The Teaching and Learning Center at Darlington School seeks an experienced Learning Specialist who is eager to work with students who have diverse learning needs as well take on responsibilities of key features of the Upper School Teaching and Learning Center program such as coordination of testing accommodations and oversight of the the school’s peer tutoring program. A Darlington Learning Specialist fully supports the mission and values of the school and has the primary responsibility for creating the best student experience possible in support of the school’s learning framework, The Cycle of Learning. This candidate should value the craft of teaching and learning and be driven by meeting the diverse needs of learners and supporting and enhancing the academic experience of students across the Upper School. This candidate must be adept at enriching curricular approaches and understanding pedagogy as it relates to differentiation and neurodiversity. This candidate must also enjoy the meticulous nature of the position that requires careful tracking and documentation of academic needs, accommodations, interventions, and testing processes in order to communicate with stakeholders, set goals, track growth, and empower students to achieve success at Darlington. The candidate should value the craft of teaching and learning, and would join a dynamic environment of teaching professionals who are continuously growing and collaborating.
Qualifications
The candidate must have experience teaching middle and/or upper school students with documented learning differences. The ideal candidate will have classroom teaching experience and experience as a Learning Specialist, and hold a relevant degree in Education, Special Education or other related field (master’s degree preferred). The ideal candidate has experience with psychoeducational evaluations as a key reference point in composing and managing support plans for students, as well as experience with administration of standardized testing (eg: SAT, ACT, AP).
Expectations
The clearest set of expectations for a Darlington teacher and Learning Specialist is fully described as our Academic Standards. Specific responsibilities of the position are highlighted below:
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Learning Specialist
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Manage a caseload of students with learning differences in grades 9-12
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Compose and Oversee Student Support and Accommodations Plans
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Provide Learning Strategies Instruction supporting the development of executive functioning, study skills, etc.
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Communicate with teachers about the learning profile of students served by the Teaching and Learning Center
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Provide supportive and ongoing classroom based learning strategies and accommodations guidance for teachers
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Adhere to strict student confidentiality
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Works as a member of the Teaching and Learning Center team
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Builds an authentic relationship with each student as the cornerstone of learning experience.
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Approaches the practice of teaching and learning with a growth mindset and always acts professionally and holds high expectations for him/herself.
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Facilitates the needs of individual learners in a safe and active learning environment.
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Communicates effectively and uses technology proficiently.
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Testing Accommodations Responsibilities
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Coordinates testing accommodations with Upper School Teaching and Learning Center Team
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Oversees test scheduling system for students with testing accommodations
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Reviews student requests for test accommodations and ensures tests are received, administered, and delivered to and from the teachers with integrity and efficiency
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Assists with school-wide testing including PSAT and AP Exam administration
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Oversees final exam administration for all extended time and alternative environment testing
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Serves as a SSD Coordinator for ACT and College Board relative to submitting accommodation requests in partnership with the Director of the Teaching & Learning Center
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Tiger Tutor Program Responsibilities
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Assists the Director of the Teaching and Learning Center in overseeing the Tiger Tutor Program, a peer tutoring program.
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Responsibilities include: overseeing Tiger Lab and Tiger Tutors, organizing tutoring procedures, training new tutors, promoting the program, connecting students with tutors, etc.
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Oversees Tiger Tutor Student Leadership Team (4-6 students)
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Interested in developing next stages of Tiger Tutoring Program
Core Faculty Responsibilities
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Five Learning Strategies classes (see course build and design standards)
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Management of caseload of students with diverse learning needs
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Office Hours
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Regular student feedback (grades, attendance, comments, etc)
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Advising students (6-10)
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One iPeriod each quarter
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Various other responsibilities may include writing student recommendations, weekly faculty meetings or professional learning communities, substituting, committee meetings, professional development, weekend/campus activities, campus events (i.e. parents weekend, admission, etc)
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After School responsibilities
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Perform other duties as determined by the Director of the Teaching and Learning Center
