What are the responsibilities and job description for the Upper School Learning Specialist position at Moravian Academy?

Job Description

The Upper School at Moravian Academy seeks a dynamic and experienced Learning Specialist to join our LEAPS Academic Coaching Program. The program is designed to provide personalized one-on-one student support with the goal of developing independent, proactive learners who take ownership of their academic success. Reporting to the Coordinator of Learning Services, the Learning Specialist will serve a 10-month full-time position focusing on providing personalized academic coaching for students in grades 9-12, including those with learning differences (e.g., ADHD, dyslexia), gifted students, and neurotypical students striving to maximize their academic potential. Future potential opportunities include the expansion of this program in the summer, which would receive additional salary or a stipend.

LEAPS learning specialists are trained on our signature coaching model, supporting students in developing executive functioning skills, learner agency, and applied learning strategies, and helping them become independent, self-aware, and proactive learners within our rigorous college-preparatory environment. Close collaboration and frequent communication with the Coordinator of Learning Services, the Student Support Team, classroom teachers, advisors, and parents is also integral to the support of participating students.

This person has an advanced degree, a strong background / experience in education, and understands the unique learning needs of a wide range of students, including those who experience learning differences in the classroom. This educator is facile with education-enhancing technology as well as programmatic elements of universal design for learning and differentiated instruction. Additionally, this person has experience implementing tier one educational support for students. This person works in a highly collaborative setting and is flexible, inclusive, curious, and joyful in their work with students, families, and other educators.

Essential Functions :

Academic Coaching & Strategy Instruction :

Provide one-on-one coaching to students with diverse learning profiles, focusing on strategies for academic success, time management, organization, and self-regulation. A typical session is 45 minutes in length and the learning specialist can expect to work with approximately 10-14 students per week, 1x or 2x per week.

Effectively plan sessions for and with students, tailoring coaching to meet individual need including support for executive functioning, goal setting, and overcoming barriers to learning.

Apply research-based learning strategies, such as graphic organizers, active reading, memory techniques, and assistive technology (e.g., speech-to-text, task lists).

Use the LEAPS coaching model to guide students in developing learner agency, enabling them to make choices aligned with their academic goals.

Executive Functioning Skill Building :

Support students in developing and applying executive functioning skills such as planning, prioritization, problem-solving, and self-monitoring.

Collaborate with students to establish systems for managing assignments, deadlines, and extracurricular obligations.

Work with students to break down complex tasks, manage long-term projects, and develop strategies to avoid procrastination.

Personalized Learning and Goal Setting :

Collaborate with students to develop personalized learning goals that reflect their strengths, challenges, and academic needs.

Facilitate goal-setting processes, ensuring students set specific, measurable, and achievable academic and personal goals.

Track progress and adjust strategies as needed, fostering metacognitive skills and encouraging self-reflection and self-advocacy.

Applied Learning Support :

Embed academic coaching within the context of students' current coursework, using real-time assignments and upcoming tasks to help students apply learning strategies.

Provide ongoing support for students in planning and preparing for exams, projects, and assignments.

Collaboration & Communication :

Build supportive, trusting relationships with students, providing a safe space for them to develop problem-solving skills and manage academic challenges.

Collaborate with teachers to share insights into students' learning profiles and work together on individualized strategies for success.

Provide regular progress reports to families on students' academic performance, strategy use, and goal attainment.

Encourage and model positive communication and collaboration with teachers to help students navigate academic and interpersonal challenges.

Collaborate with other school and off-campus professionals.

Coaching for Gifted Students :

Support gifted students in setting high expectations, maximizing curricular opportunities, and identifying enrichment possibilities that align with their strengths.

Help gifted students balance academic, social, and emotional growth, guiding them in pursuing depth and originality in their work.

Additional Responsibilities May Include :

Contribute to professional development for teachers, providing strategies and support for Universal Design for Learning (UDL) implementation.

Prepare and deliver time management and study skills instruction during advisory or class meetings.

Staff study skills or homework labs, providing students with additional support during drop-in sessions.

Supervise 9th grade study halls, providing guidance and helping students develop independent learning strategies.

Depending on expertise and experience, may have the opportunity to teach a class or assist in other academic enrichment programs.

Other Responsibilities

Serve as a member of the Student Support Team.

