Lowell School, a progressive school of 340 students in NW Washington, DC, is seeking applicants for a full-time Middle School Learning Specialist (6th –- 8th) to provide classroom and instructional support that meets the needs of students who benefit from learning accommodations. The Learning Specialist will monitor student progress and play an essential role in communicating needs, services, and accommodations to faculty, parents/guardians, and administration.
The ideal candidate will be a team-oriented, knowledgeable, and innovative individual who is passionate about supporting a range of learners. In keeping with the mission of the school, they will be a lifelong learner who seeks out professional development and leadership opportunities and fosters a safe learning environment that promotes respect, equity, and cultural competency.
Desired Qualifications
An advanced degree in special education (completed or in process) and expertise in working with students with learning differences
An understanding of neurodiversity and the ability to interpret neuropsychological evaluations
Skill in implementing evidence-based strategies that support students with learning differences, as well as executive functioning and sensory needs
Strong oral and written communication skills
Strong executive management, organizational, and scheduling skills
The ability to build positive relationships with students, families, and colleagues
A commitment to Lowell’s mission of “creating an inclusive community of lifelong learners in which each individual is valued and respected.”
Responsibilities
Provides direct student support through small group and one-to-one instruction
Collaborates with the Director of Middle School and members of the Student Support Team to support students with and without documented learning differences
Develop and maintain Student Learning Profiles while also notifying families of necessary reevaluations as needed
Hold and appropriately disseminate accurate, current, and confidential records or family information that capture formal evaluations, Student Learning Profiles, accommodations, and observations
Provides consultation and cooperates with teachers to implement the strategies and accommodations listed in the Student Learning Profiles
Leads professional development for grade-level teams and the school on strategies that assist students with learning differences, sensory needs, or behavioral needs
Provides executive skills instruction to students
Collaborates with teachers and the Dean of Students to implement executive functioning skills and strategies
Help students understand their unique learning style and develop agency to maximize learning and leverage classroom experiences
Communicate and consult with students, faculty, families, and outside providers on the efficacy of support strategies for learning
Observe students and classes for specific insight on accommodation practices with an eye to identify and recommend any necessary adjustments
Assumes other responsibilities as assigned by the Director of Middle School
Interested candidates should send a cover letter, résumé, and three references to the Director of Middle School, Kavan Yee, at employment@lowellschool.org. Letters of recommendation are highly encouraged.
Lowell School has a longstanding institutional commitment to the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusivity. Lowell prohibits any discrimination or harassment based on a person's race, color, gender, national origin, age, disability, religion, sexual orientation, marital status, political affiliation, personal appearance, past or present military service, or any other ground prohibited by federal, District of Columbia, or other applicable law. This policy covers all aspects of employment, including hiring, promotions, termination, pay, and the work environment.
Lowell is a dynamic, diverse, and welcoming school of 300 students from age three through 8th grade. Our philosophy emanates from the work of renowned educators John Dewey, Jean Piaget, Haim Ginott and current educational research. Our curriculum evolves from an understanding of the stages of cognitive, social/emotional, artistic, and physical development. It promotes active, collaborative learning with an emphasis on building conceptual understanding, promoting creative, critical and analytical thinking, and encouraging problem-solving. It facilitates not only the acquisition of strong basic skills, but also deep, conceptual understandings and is, thus, rigorous in the best sense of the word. Lowell's mission is to create an inclusive community of life-long learners in which each child is valued and respected. When provided with a stimulating environment, the guidance of teachers, and parental support, each child can become a motivated learner and a responsible citizen. Children arrive at Lowell as curious three-year-olds and leave as confident community members ready to thrive in our rapidly changing 21st century world. The campus is an eight-acre urban oasis tucked between 16th ...Street and Rock Creek Park in the Colonial Village neighborhood of Washington, DC. It provides a rich, natural environment for active, hands-on learning, including terraced gardens, tree-filled playgrounds, and a stream.