Learning Specialist - Sacred Heart Program

The Learning Specialist oversees the instruction of college-bound students with identified mild learning disabilities and ADHD.  The Learning Specialist teaches individually or in small groups, plans all instruction, and works with students to maximize their learning potential. The Learning Specialist guides students in the growth of executive function skills, communication, testing strategies, self-advocacy and knowledge of her specific learning needs.  

The Learning Specialist for the Sacred Heart Program at Mount de Sales Academy is expected to be a highly skilled professional person who works in close collaboration with the Vice Principal of Academics and Sacred Heart Coordinator so that she or he may effectively fulfill the various roles that must be assumed during the course of the day. Mount de Sales Academy seeks to offer a high-quality program that is integrated with religious truths and values. The Sacred Heart Learning Specialist supports these basic beliefs, values and traditions of the Catholic Church and is expected to model Gospel values in personal demeanor and lifestyle.  Respect for the dignity of each person is of utmost importance. Likewise, personnel and students are expected to model Christ-like behavior in their actions with the Learning Specialist and with one another.  

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:  

The duties listed below are typically performed by an employee in this classification.  However, an employee may not be assigned all duties or may be assigned duties which are not listed.  

1. TEACHING  

• Initiates, directs, and evaluates learning in alignment with course curriculum and policies of the Sacred Heart program  

• Provides input on a comprehensive strategy (scope and sequence) for curriculum  

• Instructs individual students or small groups of students during designated time toward improving academic skills, remediation, assistance with classwork, study skills, time management, organizational skills, and test-taking strategies   

• Provides students with necessary resources to facilitate independence and academic responsibility  

• Oversees creation of weekly lesson plans individualized for students and small groups  

• Fosters creativity, self-initiated learning, self-advocacy, and responsible self-direction  

• Guides students in applying knowledge and skills to new problem-solving situations  

• Inspires others by his/her own integrity and example  

• Is confident in computer skills and implements effective integration of educational technology in curriculum  

• Other related tasks not otherwise specified  

 2. PLANNING  

• Plans interesting and varied approaches for presenting content materials  

• Addresses multiple learning styles in lesson planning  

• Assist in selecting appropriate learning aids, materials, and supplies for instruction  

• Prepares questions for student discussions  

• Correlates home assignments with lessons taught  

• Engages in long-range as well as weekly planning  

• Coordinate with Sacred Heart Coordinator and Testing Coordinator to ensure adequate coverage for testing center and student testing procedures  

3. PREPARATION OF MATERIALS  

• In coordination with department, prepares yearly course syllabi and course requirements  

• Ensures that materials and tech equipment, etc. are readily available for class  

• Duplicates materials and posts important resources in online classroom  

• Previews all classroom resources, including film, media, and online resources, for appropriate and curriculum driven purpose  

 4. CLASSROOM ENVIRONMENT  

• Exercises good housekeeping by keeping room neat, orderly, and pleasing to the eye: bulletin boards, materials, bookshelves, learning environment  

• Creates an organized, welcoming classroom atmosphere in the digital classroom space  

• Guides students to engage, ask questions, and take responsibility for learning and resources  

• Supports cooperative learning and peer collaboration  

• Helps students become self-disciplined and self-directed  

• Responds to students and adjusts learning, attempting to meet the individual needs through individualized or small group instruction  

  5. PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITIES  

• Participates actively in faculty meetings, diocesan and school in-service  

• Assists teachers in implementing accommodation in the classroom and provide them with tools to respond to academic concerns  

• Accepts membership on school committees  

• Attends educational workshops and conferences  

• Continues study for further development through in-service courses or courses for advanced degrees and certification; keeps abreast of happenings in education studies  

• Belongs to professional organizations  

• Subscribes to one or more professional magazines or uses those available through the school  

• Respects, supports, and works cooperatively with colleagues  

• Works with Department Head to prepare Department Budget  

• Uses proper requisition forms for purchases, work orders, sick leave, etc.  

• Respects and follows the directives of MDSA administration  

• Maintains confidentiality of appropriate information relating to the school, student, and parents  

• Performs any other tasks as deemed necessary and appropriate for the proper operation of the school, the teaching-learning process and the faith environment of the classroom and Mount de Sales Academy  

  NON-INSTRUCTIONAL TASKS  

 1. CLERICAL AND NON-CLERICAL RESPONSIBILITIES  

• Keeps accurate daily attendance records  

• Follows schoolwide and department grading policies  

• Prepares, records, and returns assignments to students in a timely manner  

• Checks classwork and homework assignments  

• Evaluates student work, provides feedback, and records progress  

• Completes report cards and mid-quarter reports by due dates 

• Completes other reports by Department Heads or MDSA Administration 

• Moderates extracurricular activities as requested by Administration 

• Assists in the supervision of Cafeteria/Break when requested 

• Meets deadlines set by the Administration 

2. GUIDANCE 

• Provides opportunities that would enable the teacher to know each student as an individual and respects the dignity of each person 

• Imparts Gospel values for daily living 

• Conducts interviews and/or gives one-on-one attention to problems/concerns of students 

• Assists students toward a healthy self-image 

• Refers students with problems to personnel qualified to address their need(s) 

3. REPORTING TO PARENTS 

• Attends school-related activities (general sessions; special forums) and meetings as scheduled or requested 

• Provides responses to parent correspondence, timely return of emails and phone calls 

• Informs parents of student progress via various communication procedures 

• Holds informal meetings with parents at school 

• Conducts formal parent conferences 

• Shares any parent concerns with Sacred Heart Coordinator and Administration 

SKILLS/ATTRIBUTES  

• A commitment to the mission and vision of Catholic education in general and Mount de Sales Academy in particular 

• Punctuality and adherence to schedules 

• Manifests an attitude of enthusiasm for learning 

• Exemplifies a positive, loving and forgiving spirit toward those being taught and/or disciplined 

• Working knowledge of MS Office suite, instructional software, and online grade administration 

PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS  

• Holds a Bachelor, Master or Doctoral degree from an accredited educational institution. 

• Certification in content area or working toward certification.  Special Education degree or certification preferred 

• Successful teaching experience or have the qualities of becoming an excellent teacher. Special Education and/or inclusive classroom experience preferred 

• Preferably a practicing Catholic (If a practicing Catholic is not available, practice own denomination) 

• Strong interpersonal skills 

• Possess skills and knowledge to effectively integrate technology resources