Lower School Learning Guide & Faculty Position Summary
Westlawn School seeks an innovative, relationship-centered educator to serve as our Lower School Learning Guide & Faculty member.
The Lower School Learning Guide serves as both the primary classroom teacher and Learning Guide for a cohort of up to eight Lower School students. Like a traditional elementary classroom teacher, this educator remains with students throughout the school day, providing consistency, individualized instruction, and meaningful relationships that support academic, social-emotional, and executive functioning growth.
The Learning Guide teaches all core academic subjects, including Reading, Writing, Mathematics, Science, and Humanities, while intentionally fostering executive functioning, self-regulation, character development, and student independence. The role also includes facilitating one student interest-based Club and collaborating closely with faculty to create interdisciplinary, experiential learning opportunities.
At Westlawn, we believe relationships are the foundation of learning. Our Learning Guides know each child deeply, celebrate their strengths, support their challenges, and help students become confident, capable, and independent learners.
About Westlawn School
Westlawn School is a nonprofit, independent school serving twice-exceptional (2e) learners through individualized, mastery-based, and experiential education. We believe students thrive when challenging academics are paired with intentional support for executive functioning, social-emotional development, and real-world learning experiences.
Faculty enjoy small class sizes, collaborative leadership, professional autonomy, and the opportunity to innovate while making a meaningful impact on students and families.
Essential ResponsibilitiesInstruction & Learning
- Plan and deliver engaging instruction in Reading, Writing, Mathematics, Science, and Humanities.
- Differentiate instruction based on each student's strengths, needs, interests, and learning profile.
- Utilize evidence-based instructional practices for gifted, neurodiverse, and twice-exceptional learners.
- Integrate executive functioning, self-regulation, and social-emotional learning into daily instruction.
- Design authentic, project-based, and experiential learning opportunities.
- Utilize formative and summative assessment data to guide instruction.
- Foster curiosity, critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, and problem-solving.
Learning Guide Responsibilities
A Learning Guide serves as each student's primary advocate, mentor, and coordinator, ensuring that every child is known deeply, supported intentionally, and challenged appropriately throughout the school year.
Serve as the primary advocate, mentor, and coordinator for an assigned cohort of Lower School students by:
- Develop, monitor, and update each student's Learning Action Plan (LAP) in collaboration with families, faculty, and specialists.
- Monitor each student's academic, executive functioning, social-emotional, and behavioral growth throughout the school year.
- Lead student goal-setting, reflection, and progress monitoring aligned with each student's LAP.
- Serve as the primary point of contact for families regarding their child's overall growth, progress, and school experience.
- Coordinate and facilitate parent meetings and family conferences.
- Collaborate with faculty, related service providers, and specialists to ensure consistent implementation of supports and accommodations.
- Monitor student accommodations and instructional supports across the school day.
- Help students develop increasing independence, self-advocacy, and ownership of their learning.
- Celebrate student growth while identifying barriers and developing action plans for continued success.
Classroom Culture & Student Support
- Create a structured, predictable, and welcoming classroom environment.
- Teach, model, and reinforce expectations aligned with the Westlawn Way.
- Utilize positive behavior supports and restorative practices.
- Maintain organized instructional spaces and materials.
- Foster a classroom culture built on belonging, responsibility, perseverance, and kindness.
Assessment & Progress Monitoring
- Maintain accurate records of student learning and progress.
- Prepare progress reports, portfolios, and conference materials.
- Monitor student mastery toward individualized learning goals.
- Participate in Parent Development Plan meetings and family conferences.
- Collaborate with colleagues to analyze student data and instructional needs.
Collaboration
- Collaborate closely with the Director of Curriculum & Experiential Learning and fellow faculty members.
- Participate actively in Professional Learning Communities, faculty meetings, and curriculum planning.
- Design interdisciplinary learning experiences across content areas.
- Support school-wide initiatives, Community Nights, field experiences, and special events.
Student Enrichment
- Facilitate one student Club based on personal interests or expertise.
- Support outdoor learning, experiential education, and community partnerships.
- Encourage student leadership, creativity, and ownership of learning.
Professional Expectations
Westlawn Learning Guides:
- Build meaningful relationships with every student and family.
- Demonstrate professionalism, integrity, and dependability.
- Communicate proactively and respectfully.
- Embrace coaching, reflection, and continuous improvement.
- Collaborate effectively with colleagues.
- Maintain high expectations while providing individualized support.
- Demonstrate flexibility, creativity, and a growth mindset.
- Model the values of the Westlawn Way in everyday interactions.
- Contribute positively to the school's collaborative culture and mission.
QualificationsRequired
- Bachelor's degree in Education or related field
- Experience teaching elementary-aged students
- Strong knowledge of evidence-based literacy and mathematics instruction
- Excellent classroom management and relationship-building skills
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
Preferred
- North Carolina Teaching License
- Master's degree in Education or related field
- Experience working with gifted, neurodiverse, or twice-exceptional learners
- Experience with project-based, inquiry-based, or experiential learning
- Experience integrating executive functioning and social-emotional learning into instruction
Why Join Westlawn?
Joining Westlawn means becoming part of a collaborative team committed to innovation, relationships, and individualized learning. Faculty are trusted as professionals, supported through coaching and professional growth, and empowered to shape meaningful educational experiences for students.
If you are passionate about inspiring young learners, building authentic relationships, and helping students discover their strengths, we encourage you to apply.
Position Details
Position Title: Lower School Learning Guide & Faculty
Employment Status: Full-Time, Faculty (10-Month)
Work Schedule: Monday–Friday, 7:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m.
Reports To: Director of Curriculum & Experiential Learning
Collaborates Closely With: Head of School, Faculty Team, Student Support Team, and Families
Salary: $43,000-$50,000. Commensurate with experience. Competitive salary and benefits package available.
Pay: $43,000.00 - $50,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Education:
License/Certification:
- teaching license (Required)
Work Location: In person
