Upper School Learning Specialist

ABOUT US:

The mission of Hawai'i Preparatory Academy (HPA) is to provide exceptional learning opportunities in a diverse community honoring the traditions of Hawai'i. Our work is grounded in HPA's Core Values of Integrity, Respect, Pursuit of Excellence, and Wonder.

Located on Hawaii Island, one of the most beautiful places on the planet, HPA is a co-educational, college-preparatory, day and boarding school that serves kindergarten through 12th grade. Our students live and study within rare landscapes, precious ecosystems, and a mix of world cultures. We embrace these attributes to create unique signature programs, research partnerships, and growth opportunities to empower students with a sense of purpose and the real-world skills to explore and reinvent that purpose over a lifetime. HPA's goal is to be among the greenest of schools and to undertake a leadership role in sustainability education, where our campus serves as a living laboratory that sends engaged citizens and agents of change into the world.

We seek individuals who believe in our school mission and core values and who share our commitment to the children of Hawai'i Island as well as the dynamic young people who come to HPA from around the world.

ABOUT THE POSITION:

We are seeking a highly motivated, energetic, reliable individual with a strong work ethic to join our community of committed educators to work as an Upper School Learning Specialist. This full-time faculty position provides direct academic support and interventions to students in the Learning Center, collaborates with classroom teachers to ensure success in the classroom, and works closely with parents to support student success.

All Upper School teachers at HPA are expected to teach four classes, lead or assist in two athletic or co-curricular season activities, and lead an advisory group according to HPA's curriculum and mission. Our teachers work with students on the continuous development of skills, attitudes, and knowledge required to make effective college, career, and life choices.

The ideal candidate will have experience working with students with diverse learning abilities and needs, collaborating with teachers to provide differentiated instruction, particularly in reading, writing, and math, and implementing instructional strategies. Candidates should have a general familiarity with college prep curricula; knowledge about a range of learning disabilities (e.g., dyslexia, dyscalculia, dysgraphia, etc.), health impairments (e.g., ADHD), test anxiety, and general executive functioning challenges and their impact on learning; the ability to individualize instruction and strategies for improving reading, writing and mathematical problem solving; the ability to help students implement effective organizational and study skills, time management, and planning skills and tools; familiarity with student learning profiles, needs, and academic goals; and the capacity to relate to, establish rapport with and motivate students to succeed, become self-advocates, and take advantage of resources and support.

Responsibilities include:

• Supporting 9th to 12th-grade students with learning challenges in meeting expected academic goals
• Providing one-on-one and small-group support/instruction for students with identified learning challenges in the Learning Center
• Making regular assessments of student achievement and progress
• Communicating student progress to parents
• Supporting teaching staff by offering resources, assistance, advice, and training to enable faculty to meet the needs of all learners
• Maintaining communication and documentation protocols related to learning support
• Observing and informally evaluating individual students displaying academic or behavioral difficulties to collect data on their learning strengths and challenges for collaboration with colleagues (guidance counselors, residential life staff, etc.)

All HPA faculty and administrators are required to participate in school-hosted CPR, First Aid, and 14-passenger school bus driver training (in pursuit of a CDL license) and to maintain these credentials throughout their employment at HPA.

This is a faculty (10-month) position.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• A B.A. or Master's degree in Education with a focus on Special Education
• At least three years of experience as a learning specialist or in a related role
• Experience working with high school students
• Full understanding of differentiated instructional strategies across the curriculum
• Familiarity with using Learning Management System technology
• Ability to collaborate with faculty, staff, admin, and parents
• Ability to read assessments and understand the data
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, verbally and in writing
• Proven ability to collaborate with colleagues and desire to work as a team player with faculty, staff, and administrators
• Ability to interact professionally with parents and community members
• A willingness to add meaningfully to the school's co-curricular programs
• Maturity and personal stability sufficient for a demanding position
• Positive attitude and strong work ethic and an all-for-one/one-for-all "team player" attitude
• A proven ability to be a role model for young people, both in and out of the classroom

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Experience working in an independent school/boarding school environment
• Experience working with international students
• Experience coaching or leading a co-curricular
• Experience working with a lens of Hawaiian culture, sustainability, and DEIB in a curriculum

REPORTS TO: Upper School Principal

JOB STATUS: Exempt

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

• HPA's 2022/23 Vaccination Policy
• About Waimea/Kamuela, Hawaii Island

HPA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, sex including gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, status as a protected veteran, status as a qualified individual with a disability, marital status, arrest and court record, credit history, status as a victim of domestic or sexual violence, among other things, as provided for by State and Federal law status, arrest and court record, credit history, status as a victim of domestic or sexual violence, among other things, as provided for by State and Federal law.