Learning Specialist

Position Overview:
We are seeking a collaborative and dedicated Learning Specialist to join our community. In this role, you will champion students with diverse learning needs, helping them develop the tools, strategies, and self-advocacy skills necessary to thrive academically. This position centers on meaningful connections with students, close partnerships with families and teachers, collaboration with student advisors, and guiding students to reach their full potential within a supportive educational environment.

• Development of Learning Plans: Write and update personalized learning plans based on psychoeducational evaluations or other documentation, supporting classroom
  teachers in understanding how to best support each student's needs.
  ● Individual Student Coaching: Meet with students individually to develop their organizational skills, study habits, and ability to confidently advocate for themselves.
  ● After-School Learning Lab: Facilitate a daily after-school Learning Lab from 3:40 - 4:15 p.m., providing a structured, welcoming environment for students to receive targeted
  organizational and academic support and wrap up their day successfully.

• Family Partnership: Write and update personalized learning plans based on psychoeducational evaluations or other documentation, and support classroom teachers in understanding how best to meet each student's needs.
  ● Advisor Collaboration: Partner regularly with student advisors to provide a holistic view of student progress, sharing valuable insights to support the advisor-advisee
  relationship.
  ● Testing Guidance: Walk families clearly and empathetically through the process of applying for standardized testing accommodations through the College Board and ACT.
  ● Annual Review Meetings: Lead annual review meetings, sometimes in conjunction with the Buffalo Public School CSE chairs, to review evaluations, discuss academic progress,
  and update learning plans in an open, encouraging environment.

• Teacher Coaching: Partner with faculty to share research-based instructional strategies, interpret learning profiles, and help implement accommodations effectively in the classroom.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work hand in hand with the Admissions team, Learning Specialists, and Administration to implement support programs.

• Coordinator Roles: Serve as the primary accommodations coordinator for the ACT and the Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD) Coordinator for the College Board.
• Testing Logistics: In conjunction with the College Office and teachers, coordinate and oversee accommodated testing for routine classroom assessments and major milestones such as the PSAT, SAT, ACT, and AP Exams.
• Proctoring Management: Directly proctor accommodated exams and coordinate with internal staff to ensure testing days run smoothly and stress-free for students.

• Education & Experience: Bachelor’s degree in Special Education, School Psychology, or a related field required. Experience supporting middle and high school-aged students is highly desirable.
• Neurodiversity Expertise: A deep understanding of neurodiversity, psychoeducational evaluations, and effective executive functioning supports/strategies for adolescents.
• Relational Skills: Exceptional communication skills, with a proven ability to build rapport with teenagers, collaborate with faculty, and partner with parents.
• Organization and Communication: Attention to detail and strong organizational skills, essential for managing testing schedules and learning plans.

To Apply: 

• Send a resume and cover letter to:
  • Nicoletta Farrell, Assistant Head of Middle School at
    • nfarrell@nicholsschool.org