St. Paul Academy and Summit School seeks candidates for a Middle School Learning Specialist in a one-year leave replacement position. This position will begin on August 5, 2024.

About St. Paul Academy and Summit School:

St. Paul Academy and Summit School (SPA) is a coeducational, non-sectarian, college preparatory day school serving more than 920 students in kindergarten through grade 12. Our two campuses are located approximately a mile apart in St. Paul, Minnesota, serving Grades K-5 on our Goodrich Campus and Grades 6-12 on our Randolph Campus. The school draws students from St. Paul, Minneapolis, and throughout the eastern and western suburbs.

Our mission—shaping the minds and the hearts of the people who will change the world—is a promise to our students and our families, and it pushes us to be thoughtful about everything we do. It inspires us to be our best and reminds us that we have the responsibility to respect the unique potential in every child. Our mission gives us purpose and represents our greatest aspirations and values. But most of all, it reflects our deep belief in the talents and capabilities of our students.

For additional information about the school’s curriculum, community, and culture, please visit our website at www.spa.edu.

About the Middle School:

The Middle School at SPA is a place where students in Grades 6-8 experience the transition from childhood to young adulthood safely and surrounded by adults who care. Our culture is defined by our warm and welcoming community, our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and our innovative and rigorous curriculum. The Middle School curriculum emphasizes wide-ranging exploration and skill development in specific disciplines, taught by teachers who understand and genuinely enjoy students at this age. Organization and accountability are emphasized, and students learn to take responsibility for managing their work.

In the Middle School, students are challenged to embrace new ideas and think independently. The classroom experience is based on increased academic rigor combined with increased freedom of choice and support for the social/emotional needs of young adolescents is provided using Developmental Designs for Middle School. Finally, the advisory system sets clear standards and expectations for individual behavior and community norms.

For more information about the Middle School, please visit the Middle School section of our website.

Position Begins: August 2024
Status: 10.5 Month, Full-time, one year leave replacement, Exempt
Department: Instructional Support, Middle School (grades 6-8)

Position Description:

St. Paul Academy and Summit School seeks candidates for a Middle School Learning Specialist. In a dynamic learning environment where children’s curiosity and creativity flourish, there must be caring, interested, and highly skilled educators who know, understand, and appreciate the developmental journey of children overall, as well as of each child individually. St. Paul Academy and Summit School (SPA) seeks an innovative, collaborative, and culturally competent learning and thinking differences professional for the role of Middle School Learning Specialist.

The learning specialist is an integral part of the Middle School Administrative Team and provides consultative services to the student support team, classroom teachers, and parents and guardians. The Middle School Learning Specialist is responsible for offering research-based academic student support and critical professional development around neurodiversity, executive functioning, and learning differences. The Middle School Learning Specialist typically teaches 6th Grade Compass class (health and wellness) in collaboration with the Middle School Counselor. The Middle School Learning Specialist reports to the Middle School Principal, in consultation with the Director of the Center for Learning and Teaching.

Candidates should be able to advise students effectively and otherwise contribute to the life of the school outside the classroom. Candidates should support the mission of SPA and the vision of the Middle School.

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Special Education or a related field; graduate degree preferred, with supervised experiences and coursework in childhood and adolescent development

• Demonstrated leadership/previous administrative experience preferred

• 3+ years of teaching experience

• Knowledge of learning differences, psycho-educational tests, reports, and assistive technology

• Knowledge of administering and interpreting assessments and test results, academic achievement, and diagnostic testing

• Full understanding of differentiated instructional strategies

• Ability to establish a supportive and engaging environment for students

• Create developmentally appropriate curricula

• Ability to work collaboratively with parents/guardians

• Outstanding interpersonal and organizational skills

• Exceptional written and oral communication skills

• Detail-oriented, resourceful, and technologically savvy

• High-energy and enthusiastic about working in an academic atmosphere

Training and experience in Developmental Designs for Middle School is preferred; however, the school will provide training before the year begins. All candidates are expected to carry out the mission of SPA, "Shaping the minds and hearts of the people who will change the world.”

How to Apply:
Resume review will begin immediately. Interested candidates should apply online at www.spa.edu/careers. Please submit the following information with your application to be considered: letter of interest, resume, statement of teaching philosophy, and a list of references.

SPA is committed to recruiting and supporting a diverse faculty and staff, and maintaining a workplace culture in which all are treated equitably.