Learning Specialists for Grades 5-8

The Learning Specialist is a mission-driven individual who follows, models, and embraces Browne’s mission and core values. The Learning Specialist manages the Guided Study classes for learning support in grades 5-8 with diagnosed learning differences. Working with students, families, teachers, and administrators to facilitate the success and growth of these students. This is a full-time, salaried position. Interested candidates, please send a cover letter and resume to Kim McCue, Associate Head of School, at [email protected] .

Browne Academy is a PS-8th grade diverse independent day school committed to developing the whole child through extraordinary teaching, exceptional academic programs, and a nurturing community. We empower students to be critical thinkers, inspired innovators, engaged peers, and ethical leaders prepared with the confidence to thrive in a dynamic world. Our 12-acre campus is conveniently located just off the Beltway and minutes from Old Town Alexandria.

Responsibilities

• Plans, develops, and administers regular individual and group instruction meetings with students and prepares reports to document academic progress.
• Assists students to develop learning strategies that support individual success, which may include instructions on compensatory study skills, test taking strategies, time management, course tutoring, etc.
• Assists students with understanding individual course assignments, developing short and long-term goals to meet deadlines, and reviewing progress.
• Trains students in the use of assistive technology.
• Support teachers with reformatting class materials to meet approved accommodations.
• Maintains regular communication with faculty, academic advisors, and other
• Maintains and updates confidential files and records
• Works closely with the school Counselor to support the emotional well-being of Guided Study students.
• Attends Parent-Teacher conferences as needed to discuss progress of guided study students.
• Reads and summarizes all outside testing evaluations for students in grades 5-8 and for admissions as necessary.
• Writes individual learning plans that will target students' specific curricular/learning needs.
• Counsel families on learning support, assessment, and accommodations.
• Support teaching staff by offering resources, assistance, and training to enable faculty to meet the needs of all learners better.
• Other duties as assigned by the Associate Head of School. (i.e., recess supervision, teaching an elective, advisory, etc.)
  
  

Qualifications/Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in special education or a related field; graduate degree preferred
• 3+ years of successful experience in a learning specialist or related role. Independent school experience preferred
• Passionate about working with middle school-aged children
• Knowledge of learning disabilities, psycho-educational tests, reports, and assistive technology
• Exceptional written and oral communication skills
• Ability to collaborate with faculty, staff, administration, and parents
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, verbally and in writing
• Ability to maintain professional confidentiality, positive attitude, personable, flexible approach, and a sense of humor
  
  

Working Conditions and Physical Effort

• No or very little physical effort required.
• Work is normally performed in a typical interior/office work environment.
• This job is performed in-person.
  
  

Competitive Benefits

Browne Academy offers a very competitive benefits package including health, life, short-term, and long-term disability insurance, fully or partially paid for by Browne Academy, plus voluntary dental and vision insurance. A 5.5 percent of your salary contributed to your 403(b) after one year of service, four weeks of paid, scheduled school holidays plus 8 PTO (Paid Time Off) days and summers off. Plus 75 percent tuition remission for eligible students enrolled at Browne Academy after one year of employment (space permitting), free morning care and aftercare during the school year, and 50 percent off summer camp and free aftercare for summer camp.

Diversity Statement

Browne Academy is strongly committed to equal opportunity for all its employees. Browne Academy does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran's status, sexual orientation or any other characteristic protected by law. Browne Academy actively seeks diverse candidates for employment.

Conditions of Employment

Employment at Browne Academy is contingent on verification of background information submitted by the applicant, including the completion of a criminal record check and education, when applicable.