The purpose of the Learning Services Program is to support students with diagnosed learning differences achieve success at Porter-Gaud. The Learning Services Program provides a continuum of support to students in first through twelfth grades. With the support of academic coaching and educational accommodations, our Learning Services students realize their full potential and continue on their path to become lifelong learners.The Upper School Learning Services Specialist will maintain a caseload of students as well as provide support to admissions and academics.
Broad Responsibilities:
Student Support
- Manage a caseload of students who have completed full psychoeducational evaluations with a diagnosis using DSM-V criteria.
- Provide students with support on a rotating basis through academic coaching with the main goal of developing and strengthening executive functioning skills, self-advocacy skills, and compensatory strategies.
- Create Formal Education Plans based on recommendations provided in psychoeducational evaluations from outside professionals.
-Teach Freshmen Seminar in Study Skills during first semester.
-Attend Parent/Teacher conferences for students receiving instructional support.
-Adhere to strict student confidentiality.
Communication
- Provide teachers with Formal Education Plans for students including: learning interferences, relative strengths, suggested strategies, and classroom accommodations.
- Facilitate necessary meetings between students, teachers, parents and advisors.
- Communicate with parents on a frequent basis in order to provide appropriate information about testing dates and to monitor progress throughout the year.
- Problem solve with students experiencing academic difficulty. Collaborate with the division head, counselor, and faculty to suggest interventions. Communicate with parents and school psychologist, if a referral is recommended.
Administrative Support
- Participate on the Upper School Student Support Team which includes the division principal, chaplain, counselor, and dean of students.
- Participate on the Admissions Team to assist in the admissions process for new students.
- Attend and participate in regular faculty meetings, division meetings, committee meetings, school functions and professional development activities during and after-school hours as necessary.
-Participate in monitoring current protocol for determining the students who will receive support services through learning services.
Testing Support
- Serve as SSD Coordinator (Services for Students with Disabilities) for PSAT, SAT, AP, Aspire and ACT Testing.
-Coordinate and proctor school based testing with special accommodations for the SAT and ACT.
-Coordinate Extended Time Testing Room.
-Manage the Extended Time Exam program for 9th-12th grade semester exams.
Personal Attributes:
-Ability to independently multitask and problem solve.
-Ability to work effectively with teams.
-Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
-Knowledge of relevant technology.
Qualifications:
-A Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university, preferably with a degree or certification in either Special Education or School Psychology. An advanced degree is an advantage.
-Two or more years of experience working in a secondary or post-secondary setting preferred. Preference is for experience teaching in a high school setting, with independent school experience a plus.
-Experience with managing a caseload of students with individual learning plans or IEPs.
Reporting: The Upper School Learning Specialist reports directly to the Head of Upper School.
To apply:
Please choose one method of application.
Preferred method:
Email cover letter and resume to careers@portergaud.edu
Alternate method:
Mail cover letter and resume to:
Upper School Learning Services Specialist Position
Porter-Gaud School
300 Albemarle Road
Charleston, South Carolina 29407
Porter-Gaud School is committed to increasing the racial, ethnic, and religious diversity of our faculty and staff. The School welcomes applicants who would bring additional dimensions to the School's teaching mission. In accordance with law, Porter-Gaud School is an equal opportunity employer and hires without discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex/gender, age, or disability.