Founded in 1961, Sandy Spring Friends School is a Quaker, coed, academically rigorous day and boarding school serving students from age three through 12th grade. The campus is located on 140 acres in the historic Sandy Spring area of Montgomery County, Maryland, and the School is approved by the Maryland State Board of Education and accredited by the Association of Independent Maryland Schools. Our school's culture, rooted in the idea that collaboration engenders achievement, can be traced to our Quaker heritage and abiding belief in the Quaker values of simplicity, equality, honesty, stewardship of the environment, and peaceful resolution of conflict. Summary: Under the guidance of the Lower School Head, the Learning Specialist(s) serve as the coordinator and service provider for students needing educational support services. This position is a part of the Student Support Services Team. Essential Job Functions:
- Collaborate with the Learning Resource Team and the Lower School Learning Specialist to assure continuity of support for students.
- Meet regularly with classroom teachers to discuss student needs and provide support for teaching methods.
- Collaborate with teachers to create strategies to support student learning using MTSS language
- Make in-class observations to determine learning needs and strengths
- Provide 1:1 or small-group academic interventions, remediation, and support as necessary.
- In conjunction with SRT, offer referrals to parents for outside service and support providers.
- Serve as liaison between the School and academic tutors, academic therapists, and occupational therapists.
- Collaborate with teachers to organize and administer benchmark assessments in literacy and numeracy
- Maintain records of benchmark data to track progress over time and communicate frequently with teachers and SRT.
- Maintain records of educational testing, accommodations, and parent meetings.
- At the direction of the Head of Lower School, provide professional growth for faculty and parent education
- Assists with Admissions responsibilities which may include Open Houses, tours, observing and assessing applicants, and reviewing applicant files as needed
- Participates in shared student supervision duties including daily lunch and recess with students, and arrival/departure processes
Knowledge and Skill Set Requirements: Candidate must have a Bachelor's degree in education or a related field; a Master's degree with an emphasis on special education or curriculum and instruction preferred; specialty training in learning support for language based learning disabilities and/or other educational diagnoses; demonstrated successful classroom teaching experience working with elementary aged children; a reflective and growth mindset driven educator; technology proficiencies with Google Suite; a thoughtful and professional communicator skilled in fostering partnerships with adults and children; a passionate educator with a deep understanding of child development; an advocate for justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion in early childhood and elementary education; and the ability to embrace Quaker values and use Quaker process as applicable. Physical Requirements: Daily desk work including computer time; as part of daily routines, mobility around a large campus with uneven pavement and managing stairs; bending and squatting as required to participate in classroom activities; shifting furniture as needed, lift/carry boxes up to 25 pounds; the ability to maneuver as necessary within a classroom setting; frequent walking inside and outside as part of general job duties and responding to students and/or incidents. Salary: $80,000 - $84,000 Summary of Benefits At SSFS, we offer a competitive benefits package designed to support your health, well-being, and professional growth. Our benefits include: Comprehensive Insurance: Medical, dental, and vision coverage to keep you and your family healthy. Disability & Life Insurance: Short-term and long-term disability coverage, along with life insurance, for peace of mind at no cost to employees. Retirement Savings: 403(B) plan with employer contributions to help you save for the future. Paid Time Off: Generous paid time off, including holidays and parental leave. Employee Assistance: Access to our Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for personal and professional support. Tuition: Financial aid available to children of SSFS employees. Childcare Discounts: Discounted After Care and Summer Camp programs for employees' children. Convenience Perks: Free parking, free lunch, and access to our library and gym facilities. Professional Development: Opportunities for growth through tuition reimbursement, wellness programs, and ongoing professional development initiatives. Campus Amenities: Work in a beautiful, historic campus with walking paths. We are a smoke-free, environmentally conscious community. Please note that the School has a mandatory COVID-19 vaccination policy, which requires that all employees be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and provide proof of vaccination. Commitment to Diversity: Sandy Spring Friends School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, or a person's status as a qualified candidate with a disability in administration of its educational program, admission policies, financial aid program, staff hiring, and other school-administered programs. Please submit a cover letter, resume, completed application, and three professional references by selecting the link.
