Interim Middle School Learning Specialist (Grades 5-8

Interim Middle School Learning Specialist (grades 5-8)

Academic Year, Academic Year Position

The San Francisco Friends School (SFFS), located in the heart of the Mission District in San Francisco, educates K-8 students in the tradition of Quaker learning. By example and commitment, we hope to inspire all connected with our school to work together toward a peaceful and caring society. For further information about San Francisco Friends School’s beginnings, mission, and philosophy, please visit our website riendsschool.org.

The school seeks teachers and administrators who resonate with the Friends School mission, which provides an exemplary education in a community dedicated to problem-solving, service to others, simplicity, social justice, and quiet reflection. Our Quaker mission also compels us to create a diverse and inclusive community; we seek a person who will thrive and contribute to such a community, both within and beyond the walls of the school.

The Learning Specialist plays a pivotal role in ensuring that all students, regardless of their learning styles and backgrounds, can access the support and resources they need to succeed. This position calls for an advocate to ensure philosophical and pedagogical alignment, to help teachers design and support students' daily experiences to achieve their potential, and to work directly with students and their families in order to develop the strategies and approaches necessary to access the curriculum.

The MS Learning specialist operates at multiple levels within the middle school. They develop learning plans, coordinate student support, and oversee student support across two grade levels. They work directly with families as they navigate educational assessments and understand their student’s needs, and they communicate regularly with families throughout the year. They work directly with students, both individually and in small groups, sometimes within the classroom environment and also during open times throughout the week.

The learning specialist also works closely with teachers to ensure that the teachers understand the student learning needs within their classroom and have the tools to support all learners. Additionally, the learning specialist collaborates with the entire SLS team (including another MS specialist), cultivates community connections and coordinates with outside specialists and programs.
Rooted in Quaker values, San Francisco Friends School honors the uniqueness of each student, and the learning specialist position requires someone who is deeply student-centered, mission-aligned, and committed to creating a meaningful and impactful student experience in and out of the classroom for every student. The Learning Specialist is a vocal and steady advocate for current trends in research, learning differences, and the inclusion of all students.

They will commit to modeling cultural humility by mining resources, centering interventions that recognize the unique experiences of each child and family, and providing equitable access to resources.

• Case manages students with learning profiles for two specific grades; relays relevant information to teachers, regularly communicates with families, and collaborates to support those students in the classroom.
• Works individually with students and in small groups, both in the classroom and in separate meetings
• Introduces and facilitates established accommodations for students in the classroom and during testing
• Works with faculty to understand best practices in student support
• Provides educational screenings as needed for students; makes referrals for outside evaluations and supports parents and teachers in understanding outside learning evaluations.
• Coordinates with SLS team and Counseling and Wellness department to assess best support for individual students
• Meets regularly with other learning specialists, the school counselor, teachers, parents, grade levels (twice weekly), MS Dean of Student Life and Head of Middle School
• Maintains confidential electronic student learning profiles and intervention lists for students.
• Supports scheduling and teacher-tutor…