Long-Term Substitute: Learning Specialist (February 2, 2026 - March 20, 2026)

LFCDS, located on a 30-acre campus about 30 miles north of Chicago, Illinois, is a co-educational, independent day school serving 400 students from age 2 through eighth grade. The School has a long tradition of producing thoughtful, confident, and successful students. Children are known, loved, and challenged at LFCDS, and a state-of-the-art facility provides a remarkable setting for inspired teaching, academic rigor, and attention to individual needs. The central mission of the Learning Specialist is to ensure that Lake Forest Country Day School identifies and supports its students during elementary grades through middle school and provides appropriate instruction and
intervention based on educational best practices supported by neuroscience research.

Lake Forest Country Day School (LFCDS) seeks a talented and dedicated part-time Learning Specialist Substitute, starting in February 2026. This qualified candidate will join the Student Support team in providing research-based, specialized instruction to students with a diverse range of learning needs and learning differences. The candidate will work collaboratively with the Student Support team, classroom teachers, parents, and administrators to problem-solve and help students in 6th-8th grade develop skills and strategies that adhere to their individual needs and enhance academic growth.

Key Responsibilities:

•Focus primarily on grades 6-8 to identify, monitor, and support students needing remediation or enrichment. This involves working with faculty, parents, private contractors, and evaluators on behalf of students who require specialized academic instruction.
• Provide one-on-one and small-group support/instruction for students, both in push-in and pull-out environments.
• Support students using specialized instruction in the areas of reading, written language, mathematics, executive functioning, and study skills.
• Guide teachers in differentiating instruction and implementing classroom accommodations and modifications.
• Actively participate in weekly team meetings with teachers, Learning Specialists, Counselors, and Division Heads.
• Other duties as assigned by Supervisor

Professional and Personal Qualifications:

• A bachelor’s degree or master’s degree in education with special education/LBS1 certification or endorsement from an accredited college or university is preferred.
• Extensive knowledge of learning differences and strategies.
• Experience teaching diverse learners and age groups.
• Knowledge of RTI, acquisition of reading, and facility with the general teaching of reading, writing, and mathematics.
• Experience delivering support services in a middle school Language Arts and math setting.
• Training/certification in a multisensory reading program such as Wilson, SLANT, or Orton-Gillingham is preferred.
• Excellent interpersonal and verbal communication skills as well as proven ability to work with a diverse group of colleagues and stakeholders at all levels.
• A willingness to learn and grow professionally.
• Outstanding judgment and emotional maturity.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• High level of energy, creativity, positive attitude, sense of humor, and flexibility.
• $25 per hour or commensurate with experience.

Mission Statement: Through inspired teaching and partnership with families, Lake Forest Country Day School nurtures a love of learning and builds a foundation of strong character, preparing students to navigate their path with purpose.

Childhood is championed: We center all we do on what is best for our students, protecting and building upon the magic of these precious years.

Community is our core: Honest and respectful relationships, formed through conversation and collaboration, build trust and a sense of belonging – honoring the dignity of every person.

Curiosity is a gift: Wonder is an animating force that resides in every person and should be modeled and nurtured to stimulate self-discovery, spark innovation, and drive creativity.

We aim high: Raising expectations activates the great potential we see in every person and elicits efforts that result in individual growth and the collective success of our community.

Professional Association Memberships:
NAIS, ISACS, LMAIS & INDEX

Interested applicants should send a letter of interest, resume, and the names of three professional references (personal statement optional) in PDF format to the attention of Robin Baasen, Director of Student Support, at robin.baasen@lfcds.org with the subject line “Learning Specialist Application.” Lake Forest Country Day School seeks and embraces diversity among our faculty, staff, and student body. LFCDS is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and it does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, religion, marital status, disability, sex, gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, military or veteran status, order of protection status, genetic information, or any other category protected by applicable law.
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A co-educational independent private school for students age 2 through Grade 8.
Graduating students of strong character with a passion for learning since 1888.

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145 South Green Bay Road
Lake Forest, IL 60045

P: 847-234-2350
F: 847-234-2352