(Name-mce) ListServ MS Learning Support Specialist 07-08 job posting.doc

[Wendy Russell]

NOTICE

January 2, 2007

 

Professional Opportunity:  Middle School Learning Support Specialist 07-08

 

Lakeside School is an independent coeducational day school offering a broad curriculum in the liberal arts. Founded in 1919, the school enrolls 776 students in grades 5 through 12 from diverse ethnic, racial, religious, and economic backgrounds.

The mission of Lakeside School is to develop in intellectually capable young people the creative minds, healthy bodies, and ethical spirits needed to contribute wisdom, compassion, and leadership to a global society. We provide a rigorous, dynamic academic program through which effective educators lead students to take responsibility for learning. We are committed to sustaining a school in which individuals representing diverse cultures and experiences instruct one another in the meaning and value of community and in the joy and importance of lifelong learning.

 

This position will be a full-time, regular instructional support faculty appointment starting in late August 2007. The position requires standing/sitting, walking to other parts of campus, and occasional travel.

 

Responsibilities. The Middle School Learning Support Specialist reports to the Middle School Learning Resources Coordinator, will be a member of the Middle School Student Life Department, and will also have close working relationships with other adults responsible for fostering student success. The specialist will support faculty objectives for student learning by evaluating students' academic skills and, in collabor-ation with the Middle School Learning Resources Coordinator, designing intervention strategies for stud-ents at risk. Specific duties include: (1) providing short-term individual math, general academic, and study skills support to students; (2) teaching study skills and learning strategies, particularly as these relate to mathematics; (3) presenting faculty in-service training on learning-related issues and math support; (4) working with teachers to support students at risk in math and other academic subjects; (5) consulting/col-laborating with teachers about students with documented learning issues; (6) conducting math-centered cognitive screenings and math assessments for at-risk students, interpreting these assessments, and evalu-ating implications for math skill acquisition; (7) collaborating with the Learning Resources Coordinator to design and support appropriate cross-curricular learning accommodations and support plans for at-risk students; (8) providing general support to the Learning Resources Coordinator (e.g., maintaining records, administering standardized achievement tests; following up with parents, teachers, and students); and (9) assuming regular faculty responsibilities (adviser group, class outings, retreats, etc.).

 

Qualifications. An MEd, MA, or MS is preferred. Specific course work and experience must show strength in math assessment and interpretation, learning styles and applicable pedagogy, math-related learning disa-bilities, and student support plans' design and implementation. Candidates must have had experience work-ing with adolescents and special needs populations in educational settings; demonstrated ability to take initiative and work collaboratively with adult colleagues; and interest in professional development on exec-utive functions, cognitive theory, and brain research as these relate to learning. Facility with computers (PC/Windows platform and Microsoft Office) is essential. References should speak to the candidate's excel-lent communication skills in working with students, parents, teachers, and outside professionals; understand-ing of adolescent development and learning styles; ability to work effectively with young adolescents while maintaining credibility with adults; ability to motivate students and promote self-esteem; and capacity for working effectively and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team while maintaining confidentiality.

 

Salary/Benefits. Lakeside School is committed to attracting and retaining outstanding employees through a compensation plan that compares favorably with those of peer schools both locally and nationwide. Individual salary levels-negotiable depending on education and experience-are very competitive. A full benefits package includes TIAA/CREF retirement and generous medical/dental coverage, and equals the best plans in private industry. Lakeside's down-payment assistance program (available after successful evaluation) supports first-time home purchases in the Puget Sound area.

 

Application Process. Applicants should call 206/440-2763 to request an application form or download a form from the Lakeside School Web site (www.lakesideschool.org), and should submit this with a resumé and cover letter of interest to Lakeside School Employment, 14050 First Avenue NE, Seattle, Washington, 98125-3099. Applications will be reviewed beginning February 2; this position will be open until filled. Lakeside School is an Equal Opportunity Employer seeking to diversify its workplace.