Head of the Lower School Learning Resource Department and Learning Specialist

The Spence School

Head of The Lower School Resource Department and Learning Specialist

Full time position to begin August 2025

Overview:

The Spence School seeks a dynamic educator to lead our Lower School Resource Department. The Head of Lower School Resource Department affirms all of our students’ potential by leading the integration and coordination of the Resource Center with the K-4 academic program. They believe in the inherent abilities of all children and know how to foster a sense of independence and self-confidence in students who may need individualized approaches to learning. The Head of Lower School Resource Department joins a team of passionate and committed learning specialists who work closely with children, teachers and families, and reports to the K-12 Director of Student and Family Support.

Responsibilities:

Instructional Leadership

• Lead team of three learning specialists to support the needs of all Lower School students
• Oversee learning specialist classroom placements
• Plan and lead department meetings
• Monitor individual professional development, goal-setting and evaluations
• Lead faculty and staff professional development on student learning and developmental needs, in tandem with the Lower School Head, Assistant Head, Director of Lower School Curriculum
• Support teachers, administrators, and parents’ understandings of academically vulnerable students
• Partner with psychoeducational evaluators, families, and tutors
• Interpret psychoeducational evaluations, summarize and provide information to classroom teachers and administrators
• Oversee support plans for students with learning disabilities
• Provide direct support in math and literacy to Lower School students through co-teaching, one-on-one and small group instruction
• Coordinate and lead teacher and family meetings in support of individual students
• Coordinate after school and early morning programs
• Partner with homeroom teachers to articulate students’ learning needs at parent conferences
• Collect and analyze academic assessment data in collaboration with the learning specialists

Institutional Leadership

• Lead hiring searches for department faculty, in tandem with the administrative team
• Represent department to all constituents
• Manage department business and budget
• Provide continuity for students with specific learning needs as they move from Lower School to Middle School
• Foster the school’s understanding of an inclusive approach to teaching
• Serve on school-wide and divisional committees
• Maintain necessary student records

Qualifications:

• Has sustained teaching and leadership experience with elementary students with diagnosed learning disabilities
• Brings broad expertise working with students with diagnosed learning disabilities
• Has advanced degree or equivalent experience working with students with diagnosed learning disabilities
• Demonstrates skill in working with children and an appreciation for the craft of teaching
• Has training and expertise in various literacy intervention programs
• Has experience teaching math to students with diagnosed learning disabilities (preferred)
• Finds joy in working with children and in school life
• Demonstrates cultural competency and skills engaging with and learning from people with diverse backgrounds and experiences
• Supports Spence’s vision and commitment to equity
• Approaches work with energy, kindness, maturity, curiosity, flexibility, and a sense of humor
• Considers collaboration an essential component of professional growth and values working on a team
• Enjoys a commitment that extends beyond the classroom, including contributions to the larger school community

Spence is committed to an equitable program and a diverse faculty and student body. We therefore actively seek candidates from diverse backgrounds.