Jobs

Position Summary:

A JCDS Learning Specialist models the core values of a JCDS education: integrity, perseverance/resiliency, curiosity, multiple perspectives/empathy, problem solving, reflection and evidence, and creates a student-centered, rigorous, project-based learning environment for students.

A K-8 Learning Specialist supports students with executive functioning challenges, learning differences, ADHD, and neurodiversity.  Candidates for this position should demonstrate a passion for teaching children K-8 as well as a deep understanding of  instructional strategies to meet the needs of students with learning differences and/or neurodiverse presentations. The candidate should possess excellent communication, organization and relationship skills and should demonstrate a desire to work collaboratively with grade level team colleagues to create a joyful and meaningful learning community.  

Responsibilities:

• Manage and progress monitor a roster of students with Learning Plan/RTI Plan
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with classroom teachers and all staff members 
• Teach Tier II and Tier III intervention inside and/or outside of the classroom 
• Provide direct support to teachers and students through one-to-one meetings, small group lessons, push-in support, and/or whole class support for the lead teacher during class lessons
• Act as Liaison between parents/teachers/administrators
• Maintain the school’s  learning support plans and/or Response to Intervention plans for each student who needs additional support- this includes regularly updating student files with information on effective strategies, testing/assessments, reports received, notes on meetings with parents, and classroom accommodationsSupport differentiation of curriculum in classrooms
• Facilitate the distribution of information about students with all members of a student’s learning team (student, parent, advisor, teachers, outside professionals) as necessary to ensure learning team cohesion and support each student’s progress
• Attend parent/teacher conferences and IEP meetings when necessary
• Communicate regularly with parents about their child’s progress and invite their participation and questions
• Attend Department and Grade Team Meetings
• Attend student-parent-teacher/advisor conferences and team meetings as needed (conferences may be scheduled before-, during- and after-school as well as during the school day)
• Attend school events (some after school hours) and faculty meetings and participate in assigned duties
• Set professional development goals with the Director of Learning Services per recommendations resulting from observations to enhance professional growth
• Assist parents in understanding their child’s unique learning profile, participation in a learning support program, and how the program connects to classroom learning and content/curriculum mastery.
• Maintain appropriate confidentiality concerning each student within and outside the school community.
• Recommended Skills:
  • Special Education credential or  Special Education Masters degree (learning disabilities, educational therapy, special education, or related field preferred)
  • Experience as a school-based learning specialist 
  • Knowledge, skills, and experience to provide individualized, multi-sensory approaches to remediation of language-based learning challenges such as Orton-Gillingham, Wilson, Lindamood-Bell
  • Knowledge, skills, and experience to provide individualized approaches to math remediation (Illustrative Mathematics/Investigations Mathematics)
  • Knowledge, skills, and experience around underlying attention, memory, language, social skill, and executive functioning challenges and how they impact on learning and academic success
  • Knowledge and and appreciation of child development in young children and adolescents
  • Ability to establish effective and collaborative working relationships with students, faculty, staff, and parents
  • Strong organizational and time management skills
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills

  
  TO APPLY:

  Please submit a cover letter, two letters of recommendation, and resume to  jobs@jcdsboston.org.

  JCDS is a pluralist co-educational Jewish day school serving students from families across a wide spectrum of Jewish beliefs and practices. Visit our website at jcdsboston.org for more information.

  JCDS is committed to a policy of non-discrimination and equal opportunity for all employees without regard to race, color, religious creed, national and ethnic origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, or physical disability.