Sabot School, a progressive preschool-Grade 8 school in Richmond, and a leader in the Reggio Emilia Approach®, seeks a Learning Support Specialist.

The Learning Support Specialist plays a critical role in fostering an inclusive learning environment that supports students with diverse learning needs. Working closely with teachers, the School Counselor, and the Program Director, this position ensures that all students have access to the tools and strategies they need to thrive academically and socially. Grounded in the Reggio Emilia philosophy and a social-constructivist approach, the Learning Support Specialist provides targeted instruction in literacy and math, helps develop and implement accommodation plans, and collaborates with educators to create differentiated learning experiences. This role is ideal for an educator who is passionate about individualized learning, skilled in intervention strategies, and dedicated to empowering students to become confident, engaged learners.

ESSENTIAL TASKS

• Collaborate with School Counselor and Program Director to create accommodation plans for students with diverse learning needs, and support teachers in implementing student supports.
• Support teachers with summative assessments; administer formative assessments to students receiving tier two supports.
• Analyze student assessment data to provide targeted and differentiated literacy and math support to students.
• Provide direct tier 2 support to students in one-on-one or small group settings, focusing on specific learning goals  in math and literacy.  These sessions provide support to students in grades K-4 and should target student learning needs for both areas of growth and areas of enrichment.
• Administer formative assessments to progress monitor efficacy of instruction and impact on student learning progress.
• Meet regularly with classroom teachers to discuss student progress, share successful learning strategies, monitor accommodations in place for students, and ensure cohesion between student learning environments.
• Provide specific, positive reinforcement to children, encouraging a growth mindset and using a language of respect.
• Provide feedback to parents in assessment reports.
• Provide support to students in moments of escalation, supporting social and emotional learning.
• Support students to build executive functioning skills in large groups, small groups, and individual work with a goal of increasing student engagement and independence.
• Assist with the transition process for students moving between grade levels, ensuring continuity of support and accommodation needs.
• Lead or assist in professional development for staff around best practices for supporting students with learning differences, including strategies for differentiation and inclusive instruction.
• Other duties as assigned by your supervisor.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education/Experience
Education: A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in teaching or related field is required. Master’s degree or higher preferred.
Experience: Must have completed a minimum of five years of exemplary teaching experience.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Must be able to complete a background check.

SPECIFIC TO THE LEARNING SPECIALIST POSITION

• Strong knowledge of learning differences such as dyslexia, dysgraphia, autism, ADHD, and other neurodiverse conditions, and how they impact students’ learning and behavior.
• Experience with tier 2 interventions and the ability to implement individualized strategies to support students’ academic and social-emotional needs.
• Proficiency in administering and interpreting formative assessments to monitor student progress and adjust instruction as needed.
• Familiarity with multi-sensory and evidence-based teaching strategies for students with learning differences, especially in literacy and math.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with teachers, counselors, and administrators to create and implement accommodation plans and ensure consistency in support.
• Knowledge of social-emotional learning (SEL) and the ability to support students through challenging emotional or behavioral moments.
• Experience with IEPs (Individualized Education Plans) or 504 plans, including the ability to support their development and ensure proper implementation.
• Comfort with technology tools used in special education, such as data tracking systems, digital learning aids, or educational apps for differentiated learning.

GENERAL KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Willingness to participate fully in a dynamic day school environment in Richmond, Virginia.
• Demonstrates professionalism and serves as a role model by modeling honesty, accountability, understanding, tolerance, respect, love, and kindness for students.
• Develops and maintains professional, collaborative, and collegial relationships with faculty, staff, and community partners for the benefit of students and classes.
• Demonstrates professionalism, engagement, and kindness toward all children and families, regardless of race, religion, nationality, abilities, familial status, gender identity, or gender expression.
• Exhibits excellent communication skills, both oral and written.
• Establishes effective communication and relationships with students and parents.
• Displays curiosity, a positive attitude, flexibility, and a good sense of humor.
• Demonstrates creativity and flexibility in teaching practices, with a growth mindset toward professional goals and development.
• Guides students in discovery and understanding, fostering the development of reflective thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Exhibits excellent time management skills, completing reports and tasks in a timely and professional manner.
• Multi Tasks effectively, remains calm under pressure, and treats everyone with respect.
• Remains responsible for the supervision of students during classes and at all times while on or off campus.
• Learns new technology and systems as required by the program level.
• Adheres to all policies and procedures outlined in the Employee Handbook and Community Guide.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to stand, walk, and move around for extended periods of time during supervision and activities both indoors and outdoors..
• Ability to lift and carry up to 25 lbs (e.g., lifting children, materials, or equipment).
• Ability to kneel, crouch, and bend down to the child’s level for supervision, assistance, and engagement in activities.
• Ability to assist children with physical needs, such as helping with mobility, eating, or restroom routines.
• Ability to respond quickly to emergencies, which may include running, lifting, or assisting children to safety.
• Ability to supervise children during physical activities, such outdoor play, while remaining alert to potential safety hazards.

HOW TO APPLY

Interested candidates should click the link below to submit the following materials.

• Be sure to list the position in the “position applying for” field.
• Letter of interest
• Resume
• Contact information for three professional references