Middle School Learning Specialist (2024-25)

Requirements / Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities) Bachelor's degree, Master's preferred. Applicants must have a strong knowledge base in the area of learning differences, especially dyslexia, dysgraphia, and dyscalculia, as well as a deep knowledge base regarding ADHD and Executive Functioning issues.

Desirable candidates will also know about intervention and assessments related to specific challenges in reading, executive function, and math. An understanding of independent school culture and progressive pedagogies (including experiential learning). Excellent interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills as well as a proven ability to work with a diversity of colleagues and stakeholders at all levels. Outstanding judgment and maturity. A very high level of energy, creativity and flexibility, and a love of working with young learners and enthusiastic faculty.

About the Employer

OVERVIEW OF WOODLAND SCHOOL Located just west of Stanford University, Woodland is an independent day school that offers a joyful approach to learning in a diverse, respectful, and inclusive environment for approximately 310 students in early childhood through eighth grade. We have two sections of each grade level K- 8 with class sizes that average from 14-18 per class.

Woodland School specializes in education that inspires students by nurturing each individual's voice, intellect, and character. With rich content and an emphasis on inquiry-based and student-driven projects, students are empowered and encouraged to be active and engaged learners. Our students' sense of wonder is the foundation of learning at Woodland School.

Teachers craft meaningful, multisensory learning experiences which enable creativity, ingenuity, and deep interdisciplinary connections. Students explore and develop complex understandings that engender a sense of self and purpose in the world. Woodland School's faculty create a school environment that is as supportive and nurturing as it is challenging, and they embody the core values of the school - stewardship, integrity, curiosity, resilience, equity, and respect.

Our teachers apply best practices through collaboration, integrated curriculum, brain-based teaching and learning methods, and continued professional development. Our teachers are themselves learners, constantly searching for ways to improve their practice. A robust professional development program supports our faculty by connecting them to the best practices in pedagogy, curriculum development, educational technology, and student assessment. Woodland School is dedicated to the goal of building a culturally diverse and pluralistic faculty committed to teaching and working in a multicultural environment and strongly encourages applications from candidates who reflect such diversity.

Job Summary

Job Summary

Position Overview The central mission of the Middle School Learning Specialist is to ensure that Woodland School identifies and supports its students who learn differently in grades 5-8, and to provide appropriate instruction and intervention based on educational best practices supported by research. The Middle School Learning Specialist also holds responsibility for helping to manage ongoing screening processes for all students at intervals throughout the school year and works collaboratively with the faculty to ensure students are progressing in accordance with grade-level benchmarks.

When a student demonstrates a concerning pattern of performance and/or behavior, the Middle School Learning Specialist will lead the process of assessing and making recommendations for appropriate actions to support the student and family with the grade-level team. For some students, this work involves making referrals for diagnostic evaluations, assisting parents and faculty in interpreting evaluation results, facilitating referrals for specialized services, and monitoring students' involvement with specialized instructors who are contracted to provide services. The Middle School Learning Specialist role also includes responsibility for working collaboratively with other faculty members to help ensure curricular offerings are fully differentiated to meet the student's needs, and includes helping write and design individualized learning plans for students and updating them as needed.

Lastly, the Specialist will be responsible for teaching one section of "Foundations", a one-trimester course for 5th graders focused on executive function and study skills. This course, which is taken by all students in the grade, supports them as they transition to the increased rigor and responsibility of middle school. Please view the full job description through the application URL.

Requirements / Qualifications

Requirements / Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities) Bachelor's degree, Master's preferred. Applicants must have a strong knowledge base in the area of learning differences, especially dyslexia, dysgraphia, and dyscalculia, as well as a deep knowledge base regarding ADHD and Executive Functioning issues.

Desirable candidates will also know about intervention and assessments related to specific challenges in reading, executive function, and math. An understanding of independent school culture and progressive pedagogies (including experiential learning). Excellent interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills as well as a proven ability to work with a diversity of colleagues and stakeholders at all levels. Outstanding judgment and maturity. A very high level of energy, creativity and flexibility, and a love of working with young learners and enthusiastic faculty.