Milton Academy, established in 1798, is an independent coeducational national boarding and day school, serving 1,000 students in grades K-12, on a 125 acre campus eight miles south of Boston.  

Milton is seeking a full time director of the Academic Skills Center for grades 9-12 to begin no later than September 1, 2010

The director of the Academic Skills Center provides leadership, direction and instruction to support the academic growth of students in the Upper School. The director reports to the academic dean, and he or she also consults as needed with the K-8 division learning specialists to provide a school-wide perspective on academic support for all Milton Academy students.

The director is responsible for ensuring that Upper School students with learning differences, organizational weaknesses or skills deficits have access to appropriate resources.  For faculty, the director serves as a resource for professional development related to learning differences, teaching strategies and formative assessment.   The director also helps teachers implement individual academic learning plans for students with diagnosed learning differences.  In collaboration with the academic dean, the director develops clear practices and policies regarding appropriate accommodations for students with learning differences.

For students and their families, the director provides relevant information about allied professionals (support groups, clinicians, educational therapists, tutors, etc.), interprets psycho-educational testing, and creates comprehensive individual academic learning plans for students with diagnosed learning differences.   He or she also provides one-on-one and group instruction in study skills, time management, reading comprehension and written organization to students in need of support.  In addition, the director supervises one learning specialist and several faculty members who work with students in the Skills Center.  The director also recruits, manages and trains peer tutors for the TutorMilton program.   Additional responsibilities include: collaborating with the Admissions staff during and after the application season; advising the Student Support, Academic Advisory and Language Waiver Committees; and serving as the SSD Coordinator for the College Board and ACT.  Additional duties typically include advising students.  If housed on campus, dormitory or other duties may be included.  Teacher certification is not required. Demonstrated ability working in a diverse community is essential.

SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

• B.A. in relevant field required, M.A. in learning disabilities preferred

• A minimum of four years of experience working with students at the secondary level required.
  
  
• Significant knowledge of learning styles and learning disabilities
  
  
• Knowledge of current practices in the areas of differing learning styles and brain based learning principles

• Experience collaborating with faculty and parents to create appropriate academic interventions for students

• Knowledge of teaching strategies in reading comprehension, written expression and organization

• Knowledge of relevant state and federal legal standards

• An understanding of the mission and culture of independent schools

Milton Academy welcomes candidates who would add to the racial, cultural and gender balance of the School community.   Milton Academy is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

The position may be available as soon as January 2010; candidates must be able to assume responsibilities no later than September 1, 2010.

Candidates should send a letter of application, resume, and the names and contact information of three references to Sarah Wehle, Upper School Principal, Milton Academy, 170 Centre Street, Milton, MA  02186.      E-mail: sarah_wehle@milton.edu