What are the responsibilities and job description for the Reading & Learning Specialist position at Solebury School?
Solebury School seeks a qualified and experienced Learning Specialist to join our community beginning in the 2025-2026 academic year, teaching Bridge learning support classes and Foundations English classes.
An intentionally small, all-gender, independent day and boarding school for students in grades 9-12, Solebury is nestled on a rolling 140-acre campus in the Pennsylvania countryside. Our students and faculty pursue learning as a shared endeavor. This approach to education is a cornerstone of Solebury's educational philosophy, and successful candidates will be excited to join a school community built upon the principle of mutual respect. On-campus housing is possible based on availability.
The Bridge Program is designed to help students whose success is hindered by various learning challenges. These classes are taught in a small group setting by a Learning Specialist and are specifically designed to help students build their executive function skills to aid with staying on track, completing assignments, and developing strategies to achieve the success their intelligence merits.
Our grade-level Foundations English classes are designed specifically for students who struggle with language-based learning tasks. The classes are taught in a small group setting by an English teacher who is also a Learning Specialist, and the classes are specifically designed to meet grade-level English curricular goals while addressing each student's individual learning needs.
Essential Functions
- Teach up to four (4) Bridge courses as well as up to one (1) Foundations English course.
- Collaborate with other members of the Bridge and English Departments to plan and implement individualized support for students enrolled in learning support classes.
- Foster a strong working relationship with students, colleagues, and families.
- Lead an after-school activity from 3:45-5:15pm three days per week for two out of the three trimesters, or coach a sport five days per week for one trimester.
- Participate in assigned weekend duties as part of the boarding program, with the number of weekends based on housing.
- Serve as an advisor of up to eight students.
- Engage in continuing professional development.
Competencies:
- Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in teaching and in working with students and community members.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Strong organizational, time management, and planning skills.
Qualifications:
- Required
- Bachelor's degree in Special Education or related field.
- Demonstrated experience teaching students with various learning differences.
- Preferred
- Master's degree in Special Education or related field.
- Boarding and/or independent school experience.
Physical Requirements and Work Environment:
- Physical: Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull, reach for or otherwise move objects, including textbooks and other teaching materials.
- Sedentary work involves sitting, standing and walking around the classroom.
- Communication: Activities include both hearing and talking to express or exchange ideas and information.
- Environmental conditions: Activities occur mostly inside and occasionally outside.
- Valid driver's license required as well as ability to pass a variety of background checks.
As part of the terms for employment and in accordance with state law, all employees undergo national, state and local background checks before starting. Employment is also contingent on the ability to establish eligibility for employment in the United States by providing appropriate documentation to complete the I-9 form and required certifications. All employees must have reliable transportation to and from school, and a valid driver's license is required.
Solebury School offers competitive wages and comprehensive benefits to all eligible employees, including:
- Medical & Vision Insurance (free option for employees and employee plus children)
- Dental Insurance
- 403(b) defined contribution retirement plan
- Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) and School Holidays
- Short and Long Term Disability insurance and life insurance