THE PARK SCHOOL OF BALTIMORE

LOWER SCHOOL MATH LEARNING SPECIALIST

FULL-TIME
FALL 2023

Devoted to intellectual inquiry, a collaborative spirit of learning, and an appreciation for the diversity of human experience, The Park School of Baltimore is a community founded on positive expectations of our students and respect for individual differences.

We cultivate children’s innate curiosity by nurturing their interests and engaging them as active participants in their own education.

We support young people in becoming confident questioners and responsible citizens of the world. ~The Park School Mission

The Park School is a non-sectarian, independent, coeducational day school of 846 students from Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 12. Founded in 1912 as one of the early progressive schools, The Park School continues to practice a distinct educational philosophy. The core values today, as in 1912, are a belief in children’s capacity to love learning, to grow academically and emotionally when inspired by highly qualified, caring teachers, and to develop self-discipline, confidence, and creative problem-solving skills through deep exploration and constant challenge. At every grade level, from Pre-Kindergarten through Upper School, Park actively encourages questioning and conversation as essential elements of the learning process. The school philosophy emphasizes a belief in positive expectations and expects that students, as they mature, will take increasing responsibility for their own learning.

The Position:

The Park School seeks a full-time Lower School Math Learning Specialist to join the Lower School Student Support Team, which includes the Lower School Principal, Lower School Assistant Principal, Lower School Counselor, and Lower School Learning Resource Teacher. The Math Learning Specialist is responsible for supporting our students in math by assessing students and collaborating with teachers by providing resources, instructional strategies, and guidance as they work to serve the needs of all students. The Math Learning Specialist provides academic support and challenge to students individually and in small groups and communicates regularly with parents and outside professionals. This individual reports to the Lower School Principal.

Responsibilities:

• Provide direct student support in mathematics.
• Collaborate with teachers regarding the implementation of the math curriculum in their classrooms.
• Model innovative mathematics lessons for all teachers, and serve as a mentor to new teachers.
• Assess mathematical achievement and curricular efficacy in Pre-Kindergarten through fifth grade.

Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in Special Education or related field.
• At least 5 years experience as a learning specialist or in a related field.
• Experience working with neurodiverse students, Pre-K-5th Grade age preferred.
• Possess a strong knowledge base of neurodiverse learners, especially dyscalculia, dyslexia, speech and language challenges, and dysgraphia.
• General knowledge of neurodiverse learning styles and experience using learning profiles and educational diagnoses to guide instructional support.
• Knowledge of assistive technology, online resources, and apps that support executive functioning and academic success.
• Passionate about Park’s progressive mission, and an advocate for diversity work and the promotion of health and wellness.
• Orientation to progressive philosophy and teaching methods.
• Must have the ability to form relationships based on a high degree of trust with all types of people and help those in the most challenging of situations: the students, the faculty, the parents, and administration.
• Must be highly organized, an excellent communicator, and able to respond promptly to student issues and faculty needs.
• Personal skills needed to work collaboratively with colleagues.
• Demonstrated ability to work with students from diverse backgrounds.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, verbally and in writing.
• Experience with the TERC and enVision mathematics curricula.

Candidates from diverse backgrounds or who have experience in cultural competency work are strongly encouraged to apply.

ABOUT PARK’S LOWER SCHOOL

Park’s Lower School is committed to progressive principles of education. Respect for children and confidence in their natural capacity to learn — and to enjoy learning — are key. The program at all grade levels centers on experiential learning within an integrated curriculum. Our approach emphasizes open-ended inquiry and problem solving, collaborative projects, and exposure to a wide range of learning activities and materials, anchored by a focus on essential understandings and attention to basic skills.

The Lower School at Park includes grades Pre-Kindergarten through fifth, with an enrollment of 275 students and 40+ faculty. Support personnel include a Lower School Principal, Assistant Principal, Learning Resource Teacher, and Counselor. Special area teachers provide instruction in Art, Music, Physical Education, Spanish, Library, Technology, and Science.

SALARY AND BENEFITS

Park’s salary and benefits are highly competitive with those in other leading area independent schools. For new appointments, salaries reflect experience and training equated to Park’s scales.

In addition to normal retirement and health benefits, the school offers the following distinctive programs:

• Faculty and Curricular Advancement (FACA) Program: This program supports summer professional work by faculty on a distinctive scale. Established in 1989, FACA is supported by a $5.6 million endowment; currently, over 40% of all Park faculty participate in projects annually. Grants cover full salary and benefits for group or individual projects selected through a formal review process.

• Tuition Remission: Under current policy, faculty and staff who have been employed at Park full-time for two years are eligible to receive full tuition remission for their children who attend Park. All candidates, including faculty children, must meet Park’s standards for admission. (During the first two years of employment, faculty may apply for aid through the need-based tuition assistance program.)