Middle School Learning Specialist (59228)

Why Work at Sacred Heart Schools, Atherton?

Sacred Heart Schools, Atherton offers more than a job, it’s a chance to be part of a mission-driven community dedicated to shaping the next generation. Whether you’re coming from education or seeking a career change, you’ll find meaningful work in a collaborative, values-based environment.

Our school calendar supports strong work-life balance while still reflecting the dedication our work requires. Staff receive 19 paid holidays annually, and faculty receive 30, along with extended time off in the summer. Both staff and faculty also receive PTO and sick time, allowing for flexibility and real opportunities to recharge.

We offer exceptional benefits, including a generous retirement plan that does not require employee contributions, along with complimentary lunches and on-site parking to make your day-to-day experience easier.

Most importantly, Sacred Heart is a place of purpose and community, where employees can engage beyond their primary roles and contribute to an environment focused on growth, learning, and developing future leaders.

Position Title:                      Middle School Learning Specialist                                                          

Department:                        P-8                                                             

Reports To:                         Principal of P-8

FLSA Classification:               Exempt

FTE (Full-Time Equivalent):        50%

Schedule of Duties:             10-Month

Position Purpose:              The Middle School Learning Specialist supports both individual students and the school community in addressing learning differences and serves as a Middle School Advisor. 

Specific Expectations for P-8: In addition to regular teaching responsibilities—such as curriculum planning, class preparation, grade reporting, report card narratives, parent-teacher conferences, supervision duties, classroom substitution, advisory, elective teaching, office hours, and participation in class trips and retreats—P-8 faculty and staff are expected to contribute to the broader school community and support program growth and service opportunities. This includes building a strong sense of community for students, promoting a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement, engaging in professional development and training opportunities, and attending required meetings and events, such as Director’s Days, Open Houses, accreditation meetings, and class overnight trips, as directed by your supervisor.

Essential Functions

• Observes and monitors students for academic difficulties and skill development and works 1:1 and in small groups to address learning challenges.
• Develops individual learning plans and monitors their implementation.
• Provides leadership and collaborates with faculty in teaching students with diverse learning profiles.
• Collaborates with parents and teachers to assist students with individualized educational goals.
• Facilitates learning services and follow-up support as needed.
• Teaches grade-leveled Academic Skills Course (ASC).
• Plans and co-teaches skills-based content lessons across subjects and grade levels.
• Collaborates with the admissions department to interview prospective families and review files of students with diagnosed learning differences.
• Attends professional meetings, educational conferences, and teacher training workshops to maintain and improve teaching and learning.
• Serves as a middle school advisor.
• Performs other duties (recess, dismissal, etc.) as directed.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree or post-graduate work in education with emphasis in varied exceptionalities or learning disabilities.
• A minimum of three years teaching in a special education environment; experience working in an independent school environment strongly preferred.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to mentor and coach executive functioning skills.
• Demonstrated commitment to equity and inclusion.
• Demonstrated ability to teach adolescents with joy and verve.
• Demonstrated ability to integrate innovative technology to support student learning.
• Demonstrated ability to support all learners, including those with an identified learning difference or disability.
• Willingness to adapt to an existing curriculum as well as contribute ideas to enhance the respective academic and other school programs.
• Fluency in reading, writing and speaking in English, as well as outstanding interpersonal skills; additional skills in Spanish are valued and preferred.
• A clear commitment to the educational philosophy of the school as articulated in the Goals and Criteria of Sacred Heart Schools and professional behavior based on it.

Physical Requirements and Work Environment

• Works in an often highly stressful environment dealing with a wide variety of challenges, deadlines, and a varied and diverse array of contacts.
• Demonstrated excellent attendance and punctuality.
• May work at a desk and computer for extended periods of time.
• Work primarily in a traditional climate controlled classroom environment and intermittently in outside weather conditions, including heat and cold typical to the Mid-Peninsula in the Bay Area.
• Be able to occasionally lift up to 40 lbs. and regularly travel safely and comfortably over a 63 acre campus.
• Available and willing to attend and work some evenings/weekends and on occasional overnight trips.
• Abide by school’s current safety policies (ex: wearing masks, washing hands, etc.)