Career Center

The Learning Specialist is an academic instructor who collaborates with members of the Center for Teaching, Learning and Innovation (CTLI) and other Specials and homeroom teachers to provide an effective learning environment through planning, organizing, developing, and assessing students. The Learning Specialist is experienced and knowledgeable about the cognitive and social-emotional development of young children, special education training and has a passion for Preschool-8 education. In addition to the duties and responsibilities below, the Learning Specialist will be patient, positive, flexible, collaborative, and innovative.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (include but are not limited to):

• Works collaboratively with members of the CTLI and other teaching staff to develop, implement, assess and modify, as necessary, a dynamic program that aligns with Congressional School's mission, vision, and values
• Uses a variety of methods, materials, and techniques to teach
• Creates a pleasant, inviting classroom atmosphere in which children feel comfortable and secure, along with an atmosphere of support and safety to encourage children to experience new skills.
• Establishes and communicates clear objectives for all learning activities
• Effectively uses diagnostic/prescriptive teaching and formative assessments for the purposes of refining the learning environment, curriculum, assessment, instruction, and classroom leadership and management
• Listens and responds to student and parent concerns in a responsible, constructive and resourceful manner
• Works the rest of the CTLI team on curriculum and specialized learning in specific grades
• Integrates meaningful and appropriate use of technology within the curriculum
• Implement remediation across all content areas and for students with a variety of support needs.
• Ability and willingness to differentiate learning to address students' diverse readiness levels, interests, and learning preferences
• Embraces and models our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion
• Writes and oversees student Learning Plans including goal development and implementation of accommodations for students of various diagnostic backgrounds including those requiring remediation and advancement
• Willing to refer out for off-campus services and evaluation as needed including tutoring, OT/PT, Speech, Executive Functioning support, etc.
• Performs other duties as required

REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor's degree in Special Education or a related field; Master's degree preferred.
• Three years of experience teaching Preschool through 8th grade strongly preferred.
• Training in multisensory approach to reading, writing and math instruction.
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience in child development and educational practices including Responsive Classroom, Singapore Math and familiarity with Science of Reading practices
• Experience interpreting psychoeducational reports and curriculum-based measurements to develop student support plans.
• Comfort with implementing interventions and remediation related to learning differences including communicating with parents and teaching team on student needs and progress.
• Experience working in a teaching team; positive attitude and eager to work collaboratively with homeroom teacher, peers and colleagues in developing curriculum and planning for instruction
• Strong initiative and organizational skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Highly interested in pursuing professional development opportunities, dedicated to lifelong learning and a growth mindset
• Demonstrated ability to work in a diverse environment across all lower grade levels and a commitment to cultural competency
• A sense of humor and warm personality

About Congressional School

Founded in 1939, Congressional School is a co-ed independent day school in the heart of Falls Church, VA. Dedicated to young learners—infants through eighth graders—Congressional School serves more than 400 students and 2,000 campers annually through its academic and summer programs. The school develops great thinkers and leaders by encouraging students to explore, embrace challenge, and grow through an innovative academic program —all in a diverse and inclusive community. Well-prepared for excellent secondary schools, Congressional School graduates have confidence, a sense of ethics, and the desire to continually and respectfully question, collaborate, create, and lead. Teachers at Congressional School are passionate, innovative, and dedicated members of the Congressional community who embrace the vision, mission, philosophy and traditions of the School while always striving for excellence. Teachers are committed to growth as professionals and individuals, and are eager to help the school’s students strive for and be their best. Congressional is a community where learning, growing, curiosity, engagement, hard work, and play are all valued and nurtured.

Connections working at Congressional School