Establishing clear expectations with students and coordinating a monthly review team comprising the student's Dean, Academic Advisor, OAR Director, a Counseling Center staff member, and another Learning Specialist.
• Recommending and supporting ongoing therapeutic relationships for student well-being.
• Generating and sharing weekly progress reports (including session summaries, work plan updates, grade tracking, faculty engagement, and general observations) with students, OAR, and other stakeholders (e.g., advisor, parent, Dean), starting after the first week of classes.
• Gathering & maintaining data will be an important part of the role.
• Additional non-essential tasks and responsibilities may be assigned as needed.

Benefits

• Flexible scheduling options determined by role
• Medical, prescription drug, vision, dental, life, and long-term disability insurance options
• An outstanding 10% employer contribution to your retirement plan (no contribution requirement for non-exempt positions)
• Generous paid time off, including vacation and sick time, a community service day, and 19 paid holidays (including two full weeks off for Winter Break!)
• Tuition remission for themselves (full- and part-time faculty and staff)
• Tuition remission for their spouse/spousal equivalent (full-time faculty and staff)
• Tuition programs for their children (full-time faculty and staff)
• Credit for full-time benefits eligible employment at other institutions of higher education will be applied to waiting periods.
• A comprehensive employee wellness program including program incentives
• Parental leave
• An employee assistance program
• Fitness center membership

What This Job Offers

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