Learning Specialist

Job Description

Mount de Sales Academy seeks to hire a LEARNING SPECIALIST for the 2026-2027 school year.

The Learning Specialist oversees the instruction of college-bound students with identified mild learning disabilities and ADHD. The Learning Specialist teaches individually or in small groups, plans all instruction, and works with students to maximize their learning potential. The Learning Specialist guides students in the growth of executive function skills, communication, testing strategies, self-advocacy and knowledge of her specific learning needs.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITES:
The duties listed below are typically performed by an employee in this classification. However, an employee may not be assigned all duties or may be assigned duties which are not listed.

1. TEACHING
Initiates, directs, and evaluates learning in alignment with course curriculum and policies of the Sacred Heart program

Provides input on a comprehensive strategy (scope and sequence) for curriculum

Instructs individual students or small groups of students during designated time toward improving academic skills, remediation, assistance with classwork, study skills, time management, organizational skills, and test-taking strategies

Provides students with necessary resources to facilitate independence and academic responsibility

Oversees creation of weekly lesson plans individualized for students and small groups

Fosters creativity, self-initiated learning, self-advocacy, and responsible self-direction

Guides students in applying knowledge and skills to new problem-solving situations

Inspires others by his/her own integrity and example

Is confident in computer skills and implements effective integration of educational technology in curriculum

Other related tasks not otherwise specified

2. PLANNING
Plans interesting and varied approaches for presenting content materials

Addresses multiple learning styles in lesson planning

Assist in selecting appropriate learning aids, materials, and supplies for instruction

Prepares questions for student discussions

Correlates home assignments with lessons taught

Engages in long-range as well as weekly planning

Coordinate with Sacred Heart Coordinator and Testing Coordinator to ensure adequate coverage for testing center and student testing procedures

3. PREPARATION OF MATERIALS
In coordination with department, prepares yearly course syllabi and course requirements

Ensures that materials and tech equipment, etc. are readily available for class

Duplicates materials and posts important resources in online classroom

Previews all classroom resources, including film, media, and online resources, for appropriate and curriculum driven purpose

4. CLASSROOM ENVIRONMENT
Exercises good housekeeping by keeping room neat, orderly, and pleasing to the eye: bulletin boards, materials, bookshelves, learning environment

Creates an organized, welcoming classroom atmosphere in the digital classroom space

Guides students to engage, ask questions, and take responsibility for learning and resources

Supports cooperative learning and peer collaboration

Helps students become self-disciplined and self-directed

Responds to students and adjusts learning, attempting to meet the individual needs through individualized or small group instruction

5. PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITIES
Participates actively in faculty meetings, diocesan and school in-service

Assists teachers in implementing accommodation in the classroom and provide them with tools to respond to academic concerns

Accepts membership on school committees

Attends educational workshops and conferences

Continues study for further development through in-service courses or courses for advanced degrees and certification; keeps abreast of happenings in education studies

Belongs to professional organizations

Subscribes to one or more professional magazines or uses those available through the school

Respects, supports, and works cooperatively with colleagues

Works with Department Head to prepare Department Budget

Uses proper requisition forms for purchases, work orders, sick leave, etc.

Respects and follows the directives of MDSA administration

Maintains confidentiality of appropriate information relating to the school, student, and parents

Performs any other tasks as deemed necessary and appropriate for the proper operation of the school, the teaching-learning process and the faith environment of the classroom and Mount de Sales Academy

NON-INSTRUCTIONAL TASKS
1. CLERICAL AND NON-CLERICAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Keeps accurate daily attendance records

Follows schoolwide and department grading policies

Prepares, records, and returns assignments to students in a timely manner

Checks classwork and homework assignments

Evaluates student work, provides feedback, and records progress

Completes report cards and mid-quarter reports by due dates

Completes other reports by Department Heads or MDSA Administration

Moderates extracurricular activities as requested by Administration

Assists in the supervision of Cafeteria/Break when requested

Meets deadlines set by the Administration

2. GUIDANCE
Provides opportunities that would enable the teacher to know each student as an individual and respects the dignity of each person

Imparts Gospel values for daily living

Conducts interviews and/or gives one-on-one attention to problems/concerns of students

Assists students toward a healthy self-image

Refers students with problems to personnel qualified to address their need(s)

3. REPORTING TO PARENTS
Attends school-related activities (general sessions; special forums) and meetings as scheduled or requested

Provides responses to parent correspondence, timely return of emails and phone calls

Informs parents of student progress via various communication procedures

Holds informal meetings with parents at school

Conducts formal parent conferences

Shares any parent concerns with Sacred Heart Coordinator and Administration

SKILLS/ATTRIBUTES
A commitment to the mission and vision of Catholic education in general and Mount de Sales Academy in particular

Punctuality and adherence to schedules

Manifests an attitude of enthusiasm for learning

Exemplifies a positive, loving and forgiving spirit toward those being taught and/or disciplined

Working knowledge of MS Office suite, instructional software, and online grade administration

PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS
Holds a Bachelor, Master or Doctoral degree from an accredited educational institution.

Certification in content area or working toward certification. Special Education degree or certification preferred

Successful teaching experience or have the qualities of becoming an excellent teacher. Special Education and/or inclusive classroom experience preferred

Preferably a practicing Catholic (If a practicing Catholic is not available, practice own denomination)

Strong interpersonal skills

Possess skills and knowledge to effectively integrate technology resources

About the Employer

Founded in 1852, Mount de Sales Academy is a private Catholic college-preparatory school for young women in grades 9-12. Located in Catonsville, Md., Mount de Sales Academy is
committed to educating its approximately 500 students in the Roman Catholic faith, academic excellence and community and leadership. Mount de Sales is accredited by the Middle States Association and administered by the Dominican Sisters of St. Cecilia of Nashville, Tenn.