Job Description

Oak Grove School, a small pre-K through 12th grade progressive school in Ojai, California, is seeking a qualified Learning Specialist to work with students enrolled in our Learning Resources Program for grades 9th-12th. The Learning Resource Program serves students with learning differences by providing one-to-one and small-group support during the academic day. This position may be part-time or full-time, depending on the assigned responsibilities. 

At Oak Grove, we are committed to fostering in children the sense of well-being and confidence that enables them to appreciate others and that instills real understanding across cultures. We offer an inclusive, integrated, caring, and explorative experience that also reflects the philosophical underpinnings of the school as expressed in the Arts of Living and Learning (inquiry; communication; academia; engagement; aesthetics; and care/relationship to self, others, the environment, and the world).

Duties and Responsibilities

The High School and Middle School Learning Specialist supports students and the school in the following capacities:

• Provide academic and organizational support to small groups of students during the school day. Students meet in grade-level cohorts in groups of around 3-5 students.
• Monitor the progress of students enrolled in the Learning Resource Program and provide appropriate academic and executive skills support tailored to each student.
• Communicate regularly with families and staff regarding student progress and areas that would benefit from additional support.
• Regularly visit core classes to observe students and provide support.
• Collaborate with the Learning Specialist team to ensure that students and families feel supported as they transition into middle and high school.
• Help teachers create materials and strategies that meet students' learning needs, including accommodations and curriculum modifications.
• Assist with staff development workshops focusing on cognitive growth, executive functioning, and various learning differences.
• Provide support for testing, including standardized testing, for students who have testing accommodations.
• Interpret assessments, IEPs, and other learning profiles performed by outside service providers and communicate those findings to staff.
• Coordinate with school district and outside providers to support families with testing and evaluations for learning differences.
• Facilitate collaboration among parents, students, and teachers with a shared set of goals.
• Attend regular staff meetings, professional development in-services, training, and special events.
• Support students with conflict resolution and social-emotional growth and development.
• Supervise interstitial spaces during breaks and lunch times.
• Participate in school events and outdoor education program.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required

• Familiarity with the philosophy of the school (among other things, an inquiry-based approach to education in a non-competitive atmosphere) and an understanding of progressive education.
• Applicants should possess a solid understanding of learning differences, particularly dyslexia, dysgraphia, and dyscalculia, and have extensive knowledge of ADHD and executive functioning challenges.
• Essential qualities include kindness, compassion, sensitivity, and active listening.
• Expertise in child development and social-emotional learning.
• Applicants must show an ability to collaborate effectively with diverse groups, including students, parents, and faculty.
• A sincere enthusiasm for collaborating with students and a commitment to enhancing their learning.
• Proficiency with GSuite and online Learning Management Systems.
• Ability to supervise and support students when using technology.
• Experience and knowledge in the science of reading, including the teaching of phonics and the progression from “learn to read to “read to learn.”
• Self-motivated, self-disciplined, professional, creative, and energetic.
• Ability to understand and follow safety procedures.
• Ability to provide a supportive and caring environment for children.
• Experience with Non-Violent Communication (NVC) and strong conflict resolution skills.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Education or a related field; a Master’s degree or certification as an educational therapist is preferred.
• A minimum of two years’ experience with high school or middle school students is also preferred. 

About Oak Grove School

Oak Grove School is a Pre-K through 12th grade, progressive day and boarding school in Ojai, California. The mission of Oak Grove School is to assist students in developing those qualities of mind, heart, and body that will enable them to function with excellence, care, and responsibility in the modern world. In addition, it is the intention of the school to offer a place where the whole community can inquire together into the perennial questions of humankind and explore an approach to life that is whole, mindful and intelligent.

Connections working at Oak Grove School