The Orchard School
Founded in 1922, Orchard is an independent non-sectarian progressive school for approximately 500 students in preschool through the 8th grade. Orchard is committed to advancing each students academic success, self-confidence, open-mindedness, ethical character, leadership, and love of learning. Located in north Indianapolis on a 43-acre wooded campus with a state-of-the-art facility, Orchard promises academic excellence through a well-rounded education, engaging the natural curiosity of students in an active child-centered and experiential learning environment. We seek and strive to maintain a diverse and inclusive school community and are committed to the principles that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion. We value the skills, knowledge, and experiences a diverse workforce brings to our school.
The Position
The Orchard School seeks a dynamic, nurturing, and growth-oriented learning specialist to join our innovative and collaborative Elementary School. This position offers an exciting opportunity to be part of a community dedicated to the ongoing development of a progressive, hands-on, and whole-child approach to teaching and learning. Our foundation is built on the unwavering belief that all children are naturally curious and capable learners who thrive in active child-centered and experiential learning environments.
Key Responsibilities
• Designs and provides targeted one-on-one and small group instruction in literacy and math. • Observes and assesses Elementary School students using a variety of tools to support with learning strategies, organization, and study skills. • Guides teachers in differentiating instruction and implementing classroom accommodations and modifications. • Provides teachers with resources, support, guidance, and training to better meet the diverse needs of all learners. • Creates individual classroom accommodations based on evaluations. • Writes updates and maintains student-learning plans and progress reports. • Communicates support plans and student progress to parents and teachers. • Recommends appropriate outside support, including tutors and specialists, for students who need additional services. • Communicates with external professionals to ensure consistency between in-school and outside support strategies. • Attends weekly faculty meetings and school events.
Qualifications
The most competitive candidates will possess most or all of the following qualifications and qualities:
• Bachelors degree in Special Education or a related field. Masters degree preferred. • Minimum of three years of experience as a learning support teacher or in a related role strongly preferred. • Trained in Orton-Gillingham. • Strong foundation in the Science of Reading. • Trained in math interventions and instructional strategies. • Familiar with UFLI Acadience and Illustrative Math. • Demonstrates knowledge of executive functioning skills, e.g., task initiation, organization, planning, self-monitoring, and occupational therapy-informed practices to support sensory regulation and fine motor development. • Demonstrates cultural competency and a commitment to engaging with and learning from individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences. • Strong collaborator capable of building positive relationships with faculty, administrators, students, parents, and the broader community. • Supports and embodies Orchards definition of progressive education. • Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal. • Open to learning from and with colleagues to enhance teaching practices. • Approaches work with optimism, energy, kindness, and a sense of humor.