START DATE: 29 JULY 2024
CLOSING DATE: UNTIL FILLED
Magellan International School is a unique school in Austin and the nation. We are one of just four independent schools in the US to offer International Baccalaureate programming from Preschool - High School in a Spanish immersion setting, in addition to a flexible language program for students in grade 6 and above.
We are in an exciting growth period which includes the move to a brand-new 14-acre campus this past fall and the opening of a high school in fall 2024. We are an open-minded and inclusive community and we invite you to learn more about us at www.magellanschool.org.
More about Magellan:
We were founded in 2009 by a bilingual NASA aerospace engineer
Today we are home to 580 students in Preschool - 8th Grade (High School opening fall 2024)
70% of our faculty join us from outside the US
60% of our families identify as diverse.
We value innovation and design thinking
We strive to live the IB Learner Attributes in all that we do
Description of Position:
The Magellan International School (Colegio Internacional Magallanes), a Spanish immersion school in Austin, Texas, has an opening for a qualified Bilingual Learning Specialist to join our Student Support Department. This position provides direct support to our primary grades, Kinder through 5th, to increase academic engagement and social functioning of students who are at risk or present with mild/moderate disabilities. While the position primarily supports lower primary, occasional consultation and collaboration with pre-school and upper elementary may be required.
Essential Functions
Serves as primary case manager for at-risk students and/or formally diagnosed with mild/moderate learning disabilities:
Gathers relevant background information related to students’ strengths and areas of growth.
Conducts observations for at-risk students who are referred to the Student Support Department.
Maintains updated and accurate student files and records while adhering to high levels of confidentiality.
Coordinates, facilitates, and maintains records of meetings with parents, teachers and internal/external service providers.
Coordinates and facilitates ongoing Child Support Team meetings (caseloads) for each assigned grade level in collaboration with the school counselor.
Provides consultation to teachers, parents, and other service providers. Implements learning and/or interventions:
Collects classroom progress monitoring, benchmarks, and screening data to help identify students’ needs, suggest appropriate interventions and/or evaluations.
Develops Learning Support Plans when necessary and monitors implementation.
Summarizes assessment results and shares findings as well as appropriate next steps with classroom teachers, support team (i.e. tutors, counselors), administrators, and families.
Collaborates closely with the lower elementary Counselor to support the social/emotional needs of students with learning differences.
Collaborates closely with the English Language Specialist to support the learning needs of students with dyslexia and/or literacy acquisition difficulties.
Collaborates with families and external specialized service providers:
Serves as primary liaison between the Student Support Department, parents, faculty, administration, specialized providers (internal/external), and public schools districts, among others.
Maintains and continuously updates a directory of quality external service providers who have a proven track record assisting the Magellan community.
Coordinates the logistics (i.e. scheduling, location, and progress monitoring) of any external services provided on campus (virtual or in-person).
Supports Head of Section in the organization, implementation and application of assessments, as well as the analysis of the data provided by such evaluations:
Supports the coordination and administration of standardized tests (e.g. MAP, Fountas, and Pinnell) and universal screening assessments (e.g speech-language, dyslexia).
Ensures access to testing accommodations outlined in student Learning Support Plans.
Facilitates testing in small groups or one-on-one for at risk students and/or students whose Learning Support Plan outlines such accommodations.
Analyzes data results across academic areas in collaboration with the Head of Section.
Supports Head of Section and other departments across the school in creating pathways to support at-risk students and students with mild/moderate learning disabilities:
Assists Head of School and Heads of Section in the development of school policies related to student support services.
Supports the Admissions department and Head of Section in reviewing incoming admission application files flagged for need of possible specialized support.
Prepares and delivers information sessions for teaching staff as needed, addressing areas of need identified by school leadership including but not limited to: assessment tools, research and/or evidence based practices, etc.
Other Duties
Please note this job description is not designed to contain a comprehensive listing of all activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
Required Qualifications
Bachelor's Degree (required) and Master's Degree in Special Education or related field
OR
Bachelor's Degree (required ) and Current Valid State Certification in Special Education (not limited to the state of Texas; certification in other states will be considered).
Minimum of three years experience in a school environment.
Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing in both English and Spanish.
Strong knowledge base in the area of learning differences, reading, writing and mathematical disabilities; dyslexia, dysgraphia, and dyscalculia.
Deep knowledge base regarding behavioral disorders, ADHD, and developmental disabilities.
Knowledge about evidence based-interventions, standardized assessments, progress monitoring, and current research.
Ability to collaborate and build strong relationships with faculty, staff, administration, and parents.
Supervisory Responsibility
This is not a supervisory role.
Salary and Benefits
Salary Based on Experience - enjoy competitive benefits currently including three health plans, paid dental and vision plans, paid life insurance, paid School Holidays, and an inclusive work environment. Plus, additional Paid Time Off and additional insurance available.
Work Environment
The usual and customary methods of performing the job's functions require the following physical demands: occasional lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling; some stooping, kneeling, crouching, and/or crawling; and significant fine finger dexterity. Generally the job requires 60% sitting, 20% walking, and 20% standing. The job is performed under minimal temperature variations and in a generally hazard free environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets and fax machines.
Position Type and Expected Hours of Work
This is an Exempt position. The “Core” work hours are listed below.
Monday, 7:45 AM - 5:30 P.M
Tuesday, 7:45 AM - 3:45 PM
Wednesday, 7:45 AM - 4:30 PM
Thursday, 7:45 AM - 3:45 PM
Friday, 7:45 AM - 3:45 PM
Availability during occasional nights and weekend events.
Travel
Some out-of-area travel may be expected, but is not common.
Additional Eligibility Qualifications
A criminal history background check will be required for finalist(s) under consideration for this position, to include fingerprinting at the expense of the applicant, if no record exists for the applicant in the Texas Department of Public Services database. CPR/First Aid and Texas Food Handlers Certificates will also be required for any employees working with students, fees which will be paid by Magellan or reimbursed upon completion of the required training.
Work Authorization/Security Clearance
If hired, you will be required to complete the federal Employment Eligibility Verification form, I-9. You will be required to present acceptable and original documents to prove your identity and authorization to work in the United States. Documents need to be presented no later than the third day of employment. Failure to do so will result in loss of employment at the school.
AAP/EEO Statement:
Magellan International School provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, genetics, or status as a Veteran. In addition to federal law requirements, the Magellan International School complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.
Application e-mail address: Please apply on the school’s website.