Engage in professional growth responsibilities keeping abreast of best practices in learning differences and neurodiversity

Complete notes and progress reports in timely manner and according to school policy

Document all aspects of work with students in accordance with school guidelines

Contribute productively to the school as a whole

Attend and participate in school events outside of regular school hours

Demonstrate knowledge of, and support, Moravian Academy's mission and vision

Committed to diversity and inclusion

Perform other related duties as required and assigned

Qualifications :

Educational Requirements :

Master's degree in Special Education, Learning Disabilities, Educational Psychology, or a related field. Certification in Learning Disabilities or other relevant certifications preferred.

Experience & Skills :

At least 3 years of experience working in a similar capacity as a learning specialist, academic coach, or special educator, preferably in a secondary or higher education environment.

Strong background in working with students with learning differences (e.g., ADHD, dyslexia) and gifted learners.

Experience with executive functioning coaching, study skills instruction, and personalized academic coaching.

Demonstrated knowledge of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles and strategies for differentiation.

Ability to build rapport with students, faculty, and families, and foster a collaborative, supportive learning environment.

Experience with technology tools (e.g., speech-to-text, digital calendars, task management software) and willingness to incorporate them into coaching strategies.

Familiarity with Google Workspace for Education

Preference will be given to applicants with a previous background in independent schools or similar college-preparatory programs.

Personal Attributes :

Strong organizational and time management skills.

Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.

Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Flexible, adaptable, and capable of adjusting strategies based on student needs and feedback.

About the School

As the ninth oldest independent school in the nation and the premier independent school in the Lehigh Valley, today's Moravian Academy offers every student more ways to explore-and become-their most authentic and successful self. On three intentionally distinct yet philosophically united campuses, we celebrate, support, challenge, and learn from each other, preparing young people to step confidently toward the college and the future of their choice and to make a meaningful difference in their local and global communities.

Founded in 1742, Moravian Academy is a Preschool through Grade 12 coeducational college preparatory school comprising over 860 students and 200 faculty and staff on three distinct campuses across the Lehigh Valley, each tailored to a distinct student experience and culture :

Each campus possesses a distinct culture and setting :

The Swain Campus for grades PS-8 with a 22-acre contemporary campus in the beautiful west end of Allentown, approximately 25 minutes from the Bethlehem campuses;

The Downtown Campus for Grades PS-8 inside the national historic landmark district that is at the heart of the City of Bethlehem;

The Merle Smith Upper School Campus for Grades 9-12, is situated on 120 acres of bucolic green expanse in Bethlehem Township, approximately 7 miles from downtown Bethlehem.

Additional information about the school, the Lehigh Valley, and what it is like working at Moravian Academy can be found on the school's employment page.

Mission

Moravian Academy nurtures the joyful spirit of each learner and empowers inclusive global citizens to think critically, communicate effectively, lead with integrity, and strive for excellence.

Vision

Immersed in a community that values creativity, curiosity, love, and understanding, our students seek to answer the questions : Who am I and who can I become?

Compensation and Benefits

Moravian Academy salaries are competitive and based on years of experience and expertise. Full-time employees are eligible to enroll in the Academy's benefit plans, which include an 8% retirement matching plan and the Group Medical and Prescription Healthcare Program. The Academy financially supports the continuing professional development of faculty and administrators. Tuition remission of 33% if available for the children of employees enrolled in the school. Need-based financial aid is available in addition to the remission if needed.

To Apply

Submit digital materials no later than March 2, 2025, including a letter of intent and resume, via the iSolved digital interface, and address the letter of intent to Rachel Wright, Director of the Merle-Smith Campus.

Moravian Academy is an equal-opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of an individual's actual or perceived race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, sex, marital status, order of protection status, disability, military status, sexual orientation, pregnancy, unfavorable discharge from military service, or citizenship status, or any other legally protected category in connection with its activities as an employer. Moravian Academy also subscribes to the Pennsylvania Association of Independent Schools ("PAIS") and the National Association of Independent Schools' ("NAIS") principles of good practice regarding employment of personnel.

All schools in Pennsylvania are required to obtain the following background clearances once they have hired a candidate for any job.

FBI Fingerprint Check

PA Criminal Background Check (PA State Police)

Child Abuse Clearance Check

Act 24 - signed affidavit stating no prior convictions

Act 168 - sent from our HR Department to previous employers for feedback

Proof of a negative TB Test

By continuing with the application process, you acknowledge that if you are the finalist and are offered a position, you will be asked to provide all of the above clearances before your first day of work.

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