Upper School Learning Specialist

The School: Founded in 1911, Columbus Academy is a coeducational college preparatory day school of over 1,100 students age 3 through grade 12 located on a 231-acre campus in Gahanna, Ohio. Student programs are organized into three divisions: Lower School (age 3-grade 5), Middle School (grades 6-8) and Upper School (grades 9-12). The school offers a vigorous academic program as part of its mission to educate the whole child – mind, body and character. Columbus Academy faculty and staff members are expected to be continuous learners in their fields, to engage in caring and cooperative partnerships with colleagues and parents, to have a demonstrated commitment to the values of diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging, and to help students reach their full potential.

The Position: Columbus Academy seeks a full-time Learning Specialist to support students in grades 9-12 to begin in August 2024.

Qualifications (preferred candidates will possess the following qualifications):

• Bachelor’s degree; master’s degree in education field preferred

• 3+ years of teaching experience as a learning or reading specialist

• Experience and training in teaching higher-level literacy and writing skills

• Experience and training in working with students with learning disabilities and executive function challenges

• Additional proficiency in math and/or science subjects a plus

• Excellent oral and written communication skills

• Ability to work independently and manage multiple responsibilities simultaneously

• Strong organizational skills

Position Expectations (the individual selected to this position will be expected to carry out the following responsibilities):

• Provide supportive instruction to students in both individual and small-group settings

• Design individualized daily lesson plans driven by course content

• Develop and implement instructional strategies to improve academic literacy

• Set individual student goals based on student assessment, classroom performance and formal evaluation

• Perform executive function analysis and instruction

• Encourage, over time, student academic independence and self-advocacy

• Foster literacy acquisition and development through a variety of strategies

• Perform educational needs assessment

• Assist with academic planning and educational organization

• Provide expertise in developing strategies with faculty to implement in the classroom to support student learning

• Partner with other support service providers to deliver a unified support program

• Use available technology to enhance the students’ learning experiences

• Maintain effective record-keeping procedures (student narratives, comments, written goals)

• Communicate with teachers and parents regarding student progress

• Work collaboratively and build relationships with students and faculty of various departments

• Attend and participate in weekly faculty meetings

• Demonstrate a commitment to continuous professional growth

• Assume a share of supervisory responsibilities expected of all upper school faculty members

• Hold students accountable for the school’s standards of behavior

• Assume student advisory responsibilities following 1-2 years of tenure

Physical Conditions (candidates must be able to manage the following conditions):

• An office environment within an academic setting

• Mobility around school buildings and on different floors (handicap accessible)

• Repetitive motion (use of a computer keyboard)

• Periodic need to move light furniture, hang visuals, carry objects (no more than 40 pounds), etc.

• A non-smoking environment

Legal Requirements: All Columbus Academy employees must pass required criminal records checks. Where appropriate, individuals will also be required to provide proof of academic credentials.

To Apply: Interested candidates should apply online at columbusacademy.org/apply.

Columbus Academy believes strongly in the principles of diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging. We strive to foster a diverse campus community, which recognizes the value of all persons regardless of religion, race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, disability or socioeconomic background.