Hamilton School Middle and Upper School Polaris Learning Specialist

The Hamilton School at Wheeler is a school-within-a-school where skilled faculty meet students’ learning differences with the individualized instruction that leads to success. Hamilton students are also taught to advocate for themselves and others with learning differences. Since 1988, the Hamilton School at Wheeler has served elementary and middle school children who have great overall cognitive ability, but who struggle with reading, organization and study skills due to dyslexia, attention-deficit disorder (ADHD), executive function deficits or other learning differences. We believe — and prove daily — that our students can learn these important skills and meet the highest expectations.

The Polaris program is an extension to the Hamilton School program and provides a more modified level of academic support for students in grades 9-12. A small cohort of students are enrolled in the Polaris program and attend specifically designed English and history classes which are scaffolded to support the needs of students with executive function challenges and/or language-based learning differences. Additional academic support is provided as needed for students in the Polaris program.

Responsibilities:

Hamilton Middle School (70%)

●  Co-lead and provide push-in and small group academic support in mathematics instruction in Hamilton 7th and 8th grades.

●  Conduct formative and summative assessments to monitor student progress.

●  Oversee and manage the Noticeability program in Hamilton 7th and 8th grades.

●  Co-advise in Hamilton 6th grade.●  Provide support and supervision during the afternoon Middle School skills/enrichment block.

●  Meet regularly with the Wheeler academic support team.

●  Provide family education and act as a resource for families.

●  Participate in and/or lead professional development opportunities for faculty, staff and families.

●  Grading and writing progress updates for students in Hamilton Middle School for students in

class.

●  Additional supervision responsibilities as required for all Middle School faculty.

●  Attend Middle School division meetings.

Upper School Polaris Program (30%)

●  Plan and teach one Polaris English section in the Upper School for fall and spring semesters.

●  Provide individual support to Upper School Polaris students as needed.

●  Meet regularly with the Polaris faculty and Upper School academic support team.

●  Grade and write reports for students in the Upper School Polaris section.

●  Mentor and support students college essay writing for Polaris 12th Grade students.

Qualifications:

●  A clear interest in and appreciation for teaching and supporting students with learning differences

●  A Master’s Degree in Teaching, Education and/or Special Education

●  Prior experience teaching middle and/or high school students

●  Familiarity and/or an eagerness to learn the Orton-Gillingham approach to teaching reading and

spelling is highly desirable

●  Well-rounded knowledge of pre-adolescent and adolescent oral language and literacy

development

●  Ability to collaborate well with others, a flexible working style, and an eagerness to learn

●  Strong communicator with solid interpersonal skills

●  Solid organizational and time management skills

How to Apply: Please send a resume and cover letter to Bill McCarthy, Head of the Hamilton School at Wheeler, at billmccarthy@wheelerschool.org, cc careers@wheelerschool.org and list the position title in the subject heading. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

Statement on Diversity and Cultural Competency At Wheeler

We actively seek students, faculty, and staff from diverse backgrounds in the belief that a broad range of experiences and viewpoints enhance learning, enriches life on campus, and better prepares us all for full participation in a pluralistic, democratic society. We seek to further the overall diversity and cultural competency within our community through hiring.

The Wheeler School is committed to a policy of nondiscrimination and equal opportunity for all employees and qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin or disability, and any other category protected by federal, state or local law.

About The Wheeler School:

Founded in 1889 by visionary artist and educator Mary C. Wheeler, The Wheeler School is an N-12 independent day school of approximately 800 students from throughout Greater Providence and Greater Boston. Wheeler’s mission, “to learn our powers and be answerable for their use,” is incorporated into our classrooms, athletic fields, art studios, and STEAM labs, as students are encouraged to think deeply and explore the world on and beyond our two campuses in the College Hill neighborhood of Providence, Rhode Island and our 120-acre farm in Seekonk, Massachusetts. Across Wheeler’s campuses and grades, dedicated faculty and staff identify students’ learning path and passions, challenging and supporting them in pursuit of academic excellence, artistic expression, and personal growth. Our graduates are prepared for college and life as creative, ethical, and engaged global citizens.