Punahou School celebrates the richness of its traditions as it embraces the responsibility to provide a relevant educational experience in a rapidly changing world. Punahou places students at the center of the curriculum, with the aim of authentic learning in a sequence and pace that is coherent and purposeful to the individual child. A Punahou education seeks to provide multiple pathways towards growth and success for each student through a broad and meaningful program of studies and through rich experiences for exploration, discovery and mastery. Working within a coherent curricular framework that promotes personalized, product-oriented, inquiry-based learning embedded in authentic, meaningful assessments, Punahou seeks to cultivate curious, confident, and self-directed students. We value the rich opportunities for teaching and learning that are inherent Hawaiian values and in the gift of “place” at Punahou. Our faculty attends to the social-emotional learning of our students via intentional opportunities to provide an environment and a range of learning experiences that educate our children for compassionate, moral, and ethical action at school, in our community, and in the world. Our teachers are agile learners themselves, demonstrating a growth mindset and a commitment to their continual professional development. Incoming teachers will join a dedicated and inspiring faculty whose ongoing reflection and renewal is supported by a schoolwide culture of collaboration and innovation.
 
Recognizing and embracing the range of learners and dispositions of our student body, the Learning Support Specialist will work directly with students, families, teachers, counselors, and Deans to collaborate on the design and implementation of individualized learning strategies for identified students. To achieve this, the Learning Support Specialist's primary duties may include, but are not limited to:

• Manage processes and procedures regarding student eligibility for support services and coordination of school-based accommodations.
• Coordinate and manage processes related to securing accommodations on standardized tests (e.g., SAT, ACT, AP).
• Support students and parents in understanding diagnostic evaluations and learning profiles and facilitate the implementation of support plans.
• Partner with students, deans, teachers, and counselors to develop comprehensive strategies and support plans for students’ learning needs. 
• Provide ongoing student progress monitoring and feedback to inform teachers, deans, and counselors, and assist in adjusting and modifying supports and strategies as needed.
• Assist students and parents in preparing for transitions.
• Provide faculty support and professional development to ensure the learning needs of all students are being met through strategic design.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Education or related field. Masters degree in Education or related field preferred.
• Three (3) years of recent classroom/instruction experience.  Experience in Special Education preferred including working knowledge of current trends; neuroscience of learning; Mind, Brain and Education; UDL; assistive technology. 
• Knowledge of, and experience in, the use and interpretation of various forms of student assessment.  
• Knowledge of adolescent development with experience in learning and developmental differences.
• Knowledge of current research on the neurology of learning.
• Demonstrated background and/or interest in curriculum development with assistive technology integration.
• Ability to model and support the use of effective and age-appropriate instructional, intervention, accommodation, and assessment strategies in the classroom.
• Specialized knowledge and application of current educational and curricular approaches to learning differences and classroom instruction.
• Inclination, ability, and desire to work closely with parents.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with teachers and knowledge of adult learning theory.
• The ability and willingness to learn enthusiastically as a member of a Professional Learning Community and to connect with local, national, and global Professional Learning Networks.
• Ability to model and implement a collaborative and consultative approach.
• Ability to see "the system" and to navigate "the parts".
• Strong knowledge of Google Docs and Google Calendar.
• Excellent leadership qualities, which include the ability to collaborate and work effectively with all levels of the systems within Punahou School.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.  The ability to organize time and work effectively.  Strong analytical skills and the ability to exercise good judgment.   Strong motivation, initiative, attention to detail, and flexibility when required. 

About Punahou School

Punahou School nurtures the individuality of each child within a vibrant K – 12 school community that celebrates diversity, inspires excellence and connects students for life. Located in Honolulu, Hawai`i, Punahou is the largest coeducational, independent K – 12 school on a single campus in the United States. Students at Punahou have unparalleled opportunities to cultivate their unique interests and talents under the guidance of attentive and caring teachers. Rigorous academics, robust programs in athletics and the arts, and an array of co-curricular opportunities offer an integrated, 21st-century education for the whole child. Students exemplify the diversity and strength of Hawai`i and reflect the School’s commitment to providing robust, need-based financial aid. When students graduate from Punahou, they join a network of 30,000 alumni spanning the globe. Beyond excellent scholars, the School seeks to develop engaged global citizens who can strengthen their communities.

Connections working at Punahou School