Jobs

Position: Learning Specialist

Status: Part-time, 10-month position

Start Date: August 2023 (potentially earlier)

The Opportunity

The Academy at Penguin Hall, an innovative college preparatory school for girls in grades 9-12, seeks a part-time Learning Specialist. The Learning Specialist provides academic support for students with mild to moderate learning and executive functioning challenges by reinforcing foundational skills, identifying effective strategies, and helping students apply them to their academic work. The Learning Specialist also provides individual, small, and large group instruction (including student workshops in executive functioning, writing skills, etc.), interprets academic testing and creates learning profiles and support plans, and serves as a resource for faculty. This position is a key member of the Student Support team and works closely with students, teachers, parents and outside professionals. 

Our Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate will have a strong knowledge of learning disabilities and the academic, social, emotional and cognitive development of high school students. They will be familiar with and skilled in using a range of strategies and assistive technologies to support student growth. They will be a flexible team player and model a growth mindset, and will demonstrate a level of cultural competency necessary to work effectively with a diverse population. Most of all, they will have an understanding of and love for working with high school girls.

The Academy at Penguin Hall seeks and supports diversity in its faculty and staff, and seeks candidates who will contribute to anti-racism and anti-bias principles and practices across campus. Salary is dependent on experience.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate referrals for testing, evaluations, and therapies by collaborating with the student, family, School Counselor and/or the Head of School/Dean of Academics
• Communicate student progress regularly with parents, teachers and advisors; write formal student progress reports and attend parent conferences 
• Serve on the Student Support team and attend weekly student support and full-school meetings
• Serve as the SSD coordinator to College Board and ACT
• Interpret neuropsychological reports and 504 IEP Plans and create learning profiles and support plans to implement recommendations at APH; ensure profiles are regularly updated
• Support faculty so they are able to successfully implement accommodations
• Collaborate with teachers in best addressing students’ varying learning needs within the classroom
• Provide direct individual and small group instruction for students as necessary; develop small and large group programming to enhance executive functioning and study skills
• Communication student progress regularly with parents, teachers and advisors; write formal student progress reports and attend parent conferences
• Serve on the Student Support Team and attend weekly student support and full-school meetings
• Serve as SSD coordinator to College Board and ACT
• Engage in the life of the school community as able within a part-time schedule

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in special education, language and literacy or the equivalent
• Proven experience working successfully with high school students with mild to moderate learning and executive functioning needs
• Deep knowledge of learning differences and intervention strategies; current with evidence- and brain-based pedagogical practices
• Demonstrated ability to interpret diagnostic test results and translate into school and home support

• Ability to develop and maintaining trusting relationships with students, families and colleagues
• Outstanding interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills and an ability to work collaboratively with diverse constituent groups
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail; ability to work independently without day-to-day supervision

• Excellent attention to detail, confidentiality and use of discretion, professional judgment, integrity and work ethic
• A shared understanding of the mission of the School and a demonstrated commitment to the core principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion

About The Academy at Penguin Hall

The Academy at Penguin Hall is a dynamic independent school for girls in grades 9-12 situated on a 50-acre campus on the North Shore of Boston in Wenham, MA. With a mission of educating, enlightening and empowering young women to live and to lead exemplary lives, our college preparatory program fosters adventurous thinkers and compassionate leaders who embrace a culture of kindness and academic accomplishment. Upon graduation, students have a clear understanding of who they are as learners and individuals. In addition to competitive salary and benefits, faculty enjoy working in a collegial, growth-oriented, and joyful community. We seek faculty who will actively contribute to an equitable and inclusive learning environment where all can thrive.

To apply, interested candidates should email a cover letter, résumé, and contact information for three references to employment@penguinhall.org. 

We strongly encourage applications from people of color, LGBTQ educators, or educators from communities that are historically underrepresented in independent schools. We are committed to an inclusive school experience for all those who come to work at The Academy at Penguin Hall.

The Academy at Penguin Hall is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any applicants or employees on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, genetics, pregnancy or pregnancy-related condition, veteran or active military status, physical or mental disability, or any other category protected by state, federal or local law.