Learning Specialist​/Special Educator; Temporary one

Essex Westford School District Opportunity

Essex Westford School District (EWSD) has an opportunity at Thomas Fleming Elementary School for full-time temporary Learning Specialists for the 2026-27 school year.

The Learning Specialist works in collaboration with teachers, parents/caregivers, the student, and other professional and paraprofessional personnel to case manage, coordinate, and oversee the implementation of effective interventions for assigned students on IEP, 504, and EST plans. The position shall focus on literacy, math and behavior support services designed to enable assigned students to meet Vermont's learning expectations for students in the least restrictive environment.

In addition, the Learning Specialist develops and evaluates Individual Education Programs (IEP), behavior plans, and specialized reading and math instruction, and provides comprehensive evaluation services with professional and technical assistance from the Executive Director of Elementary Education, district-wide specialists, and other Learning Specialists within the building.

EWSD is committed to considering out-of-state candidates who are eligible to hold a Vermont educator license but do not yet hold a license in this state.

Below is an outline of the qualifications being sought:

Required:

• Valid Vermont Educator License with an endorsement in Special Education (or ability to obtain)
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience in developing and implementing IEPs
• Strong understanding of early childhood development and early elementary curriculum
• Proficiency in evidence-based literacy and mathematics intervention strategies
• Experience with behavioral support planning and Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS)
• Ability to administer and interpret academic and behavioral assessments
• Strong organizational, communication, and collaboration skills

Preferred:

• Endorsement or coursework in Reading Specialist, Math Specialist, or related area
• Experience using MTSS frameworks and data-based decision-making
• Familiarity with Vermont's special education rules and regulations
• Training in specialized reading programs (e.g., Orton-Gillingham, Wilson, SPIRE)
• Experience supporting students with a variety of disabilities, including developmental delays and emotional/behavioral challenges

Our district vision is: "Growing hearts and minds, for a better today and tomorrow: every day, every way, every one."

EWSD is committed to building a culturally diverse and inclusive environment. Successful candidates must be committed to working effectively with diverse community populations and are expected to strengthen such capacity if hired. Candidates with experience living or working in another country, the ability to fluently speak more than one language, and/or peace corp experience are encouraged to apply to help contribute to a diversity of thinking and grow our organizational practices.

A copy of the collective bargaining agreement that covers this position can be found, including insurance benefits, paid leave, and salary schedule details.

EWSD conducts thorough screenings of all applicants being recommended for hire, which may include contacting references not listed on your application. Selected individuals are subject to criminal records background checks and child and adult abuse registry checks. Any offer of employment will be contingent upon acceptable results of these checks at the sole discretion of the Superintendent or his/her designee. Please click for additional background check information.