Join an innovative, learner-centered, and trauma-informed school district that is changing lives through the power of learning. Located in rural Waukesha County (Big Bend/Mukwonago/Waterford area), the Norris School District and its flagship program, Norris Academy, are pioneering a community-based learning ecosystem that connects education to real-world experiences.
Within this model, the Learner Support Specialist designs and facilitates personalized, specially designed learning pathways aligned to each learner's IEP. Through advisory and ongoing support, the Specialist ensures that learner plans are implemented with fidelity, appropriate supports are in place, and the learning team is aligned in meeting individual goals.
The Learner Support Specialist helps learners explore and engage in meaningful opportunities such as jobs, internships, clubs, cultural experiences, and wellness activities. They guide learners in reflecting on these experiences, evaluating evidence of learning, and connecting past, present, and future work to defined competencies.
This role includes close collaboration with Learning Design Specialists to ensure access and equity for all learners, as well as partnership with the Community Liaison to develop experiential learning opportunities, including job shadows and externships aligned to learner interests.
The Learning Support Specialist may support learners at Norris'' flagship campus, Norris Academy, as well as learners enrolled in our virtual program (NAVS) and those at other learning hubs throughout southeastern Wisconsin. Since NAVS currently has two learning hubs (Learn MKE) in Milwaukee, familiarity with those neighborhoods is beneficial.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
Facilitate advisory sessions focused on goal setting, reflection, and progress monitoring
Connect learners to community-based experiences (internships, job shadows, clubs, etc.)
Guide learners in successfully engaging in and completing community-based learning experiences, including monitoring internship placements, tracking progress, and providing ongoing support.
Collaborate with the Community Liaison to develop experiential learning partnerships
Support learners in documenting and demonstrating competency attainment
Provide specially designed instruction aligned to IEP goals
Ensure alignment of learner plans with IEPs and support service delivery
Support behavioral and social-emotional skill development
Collaborate with staff and families to support learner success
Work across multiple settings (Norris Academy, NAVS virtual program, and regional hubs)