Middle School Learning Specialist

Job Description

Job Description

Overview : Dwight-Englewood School, the largest independent school in Bergen County, NJ, and a growing, vibrant, and diverse learning community in the New York City metro area, is seeking a skilled Middle School Learning Specialist who is passionate about helping students build confidence, strong habits, and academic skills. The Middle Learning Specialist is an integral member of the student support team and will collaborate with members of the community to deliver support class programming, develop interventions, and craft student support plans. We seek an energetic, curious teacher who wants to inspire students to learn more about themselves and the world around them.

Essential Responsibilities :

Actively support the Mission of the School and put that vision into daily practice.

Teach up to three sections of student support classes, focusing on executive function support and literacy / reading support.

Create and oversee the execution of student learning and accommodation plans with input from teachers, parents, and outside service professionals, including summarizing neuropsychological evaluations.

Meet weekly with the three grade-level teams to discuss students of concern and to coordinate interventions and support, and collaborate with teachers to ensure student accommodations are being met.

Attend weekly departmental and / or divisional meetings after school.

Serve as an advisor to a small group of Middle School students (usually ten).

Participate on the grade level overnight field trip and day trips as a chaperone.

Provide extra help during TAG (study hall) periods, before school, or at other times as needed.

Perform other duties as assigned, such as lunch supervision, etc.

Desired Qualities :

The ideal candidate will offer most or all of the following qualities as well as the qualifications that follow :

A true love of working with middle school students.

A personality that is approachable, encouraging, and positive.

Experience with literacy instruction, executive functioning coaching, and learning support programs.

Clear, consistent, and dynamic communication with students, colleagues, and parents.

A growth mindset.

Enthusiasm for all aspects of school life and fosters a positive and enthusiastic environment.

Position Requirements :

A Bachelor’s Degree (Master’s Degree preferred), with a strong emphasis on degrees in fields related to special education or literacy instruction.

At least four years of teaching experience, with expertise in serving students in both a push in and small class model at the Middle School level.

Personal and professional alignment to the school’s mission, vision, and values.

Proven ability to build strong collaborative relationships with students, colleagues, and parents.

Deep understanding of the unique needs of students with learning vulnerabilities / differences and of middle school students in general.

Knowledge of and commitment to diversity, multiculturalism, and anti-bias education in all aspects of the work with Middle School students, families, and colleagues.

Excellent oral, written, and electronic communication skills.

Terms of Employment :

This is a 10-month teaching position.

Teachers commit to eight-hour workdays as well as attendance at faculty meetings and other school-wide meetings and events.

Professional days are considered workdays and participation in planned activities is mandatory.

Dwight-Englewood School is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of sex, ethnicity, age, national origin, religion, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy or military veteran status. The diversity of our student body supports our commitment to employ a diverse faculty and staff. Educators from all backgrounds who bring knowledge and expertise in equity, diversity, and multicultural education are especially encouraged to apply.