Position: Director of Lower School Learning Resources (Interim Position)

Department: Lower School

Location: Junior Building & Greenleaf Hall, Milton Academy Campus, Milton, MA

Hours: Full-Time, 12-month

FLSA: Exempt

Milton Academy is an independent college preparatory K–12 school, boarding and day in grades 9–12, located just outside of Boston.

Milton Academy cultivates in our students a passion for learning and a respect for others. Milton students grow by developing their own identities, learning from and listening to the lived experiences of others, and living and working among peers whose differences they accept with respect and care.

In our ongoing work to create an environment that confronts bias, injustice, and bigotry, we encourage each other to be open to learning, explore our histories and identities, and seek to understand the world around us with a critical lens. At Milton, we prepare students to partner with their future communities to create a more just world, and to have the courage to speak up and live by our motto, “Dare to be true.”

Summary of Position:

The Director of Lower School Learning Resources works collaboratively with the Lower School Principal and Dean of Teaching and Learning to ensure comprehensive support for students with diverse learning needs in grades K-5. This position is integral to the Lower School Learning Resources Team, working alongside Reading Specialists, Learning Specialists, and the School Counselor.

Key responsibilities include overseeing the development and implementation of Individualized Learning Guides (ILGs), facilitating weekly Child Study Team meetings, managing the student referral process, interpreting external evaluations, and supporting teachers in implementing effective learning strategies. The Director of Lower School Learning Resources serves as a vital liaison between families, outside service providers, and the school community.

This role requires extensive expertise in diverse learning profiles and executive function challenges, with a nuanced understanding of their impact on student achievement. The candidate will demonstrate a deep commitment to evidence-based teaching practices to effectively support and empower all learners. The candidate’s pedagogical approach should reflect both current research and practical application in the K-5 learning environment.

The Director of Lower School Learning Resources will contribute to professional development initiatives, participate actively in school life beyond the classroom, and help create student-centered learning environments that accommodate diverse learning styles. As a community member, the Director of Lower School Learning Resources maintains a visible campus presence, contributes to a positive school culture, participates in enrichment activities, and upholds school expectations.

The ideal candidate will embody a collaborative spirit, demonstrating exceptional interpersonal skills and a thoughtful approach to problem-solving. The candidate will be a clear and empathetic communicator who builds strong relationships with students, families, and colleagues. We seek someone who demonstrates a growth mindset through continuous self-improvement. Most importantly, they will be deeply committed to advancing our core values of diversity, equity, and belonging through both their professional practice and personal interactions.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities:

• Support teachers in differentiating student concerns and identifying when additional support is needed.
• Coordinate the screening and/or benchmark assessments in fall, winter, and spring with all K-5 students.
• Communicate regularly with outside service providers (i.e., tutors, psychologists, etc.) and liaise directly with families to maintain continuity of goals and complementary and integrated services.
• Collaborate with K-5 colleagues to develop inter-departmental and cross-disciplinary projects and initiatives.
• Plan and execute professional development for Lower School faculty and staff around learning accommodations and support strategies.
• Other responsibilities as assigned by the Lower School Principal.

Community

• Be a visible, accessible presence around campus.
• Contribute to creating a positive community culture that ensures students are heard, seen, valued, and cared for.
• Share in the enforcement of our expectations for students.
• Actively participate in greater community enrichment activities, such as advising a student activity or acting as an affinity group facilitator.

Other Professional Expectations and Responsibilities

• Work cooperatively with students, parents, peers, administration, and community members.
• Act in a manner that is respectful, generous toward others, supportive of colleagues, and based on a belief in the competence and good intentions of all members of the community.
• Communicate openly and promptly, supporting colleagues, students, and the integrity of the institution in conversations with students and parents.
• Create and maintain classroom and campus environments that are open and flexible, reflecting the school’s values related to diversity, equity, and belonging.
• Strive to grow and improve professionally, demonstrating a commitment to continuing professional development.
• Exhibit skills in collaborative problem-solving, critical thinking, and teamwork.
• Meet deadlines.
• Attend all school-wide, divisional, and faculty meetings and events and serve on committees as required.
• Prepare for and participate in the opening of school programming, curriculum nights, open houses, and all other key student/family moments that are part of the school calendar.
• Complete school-required training.
• Abide by the school’s policies and procedures as outlined in the provided handbooks.
• Communicate with the appropriate supervisor when unable to meet any professional obligation.

Supervision to be received: Supervised by the Lower School Principal

Supervision to be exercised: None

Education/Certification/Licensure

Required: Master’s degree in special education, literacy instruction, psychology, or social work.

Preferred: LICSW, EdD, PsyD, or PhD.

Experience

Required: A minimum of three years of proven experience as an elementary school learning specialist or school psychologist.

Preferred: Experience working in an independent school. Leadership experience.

Competencies

Required:

• Proficiency in upper elementary curriculum creation and instruction.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

• Demonstrated computer expertise including Google Suite, Microsoft Word, and Adobe.

• Ability to work collaboratively with internal and external constituencies.

• Understanding of confidentiality and related issues.

• Receptive to supervision and professional development.

• Desire to be a part of a dynamic educational community.

Physical Abilities

Required:

• Must be able to work at a computer for up to 8 hours each day in conjunction with OSHA requirements.

• Must be able to teach in a classroom setting and use relevant instructional technology.

• Must be able to move around the Milton Academy campus without restriction.

• Must be able to lift up to 10 pounds.

All interested internal candidates must complete an application for promotion or transfer and forward it to your supervisor as soon as possible.

The essential functions and basic skills have been included in this job description; it is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all functions, responsibilities, skills, and abilities. Additional functions and requirements may be assigned by supervisors as deemed appropriate. This position description is subject to change at any time.

Milton Academy is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin or ancestry, age, veteran status, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law. Diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice are fundamental elements of Milton’s mission. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds.