Learning Specialist (Grades 1-4, Literacy & Math)
Learning Specialist (Grades 1-4, Literacy & Math)
FT/PT: Full-time
Status: Exempt (Salaried)
Reports To: Elementary School Division Head
The Orchard School:
Founded in 1922, Orchard is an independent, non-sectarian, progressive school for approximately 500 students in preschool through the 8th grade. Orchard is committed to advancing each student’s academic success, self-confidence, open-mindedness, ethical character, leadership, and love of learning. Located in north Indianapolis on a 43-acre wooded campus with a state-of-the-art facility, Orchard promises academic excellence through a well-rounded education, engaging the natural curiosity of students in an active, child-centered, and experiential learning environment. We seek, and strive to maintain a diverse and inclusive school community, and are committed to the principles that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion. We value the skills, knowledge, and experiences a diverse workforce brings to our school.
Founded in 1922, Orchard is an independent, non-sectarian, progressive school for approximately 500 students in preschool through the 8th grade. Orchard is committed to advancing each student’s academic success, self-confidence, open-mindedness, ethical character, leadership, and love of learning. Located in north Indianapolis on a 43-acre wooded campus with a state-of-the-art facility, Orchard promises academic excellence through a well-rounded education, engaging the natural curiosity of students in an active, child-centered, and experiential learning environment. We seek, and strive to maintain a diverse and inclusive school community, and are committed to the principles that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion. We value the skills, knowledge, and experiences a diverse workforce brings to our school.
The Position:
The Orchard School seeks a dynamic, nurturing, and growth-oriented learning specialist to join our innovative and collaborative Elementary School. This position offers an exciting opportunity to be part of a community dedicated to the ongoing development of a progressive, hands-on, and whole-child approach to teaching and learning. Our foundation is built on the unwavering belief that all children are naturally curious and capable learners who thrive in active, child-centered, and experiential learning environments.
The Orchard School seeks a dynamic, nurturing, and growth-oriented learning specialist to join our innovative and collaborative Elementary School. This position offers an exciting opportunity to be part of a community dedicated to the ongoing development of a progressive, hands-on, and whole-child approach to teaching and learning. Our foundation is built on the unwavering belief that all children are naturally curious and capable learners who thrive in active, child-centered, and experiential learning environments.
Key Responsibilities:
- Designs and provides targeted one-on-one and small group instruction in literacy and math
- Observes and assesses Elementary School students using a variety of tools to support with learning strategies, organization, and study skills
- Guides teachers in differentiating instruction and implementing classroom accommodations and modifications
- Provides teachers with resources, support, guidance, and training to better meet the diverse needs of all learners
- Creates individual classroom accommodations based on evaluations
- Writes, updates, and maintains student-learning plans and progress reports
- Communicates support plans and student progress to parents and teachers
- Recommends appropriate outside support, including tutors and specialists, for students who need additional services
- Communicates with external professionals to ensure consistency between in school and outside support strategies
- Attends weekly faculty meetings and school events
Required Qualifications and Attributes:
- Bachelor’s degree in Special Education or a related field; Master’s degree preferred
- Minimum of three years of experience as a learning support teacher or in a related role (strongly preferred)
- Trained in Orton-Gillingham
- Strong foundation in the science of reading
- Trained in math interventions and instructional strategies
- Familiar with UFLI, Acadience, and Illustrative Math
- Passion for working with children and engaging in school life
- Approaches work with optimism, energy, kindness, and a sense of humor
- Strong collaborator, capable of building positive relationships with faculty, administrators, students, parents, and the broader community
- Demonstrates cultural competency and a commitment to engaging with and learning from individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences
- Supports and embodies Orchard's definition of progressive education
- Open to learning from and with colleagues to enhance teaching practices
- Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
- Demonstrates sound judgment, emotional maturity, and professionalism in all situations
Benefits:
The Orchard School values our employees and offers a total compensation package designed to attract and retain talented individuals who make our school successful. Benefits include:
- 11 paid personal days
- Health, dental, and vision insurance
- Retirement Savings Plan
- Tuition reimbursement
- Employer-paid life insurance
- Employer paid long- and short-term disability
- Additional benefits
How to apply:
Candidates should apply by sending a resume and cover letter to Elementary School Division Head, Erica McGovern, emcgovern@orchard.org, by May 15. Resumes will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
Please place “Learning Specialist” in the email subject line.
Orchard values diversity and seeks talented students, faculty and staff from diverse backgrounds. Orchard does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religion or national origin in the administration of its admission, tuition assistance, or employment determination.
The Orchard School is a member of the National Association of Independent Schools and is accredited by the Independent Schools Association of the Central States.
For more information about The Orchard School, please visit: www.orchard.org.
