Job Description:

St. Mary’s Academy (SMA) is seeking a High School Learning Support Specialist. This position will directly support students with diagnosed specific learning disabilities. The Learning Support Specialist will assist in developing and maintaining an effective educational program consistent with SMA’s philosophy, policies, and goals. The Learning Support Specialist will collaborate with students, parents, faculty, and staff; maintain records and files; and prepare reports.

Through regular conversations with their division principal and colleagues, St. Mary’s Academy teachers learn and understand their job responsibilities. It has been a hallmark of teachers throughout the history of SMA that their work goes beyond the classroom and includes not only the academic preparation of the student, but also the emotional, social and spiritual development of students. Additionally, teachers at St. Mary’s Academy are enthusiastic and energetic and they find support for new ideas. This enthusiasm is encouraged and applauded at SMA. Additionally, faculty members at St. Mary’s Academy are a supportive group. One does not have to look far to find a helping hand.

Major Duties and Responsibilities:

• Collaborate with the 504 coordinator and school counselor to review and evaluate the needs of students with learning differences to develop 504 plans and other educational support plans;
• Review and evaluate the needs of children using psychoeducational evaluations, standardized testing, and informal observations;
• Work with students, faculty, and families to devise strategies to support the needs of individual students with learning differences;
• Support the AP, SSD, and ACT test coordinators in managing and administrating College Board (PSAT, SAT, and AP) and ACT District tests;
• Provide professional development opportunities to the faculty to enhance their understanding and strategies to support neurodiverse learners in the classroom;
• Provide parent education and resources in relation to neurodiversity and adolescents;
• Formally monitor students receiving accommodations;
• Implement and instruct students in executive functioning skills and strategies;
• Perform various additional duties in support of the 504 coordinator and school counselor to support students and faculty; and,
• Adhere to and support the mission of St. Mary’s Academy.

All teachers are also responsible for a variety of duties and tasks throughout the day; the principal will make these assignments and share them with faculty. These tasks and assignments change as needs of the community are determined. 

Qualifications/Requirements:

Education and qualifications should include the following:

• A master's degree in Special Education is preferred
• Five or more years of experience working with neurodiverse and learning-disabled high-school students one-on-one, in a small-group intervention setting, and in a full classroom environment
• Experience interpreting psychoeducational evaluations and other professional assessments related to students’ need for accommodations
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills

Demonstrated passion for nurturing and empowering neurodiverse learners