Peterson Learning Specialist

Job Description Summary

The Peterson Learning Support Program at Albuquerque Academy seeks an energetic, caring, and experienced educator for the position of Learning Specialist in the 6-7 Division. The 6-7 Learning Specialist will join a team of two other school learning specialists, one each in the 8-9 Division and 10-12 Division. As a team, the three Learning Specialists provide support to students, teachers, and parents based on the unique educational and developmental needs of their division.

Diversity is a core value at Albuquerque Academy, and we seek candidates who demonstrate an abiding commitment to equity and belonging.

All educators at Albuquerque Academy approach their work in accordance with the values in our mission and in a spirit of kindness, professionalism, generosity, and civility to all members of the community. An education at the Academy focuses on the whole child, and teachers and administrators are expected to teach well and also to function as adult mentors for students, in and out of the classroom.

All community members are expected to commit themselves fully to the following community norms.

• Value and respect the diverse contributions of each person in the community.
• Assume positive intent and inquire if you are left with questions or concerns.
• Engage in face‑to‑face direct conversations; be clear, open, and honest in your conversations.
• Be present and participate.

Strong candidates are attracted to our mission and see themselves as engaged community members. Outside the classroom, our educators work with students in ways that foster their growth and development into effective community members. Learning specialists primarily support students diagnosed with specific learning challenges such as ADHD and Autism Spectrum Disorder. Learning specialists also provide support to the general student population for emerging and transient learning challenges, as well as study and organizational needs.

The individual chosen for this position will work closely and collaboratively with the 6‑7 teachers, division head, dean of students, and division counselor, as well as the Division Student Support Team (division head, deans, counselors, and nurse).

Faculty positions in the Peterson Learning Support Program require a minimum of a bachelor’s degree, and a master’s degree in special education (Learning Disabilities, Gifted, Learning Disabled‑Gifted, ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder) is preferred. Related degrees will be considered based on the candidate’s experience.

Albuquerque Academy seeks to maintain a diverse and energetic faculty to work with over 1,100 highly capable students, including over 50% self‑identified students of color. We encourage individuals from historically underrepresented groups in independent school communities to apply. The position is open until filled, and applicants are asked to submit a letter of interest and resume along with their online application.

Please explain why Albuquerque Academy is the right fit for you and detail how you inspire a love of learning in students.

• Provide student support by developing and facilitating learning strategies, study skills, executive function skills, and assistive technology support, as appropriate. Provide support to students individually, in small groups, and in collaboration with their teachers.
• Review and interpret comprehensive educational and neuropsychologist evaluations. Based on the results of a diagnostic evaluation, write accommodation plans for diagnosed students outlining reasonable academic accommodations.
• Provide direct support to teachers. Advise teachers as they implement accommodations to meet student diagnosed learning needs in the instructional environment. Share feedback and strategies with teachers, observe classes to understand curriculum and pedagogy, and work in partnership with faculty to model effective strategies to support student learning.
• Assist families in reviewing and interpreting test results. Solicit feedback from families and students in the development of accommodation plans, facilitate annual accommodation plan review, and update with students and families.
• Gather…