Learning Specialist

Primary Professional Function 

Under the direction of the Education Team, the Learning Specialist plans and provides appropriate learning experiences for all students. The successful candidate will demonstrate knowledge of the necessary principles and application of theory into practice for effective instruction and positive behavioral supports that are beneficial for implementation with all students.

The Learning Specialist creates a flexible program and learning environment that provides differentiated instruction for all students.  This includes co-teaching in classrooms, collaborating with teachers on content delivery, and working with multiple providers to determine appropriate accommodations for students.  

Duties/Responsibilities

• Employs strategies to differentiates instructional delivery.

• Collaborates regularly with teachers to determine ways to support students.

• Co-teaches across content areas (with a focus on math and literacy) in a specified grade-level to support all learners; this may include taking the role as the lead teacher for all or part of a lesson when this best serves the students.

• Instructs students in academic subjects using a variety of techniques to reinforce learning and to meet students' varying needs and interests.

• Teaches an executive functioning course to help students manage deadlines and learn study skills

• Serves as an academic advisor.

• Assists with providing accommodations to the general education curriculum.

• Plans and conducts activities for a balanced program of instruction, demonstration, and work time that provides students with opportunities to observe, question, and investigate topics.

• Collects and analyzes data pertaining to the learning behaviors of students.

• Writes intervention plans.

• Collaborates regularly with the educational leadership team.

• Partners with families to discuss their child's progress toward identified goals.

• Confers with parents, administrators, testing specialists, social workers, and other professionals to develop individualized education programs (ILPs) designed to promote students' educational, physical, and social/emotional development.

• Attends student-needs meetings and provides advisement on tiered systems of support.

• Maintains professional competence by participating in staff development activities, curriculum development meetings, and other professional opportunities.

• Performs additional duties as assigned by Campus Leadership Team.

Qualifications and Requirements  

• Bachelor’s degree in education or related field (master’s preferred).

• Endorsement in special education or experience with providing differentiated support.

• Must have a depth of content and pedagogical knowledge to be able to provide support for all learners across the grade-level.

• Displays the ability to work effectively with administrators, colleagues, staff, students, parent and FXW community.

• Experience working with adolescent students.

• Must have excellent communications skills in written and verbal form.

• TB test required.

Key Relationships 

This person reports to and will be supervised, evaluated, and mentored by the Principal. Other key relationships include Campus Leadership, Head of School, other teachers and administrators, staff, students, and parents.

Compliance

Although FXW is an Independent Catholic School, all faculty and staff comply with the Archdiocese of Chicago’s Protecting God’s Children Requirements. 

• Complete the required new hire paperwork and mandatory Archdiocese training. 

• Must clear Background Check/Fingerprints.

• Monitor and enforce compliance with internal policies.

• Required to attend additional training classes as designated by the Security Operations Manager/ Security Lead or Security Supervisor and/or FXW administrative staff.

Physical Requirements

The Learning Specialist must be able to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation. This position requires the ability to communicate effectively with students, families, faculty, administrators, and other professionals through verbal, written, and electronic communication. The employee must possess sufficient visual and auditory acuity to supervise students, observe classroom activities, review student work and data, and respond appropriately in a dynamic school environment. The role requires frequent standing, walking, bending, reaching, kneeling, and sitting while providing instructional support in classrooms, meeting with students and staff, and navigating multiple areas of the campus. The Learning Specialist must be able to use computers, instructional technology, and standard office equipment for lesson planning, documentation, communication, and data analysis. The position may require lifting, carrying, or moving instructional materials and equipment weighing up to 25 pounds and, on occasion, up to 50 pounds. In rare situations, the position may require physical intervention consistent with School training and policies to maintain a safe learning environment.

Work Environment

The Learning Specialist works primarily in a collaborative school environment that includes classrooms, learning support spaces, meeting rooms, and administrative offices. The role requires frequent interaction with students, parents, teachers, administrators, and related service providers while maintaining professionalism, confidentiality, and effective communication. The work environment is fast-paced and student-centered, requiring the ability to manage multiple priorities, respond to changing student needs, and collaborate across grade levels and disciplines. The noise level is typically moderate to loud due to normal school activities. The position generally follows the School's regular work schedule; however, occasional evening meetings, professional development, school events, or other activities outside of regular hours may be required. Limited travel between FXW campuses may also be necessary to support students, collaborate with colleagues, or participate in School programs and meetings.

FXW offers a competitive salary and robust benefits program, commensurate with experience and consistent with independent schools.

Expected compensation for this role includes a salary within the range of $64,000- $80,000.

Benefits include but are not limited to:

• Medical        

• Dental

• Vision

• Life & Disability

  • Short-Term Disability

  • Long-Term Disability

  • Basic Life & AD&D

  • Voluntary Life & AD&D

• Voluntary Benefits

• Financial Wellness

  • FSA

  • Commuter Benefits

  • 403B Retirement Savings

• Wellbeing & Balance

  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

  • Mental Health Resources

Not sure you meet 100% of our qualifications?  We understand. If you believe that you could excel in this role, we encourage you to apply and welcome a chance for us to review your background. We are dedicated to building and maintaining a diversified workforce and considering a broad array of candidates with a variety of skills, workplace experience, and backgrounds.

Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

FXW is dedicated to fostering an inclusive workplace and values candidates who bring diverse perspectives, experiences, and backgrounds. We encourage individuals who may not meet 100% of the listed requirements, but who believe they could excel in this role, to apply. We are committed to providing reasonable accommodation throughout the hiring process and within the workplace to support all employees in performing the essential functions of the job.

Non-Discrimination Policy                                                                                                                                                    

It is The Frances Xavier Warde School’s goal to attract, recruit and retain exceptional faculty and staff that are inspiring, diverse and committed to the school’s mission. We support our teachers and staff by welcoming them into an environment that encourages them to excel and by maintaining a rich benefits package that helps them flourish and grow personally and professionally.

FXW will not engage in discrimination or harassment against any person because of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, order of protection status, genetic information, marital status, disability, sexual orientation including gender identity, unfavorable discharge from the military or status as a protected veteran and will comply with all federal and state nondiscrimination, equal opportunity and affirmative action laws, orders, and regulations. This nondiscrimination policy applies to student admissions and employment.

We invite you to become a part of our community, and FXW makes a deliberate effort to employ faculty and staff of diverse races, ethnicities, and backgrounds. No phone calls, please.

Mission Statement

The Frances Xavier Warde School is a Catholic elementary school in downtown Chicago that provides an excellent academic, values-oriented education to students of all ethnic, religious, cultural and socio-economic backgrounds in a child-centered urban environment. As a keystone of its diverse community, The Frances Xavier Warde School provides need-based scholarships to thirty percent of its students.

The Frances Xavier Warde School partners with its families, nurtures faith development for its Catholic students, and engages all its students to learn about and respect other faith traditions. The Frances Xavier Warde School uses a rigorous curriculum that enables students to grow, clarify their values, develop decision-making skills and a sense of responsibility for themselves and the world they will inherit.