What are the responsibilities and job description for the Learning Specialist, Upper School position at Woodward Academy?
Learning Specialist, Upper School
Reports to: Director of Transition Program
Effective: August 2025
Effective: August 2025
Woodward Academy is Atlanta at its very best. We intentionally bring together students from diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences, creating a richer learning community and exceptional academic opportunities. Our students and graduates are caring and compassionate global citizens who are a microcosm of what the world should be.
Position Summary: The Learning Specialist supports students with diverse learning needs by providing direct academic coaching, developing individualized strategies, and collaborating with teachers and families to foster student success. This role requires expertise in learning differences, executive functioning, and research-based interventions, as well as strong communication and problem-solving skills.
Specific Duties Include:
- Provide individualized support to students, focusing on areas such as executive functioning, study skills, self-advocacy, and learning strategies tailored to their needs
- Work with students to build academic independence, confidence, and effective learning habits
- Monitor progress and adjust strategies as needed to promote student growth
- Partner with teachers to ensure student learning profiles are understood and accommodations are effectively implemented
- Maintain open communication with parents, students, and faculty to align support strategies
- Participate in meetings with students and families as needed to review progress and refine support plans
- Keep records of student progress and interventions
- Conduct classroom observations and provide insights on student learning needs
- Stay informed on best practices in learning science, cognitive psychology, and executive functioning
- Offer guidance to faculty on effective strategies for supporting diverse learners
- Other Duties as assigned
Required Skills:
- Deep understanding of learning differences, including ADHD, dyslexia, executive functioning challenges, and processing disorders
- Expertise in learning science and research-based strategies for supporting neurodiverse learners
- Strong knowledge of accommodations, interventions, and assistive technology that support student success
- Experience providing direct support to students in a learning support, academic coaching, or special education role
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills for effective collaboration with students, parents, and teachers
- Ability to develop individualized learning strategies and provide practical, evidence-based tools for academic success
Minimum Job Qualifications:
- Undergraduate degree in special education, learning support, psychology, or a related field (Master’s degree preferred)
The Learning Specialist, Upper School position is a exempt, 10-month position. Salary is commensurate with education and experience.
Woodward Academy is dedicated to providing a safe, drug-free environment for its students, faculty, and staff. Accordingly, Woodward has adopted a drug-free workplace policy, which includes substance abuse testing of all employees and applicants, in accordance with applicable state law. As such all offers of employment are contingent upon the satisfactory completion of pre-employment requirements which include background checks and substance testing.
Equal Opportunity Employer
