Middle School Learning Specialist - Phoenix Country Day School

Middle School Learning Specialist (Grades 5–8)

Reports To: Head of the Middle School

Position Overview

Phoenix Country Day School seeks a Middle School Learning Specialist to support students in grades 5–8 through individualized learning support, executive functioning coaching, and close partnership with teachers and families. The Learning Specialist strengthens students’ academic access and skill development while helping them become confident, independent, and self-advocating learners. In addition to targeted student support, the role contributes to the broader Middle School program by embedding study skills and academic habits (e.g., organization, planning, time management, and effective study routines) that promote long-term success for all learners.

Key Responsibilities

Student Support

• Provide executive functioning and academic skills support during work periods, homework help sessions, and other designated times for students with diagnosed learning differences and students needing targeted intervention.
• Develop, implement, and monitor individualized learning plans based on psychoeducational evaluations, classroom data/observations, and family input.
• Teach and reinforce study skills, organization systems, learning strategies, and self-advocacy.
• Track student progress, refine interventions, and communicate relevant updates to the student support team as needed.
• Create concise accommodation summaries for upload to Veracross and ensure documentation remains current.
• Serve as a Middle School advisor.

Faculty Collaboration

• Coordinate and manage testing locations and extended-time accommodations in collaboration with faculty.
• Partner with classroom teachers to support differentiation of instruction and assessment for varied learning profiles.
• Provide coaching, resources, and practical strategies to faculty to strengthen inclusive, accessible classroom practices.
• Facilitate professional learning for faculty related to neurodiversity and effective learning support practices.
• Participate in grade-level meetings and Student Support Team meetings.
• Participate in transition meetings with the Lower School Learning Specialist, Counselors, and Administration.

Family Partnership

• Collaborate with counselors to communicate with families regarding learning profiles, accommodations, and student progress.
• Support families in understanding their child’s strengths and needs, including recommended resources and interventions.

Program and Administrative Responsibilities

• Maintain confidential student records, including learning plans, evaluations, and related reports.
• Coordinate standardized testing accommodations, as applicable.
• Contribute to school-wide initiatives that promote student well-being and academic success.
• Stay current on evidence-based practices in learning support, executive functioning coaching, and neurodiversity.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Special Education, Counseling, or a related field required.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience supporting middle school students in a learning support/resource role.
• Independent school experience preferred.
• Demonstrated knowledge of learning differences, including dyslexia, dysgraphia, ADHD, and other neurodiverse learning profiles.
• Demonstrated strength in executive functioning coaching (organization, planning, time management, and study strategies).
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills.
• Commitment to the mission and values of independent school education.

Personal Attributes

• Warm, student-centered educator with a strong commitment to inclusion and relationship-building.
• Collaborative, solutions-oriented partner to teachers and families.
• Organized and proactive with strong follow-through and sound professional judgment.
• Invested in helping adolescents develop confidence, agency, and independence as learners.

Please send letter of interest and resume to humanresources@pcds.org