Barrie School is a progressive independent school that inspires excellence, intrinsic motivation, and responsibility through innovation in learning. Serving a diverse and inclusive student body, our intentional educational throughline—from Montessori (12 months to Grade 5) to Project-Based Learning (Grade 6 to Grade 12)—cultivates learning that lasts. Our challenging educational experiences unlock intrinsic motivation and innovation in both students and faculty. And our community fosters a deep sense of belonging and honors student voice and responsibility. All of this comes together to create engaged citizens with diverse and inclusive worldviews who are confident to be and advocate for themselves.

Located in Silver Spring, Maryland, Barrie School provides an extraordinary learning environment integrating local, national and global educational opportunities. Our 45-acre campus is home to the world-renowned Barrie Institute for Advanced Montessori Studies—one of the largest school-based teacher training programs in the country—and Barrie Camp, a Washington, D.C. area tradition since the 1950s.  

barrie.org

Empowering individuals to expand their intellectual abilities, develop creative talents, and discover their passions to make a positive impact in a rapidly changing world.
Founded:  1932 Headquartered:  Silver Spring, MD
Phone:  (301) 576-2800 Website:  www.barrie.org
Lower School Part-time Learning Specialist
Location:
13500 Layhill Road
Silver Spring, MD 20906
United States of America
Department:
Lower School
Full/Part Time:
Workplace Type:
Years of Experience:
3 - Years
Level of Education:
Bachelor's Degree
Shift:
Description:

  • Consult on learning, attention, organization skills issues with administration, counselor, teachers, and families 

  • Provide one-on-one and small group support to students with learning needs (Instructional support should be in-person if students are on campus and virtual only when students are in distance learning).  This includes running small reading groups and research-based intervention groups.

  • Coordinate and lead team meetings with parents and teachers (Head of LS and counselor when relevant) regarding individual student learning/attention/language needs for students Age 3 – Grade 5. 

  • Meet on a scheduled basis with teachers to discuss student concerns, referrals and instructional strategies

  • Read and interpret neuropsychological and psycho-educational evaluations of Lower School students for parents and staff; meet together to discuss recommendations.

  • Write, monitor and update Accommodation Plans for Barrie students with identified Learning Disabilities and/or ADHD Age 2 – Grade 5 

  • Evaluate results of standardized testing (DIBELS) and consult with teachers regarding student progress

  • Provide professional referrals (psychologists, therapists, tutors, etc.) to families

  • Maintain connections and communication with professionals in the area, in order to discuss Barrie students receiving outside services, as well as to identify additional referrals for parents

  • Serve as a member of the Student Support Services Team (SSST), meeting regularly with Counselor and MUS Learning Specialist

  • Consult on reading programs and reading instruction in Lower School

  • Compile and update list of Lower School students receiving special needs services 

  • Liaison between outside tutors, occupational therapists, speech/language professionals and MCPS service providers who provide services to Barrie students on campus

  • Attend and advocate during Montgomery County Public Schools screening and IEP meetings held at home public schools, for Barrie students, at parents’ request

  • Meet with Barrie specialists throughout the year to discuss students with special needs

  • Serve on Admissions Committee for Lower School applicants

  • Consult with Admissions staff; talk to parents and attend Admissions meetings when requested

  • Meet with prospective students and families with special needs issues, as asked by Admissions

  • Observe students during admissions visits, as asked by Admissions 

  • Attend professional development relevant to the role of learning specialists and convey information to staff

  • Share resources, articles and other information on learning/language and attention issues

  • Participate in the life of the school by attending community events

  • Other duties as assigned

Skills:

Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s in Special Education preferred.

  • 3-5 years of experience in an educational setting. 

  • 3-5 years working with students with a range of learning skills and needs.

  • Detail-oriented; positive attitude.

  • Appreciation for and experience working in a diverse educational environment.

Language Requirements:
Manages Others:
Travel Required:
Pay Range:
to per
Pay Comments:
Benefits:
Report Job
Version 1.56.8.35311 updated 4/16/2024 7:37 PM