Middle School Learning Specialist

Isidore Newman School seeks a knowledgeable, collegial, and engaging learning specialist to serve students in grades 6-8, with a focus on strong relationships with students and families, as well as a desire and ability to support students in attaining high academic expectations. The ideal candidate will have meaningful experience in working with students with diverse learning needs in small group and whole classroom settings, as well as in reading and interpreting psychoeducational evaluation reports. Newman Learning Specialists are collegial and demonstrate a desire to continue to grow in their field and stay versed in emerging best practices. A dedicated learning specialist who has a desire to be an active member of the school community outside of the classroom will thrive in Newman Middle School.

Student Support at Newman

At Newman, the Middle School Learning Specialist works with students, parents and caregivers, faculty, advisors, and administration, in addition to communicating with outside clinicians, so it is important that candidates possess strong communication and interpersonal skills and are skilled at managing multiple priorities on any given day. Learning Specialists at Newman must also have a strong understanding of various learning differences and experience supporting students with learning profiles.

Working at Newman

Founded in 1903, Newman has a rich history in the heart of New Orleans, just blocks from historic St. Charles Avenue, Audubon Park, and the vibrant music culture that makes our city one-of-a-kind. Our community includes approximately 1,250 students and 250 employees from Green Trees to 12th grade. There is a spirit of camaraderie and collegiality among faculty and staff. Teachers are innovative, scholarly, collaborative, and deeply committed to students' intellectual, social, emotional, and character development. OurFive Guiding Principles guide everything we do at Newman.

The most important responsibilities include:

• Reading and interpreting psychoeducational evaluation reports
• Creating and managing academic accommodation plans for students with diagnosed learning differences
• Designing and delivering daily lessons for an enrichment class on topics such as executive functioning skills or brain development
• Communicating regularly with the parents of students with diagnosed learning differences
• Meeting with students with diagnosed learning differences on an as-needed basis
• Facilitating small group skill-building sessions with students of concern
• Attending grade level meetings to support teachers and offer insight and strategies
• Partnering with teachers on lesson design and pedagogical strategies
• Helping to facilitate the transition between divisions for students and parents / caregivers
• Meeting regularly with Middle School administration in support of students of concern
• Assisting families navigating the evaluation process

Additional responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Serve as advisor to a small group of students and/or participate in extracurricular activities
• Participating in Evaluation Review Committee meetings
• Communicating with evaluating clinicians
• Collaborating with the Middle School counselor as appropriate
• Working in concert with Test Center Coordinator
• Delivering parent education programming
• Coordinating with the Philipson Health Center to develop and manage concussion accommodation plans and protocols
• Delivering professional development to colleagues
• Chaperone school trips, including grade level overnight trips that engage in outdoor, experiential education
• Participate as a positive, collaborative, and innovative team member who will support the mission and culture of the division and school

Interested applicants should submit a cover letter, updated resume, educational philosophy statement, and names of three professional references.