K-6 Director of Learning Support in McLean, VA for The Potomac School (2024)

The K-6 Director of Learning Support is a full-time 11 month faculty position reporting to the Assistant Head of School for Academics. In this position, the K-6 Director of Learning Support will collaborate with divisional leadership in furthering the learning support framework for the school. The director is responsible for overseeing the learning support program in grades K-6 and partnering with the division heads and academic deans to lead Lower and Middle School Learning Specialists. In addition, the K-6 Director of Learning Support will be responsible for the case management of student services, ensuring students receive the tools, support, and enrichment necessary to succeed. An ideal candidate will be familiar with recent research in best practices in educating students with learning differences, support the mission of the school, and believe that all children can meet high academic expectations.

Administrative Duties:

• Provide leadership to, collaborate with, and act as a resource to the community, faculty, and administrative team on all matters pertaining to learning support in the Lower and Middle Schools
• Facilitate Lower and Middle School student support meetings
• Oversee and guide a process of systematic, intentional, and developmentally appropriate learning support as students transition from the Lower to the Middle and then to the Intermediate School
• Articulate and execute a process for managing students’ individual academic plans and ensuring that the school’s academic standards are upheld in collaboration with LSST/MSST
• Coordinate K-6 professional development in the areas of learning differences and learning support for teachers and staff, as needed
• Serve as a resource for current and incoming families and facilitate conversations around the school’s learning support program, accommodations, and students’ individual academic plans
• Remain current in the research and act as a resource to faculty and administration in the areas of curriculum, assessment practices, and instruction, including their implications for the school’s programs
• Demonstrate maturity, humility, professionalism, confidence, and a strong work ethic
• Collaborate with the Assistant Head of School for Academics, Head of Middle School, Head of Lower School and 7-12 Director of Learning Support to ensure a K-12 scope and sequence for learning support philosophies and practices
• Assume other responsibilities as assigned by the school, including duties in the lower and middle divisions

Student Services:

• Provide case management of Lower and Middle School students as determined
• Provide direct student support through push-in and/or pull-out small group or one-on-one instruction
• Assist incoming students and families to ensure a smooth academic transition by developing a learning profile and coordinating supports/enrichments as needed
• Collaboratively create and update individual academic plans based on psychoeducational testing and facilitate and assist in developing and implementing interventions related to learning differences
• Monitor individual students' progress through classroom observations and assessments and initiate necessary changes
• Collaborate with and support teachers in differentiating instruction for students based on their unique learning profiles so that all students are engaged, challenged, and have the opportunity for success
• Assist and advise teachers and divisional administration in determining the effectiveness of interventions and accommodations

Qualifications:

• Master’s degree preferred in special education or a related field
• Training in Orton Gillingham (certification preferred) and use of multi-sensory math instructional methods, ability to implement remediation of writing skills, and knowledge of Responsive Classroom
• At least five years prior experience in the field of learning support and/or special education with a record of high achievement
• Familiarity with neuropsychoeducational testing, curriculum-based measurement, functional behavior assessments, individual academic plan processes, and reporting
• Effective communication skills that promote positive relationships with students, families, and colleagues
• Strong work ethic, high level of integrity, and independently motivated to meet the needs of students and faculty

In striving to fulfill its mission, The Potomac School seeks many different voices, viewpoints, and backgrounds. We recognize that differences are a source of strength, and we know that everyone is enriched when each person's contributions and perspectives are valued.