Learning Specialist

Full-Time School Year Position

August 2021

Our Mission

Bertschi School educates children to become compassionate, confident, and creative learners in a global community.

Our Values

Our community values integrity, inclusiveness, respect, diversity, and a commitment to sustainability.

Our Pedagogy

Bertschi School believes that students learn best when they are

• safe and known in an inclusive community that values diverse perspectives
• supported in developing social-emotional skills
• provided academic choice and challenge at their “just right level”
• engaged in meaningful work
• encouraged to problem solve through inquiry, trial, and error
• empowered to take risks and make change
• given opportunities to collaborate and dialogue with a diverse group of learners

Our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Statement

Bertschi School values diversity and believes engaging our differences makes us better and stronger. We welcome and honor the unique contributions of people from all racial, ethnic, religious and socioeconomic backgrounds, gender identities, learning styles, physical abilities, and sexual orientations. Our commitment to equity drives us to be inclusive and diverse in all areas of our school.

Our School

Bertschi School, founded in 1975, is a Washington State approved elementary school. We are a member of the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) and the Northwest Association of Independent Schools (NWAIS). The school serves children from pre-kindergarten through grade five. Bertschi School is an exciting environment for professionals who like to be part of a dynamic team and who thrive on the challenges and rewards of working with an active community. The staff enjoys a salary and benefit package in line with other independent private schools in the Northwest.

Position Summary

The Learning Specialist is responsible for providing individual tutoring and small group instruction for K-5 students with diverse learning needs in reading, writing, math, and study skills as part of the Learning Services department. The Learning Specialist also assists the Director of Learning Services with classroom assessments, individual diagnostic screenings, and classroom instruction as needed. Option for additional summer tutoring may also be available.

Responsibilities

• Work closely with the Director of Learning Services to implement an individualized reading, language, math, and study skill support program for K-5 students with diverse learning needs
• Provide one-on-one instruction in reading, writing, math, and study skills in an engaging and nurturing atmospheres to support academic success
• Attend professional development training as related to individual students and school-wide initiatives including developing DEI competency
• Teach reading groups as needed
• Complete progress reports for assigned students, participate in related parent/teacher meetings and maintain frequent communication with parents and teachers
• Participate in department, grade level, student, and community meetings as necessary
• Collaborate with classroom teachers to understand learning needs, plan differentiated instruction and develop a success plan for assigned students
• Collaborate with experienced learning specialist faculty to consistently revise and strengthen practices and curriculum for optimal student benefit
• Assist the Director of Learning Services with ongoing department tasks such as student diagnostic screenings and assessments, curriculum accommodations, record management, and teacher/parent communication

Desired Skills & Qualifications

• Experience working with children of color
• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in education, special education, or a related field
• 3 or more years of experience in an educational environment preferred
• Working knowledge of current reading practices, systematic reading curriculum, language-based learning disabilities, direct math instruction, and differentiated instruction
• Preference will be given to candidates with specialized training and direct instruction experience in literacy (reading and writing) and a history of providing positive results for students with learning disabilities

Application Process:

No phone calls will be accepted. Interested candidates are invited to complete the Bertschi application form available on the Bertschi website and submit a cover letter and resume to

Learning Specialist Search

employment@bertschi.org

For more information about Bertschi School, visit our website at www.bertschi.org

?Bertschi School is an equal opportunity employer seeking a more culturally diverse workplace. Bertschi School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, national or ethnic origin, socio-economic status, gender, sexual orientation, or disability.