Middle School Learning Specialist (2026-2027 SY)

Position Description (What you will do):

The Hockaday School is seeking a full-time Middle School Learning Specialist to join the PK-12 Learning Support Team comprised of learning specialists and the Director of Learning Support. The function of the Learning Support Team is to promote excellence through best practices in inclusive teaching and learning for all Hockaday students. Responsibilities for this full-time position include teaching, supporting students with a focus on learning, and participating in school-based activities, as requested. This position reports to the Head of Middle School and is a member of the Learning Support Department overseen by the Director of Learning Support.

You’re excited about this opportunity because you’ll....

• Teach Skills for Learning classes with a focus on executive functioning and study skills
• Provide leadership and collaborate with faculty in teaching students with diverse learning profiles
• Serve as a resource for the Middle School students, faculty, and parent community
• Collaborate with the Director of Learning support and Middle School faculty to provide support and enhance access to learning
• Promote best practices in learning within classroom settings and instructional leadership
• Work within the Middle School and Learning Support teams as a collaborative and respectful colleague, with the ability to maintain confidentiality
• Support students with approved learning plans through meetings, as needed, between parents, students, and teachers
• Attend Guidance Team and other administrative and departmental meetings
• Maintain a current understanding of and proficiency with assistive technologies including AI that promote brain-compatible learning
• Develop and execute engaging lesson plans creating an environment which allows students to think critically and independently
• Plan a program of study that, as much as possible, meets the individual needs, interests, and abilities of the students
• Communicate effectively with students, colleagues and parents
• Serve as an example to colleagues in manners of classroom management, teaching methods, and school procedures
• Serve as an advisor to a group of Middle School students
• Serve as a Middle School club sponsor
• Attend class field trips, including overnight travel
• Contribute to the life of the Middle School including participating in all assigned duties and engaging in professional development

We’re excited about you because you have...

• An advanced degree with a focus on learning differences, neurodevelopment, executive dysfunction, instruction and/or learning
• Teaching experience in math and/or reading at the middle school level preferred
• Experience working with students with learning differences, preferably in a rigorous academic setting
• Strong organizational skills and ability to mentor and coach executive functioning skills
• Background and interest in guiding a program for students in which all students experience success in learning
• Demonstrated leadership and facilitative skills
• Experience with standardized testing and knowledge of learning needs and related legalities
• Proficiency with various uses of technology
• Experience developing curriculum strongly preferred
• Experience and interest in developing innovative uses of technology in the classroom as well as comfort with its administrative use
• Commitment to being a supportive, respectful, and energetic colleague and mentor
• Must have the ability to work in a school environment through satisfactory completion of all legally required and School-required background and screening checks and verifications, including criminal and sex offender background checks

Why you'll love working at Hockaday...

• You’ll join a mission-driven, joyful community that believes deeply in the limitless potential of girls.
• We are a community grounded in the Hockaday Cornerstones—Character, Courtesy, Scholarship, and Athletics—and you’ll bring these values to life in your daily work.
• We are energized by meaningful challenges, embrace a growth mindset, and seek creative solutions that positively impact our students.
• We honor our rich traditions while embracing innovation across all areas of the School.
• We value diverse perspectives and cultivate an environment where every voice is respected, and every community member feels they belong.
• We work collaboratively, support one another, and take pride in the strong professional relationships that define our community.
• We offer competitive compensation and insurance packages, including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and long-term disability benefits.
• Lunch is provided daily during the school year.
• We value professional development and offer extensive opportunities for you to grow, including networking with colleagues, conducting research with college professors, and even traveling the world!

In this role, you will....

• Participate in all requisite School trainings prior to the start of the school and throughout the School year
• Attend required staff development and training sessions throughout the year
• Attend periodic in-service meetings
• Acknowledge receipt of the current Employee Handbook and are responsible for reviewing the contents and abiding by rules, policies and procedures stated in the Handbook or otherwise by the School
• Abide by Hockaday’s Code of Ethics and Conduct
• Commit to the ideals expressed in Hockaday’s Tenets of Faculty Excellence

Physical Requirements and Work Environment:

• Regularly works in standard office or classroom conditions and climate
• Regularly uses close and distance vision, including working at a computer screen for extended periods of time; ability to observe students from various distances
• Frequently required to move around the office/classroom; works at a desk for extended periods of time
• Ability to occasionally move items weighing up to 30lbs. across the campus/classroom/office
• Ability to periodically support before and after-school or weekend events
• Ability to maintain appropriate boundaries with students, fellow staff and community members

Click here for more information and to apply.

About The Hockaday School:

The Hockaday School is an independent, college preparatory school for girls of strong potential and diverse backgrounds who may be expected to assume positions of responsibility and leadership in a rapidly changing world. With an enrollment of more than 1,100 students, The Hockaday School is the nation’s largest prekindergarten through grade 12 independent girls’ school. Ranked among the country’s finest college preparatory schools, it was founded over a century ago and continues today to build on its original Four Cornerstones: Character, Courtesy, Scholarship, and Athletics.

Hockaday’s faculty are recognized as experienced leaders in their field and students in every grade benefit from outstanding faculty and access to unmatched resources.  Families who choose Hockaday care deeply about providing their daughters with a comprehensive and rigorous education, both inside and outside the classroom. Hockaday’s student body reflects the diversity that is deeply valued by the School.

Limitations and Disclaimer:

The above job description is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; it is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required for the position.  This job description reflects administration’s assignment of essential functions; and nothing in this herein restricts administration’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.

All job requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities.  Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health and safety of themselves or other employees.

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position.  Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform other job-related duties requested by their supervisor in compliance with Federal and State Laws.

Requirements are representative of minimum levels of knowledge, skills and/or abilities.  To perform this job successfully, the employee must possess the abilities or aptitudes to perform each duty proficiently.  Continued employment remains on an “at-will” basis.

The Hockaday School is an equal opportunity employer. It is our policy not to discriminate, and to comply with all applicable state and federal laws prohibiting discrimination in employment based on race, color, sex, sexual orientation, creed, religion, national origin, ethnicity, age, disability, veteran status, or other applicable protected classification.