Middle School Student Academic Coach

Location: Grosse Pointe Woods, Michigan
Type: Full Time

About the Role

The Middle School Student Academic Coach will support the mission and vision of University Liggett School through positive interaction with students and faculty. This role ensures the school’s mission, vision, and strategic plan are central to all decisions and actions, meeting the academic and developmental needs of students in sixth through eighth grades. The coach will work proactively and systematically to honor the strengths and challenges of individual learners, collaborating closely with the Student Support Services Department and Middle School Faculty.

As a member of the learning support team, this position works closely with the Director of Student Support Services and Upper School Learning Support Specialist, particularly in supporting transitions for fifth-grade students entering Middle School and eighth-grade students moving to Upper School.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with classroom teachers to scaffold student learning, track efficacy of student support plans, and use data to guide intervention.
• Understand student learning profiles to cultivate growth in academic habits, study strategies, and self-advocacy skills.
• Meet regularly with students before, during, and after school to supplement and extend instruction, including during in-school Office Hours.
• Actively collaborate with the Upper School Learning Specialist to support the Peer Tutoring program.
• Facilitate student connections to, and participate in the administration and implementation of, the Middle School Learning Enrichment program.
• Promote an environment where students efficiently use their time and proactively seek help.
• Communicate thoughtfully and professionally with students, parents, colleagues, and consultants to implement and share progress on individual support strategies.
• Visit classes to maintain awareness of content and thinking skills expected and practiced.
• Substitute teach in classes where and when appropriate.
• Promote professional development of Middle School faculty consistent with students’ learning needs.
• Serve as a model for active and lifelong learning through professional development and effective time management.
• Proctor course assessments for students with accommodations.
• Contribute to an equitable academic environment promoting integrity, empathy, and respect.
• Participate actively in advancing the Student Support Services Department mission and the Liggett Approach to education.
• Serve as a Middle School advisor when appropriate, supporting academic, social, and emotional growth and acting as a liaison between school and home.
• Participate in the life of the school through involvement in a co-curricular extra duty for the equivalent of one season, as well as the sixth-grade Pleasant Lake program.
• Engage in other initiatives as directed by the Head of the Middle School and department chair.

Qualifications

• A bachelor's degree or higher in education or an equivalent field.
• Enthusiasm for Middle School students and an understanding of their developmental needs.
• A thoughtful and engaging approach to teaching, learning, and assessment aligned with the Liggett Approach to education.
• A growth mindset about teaching practices and eagerness to work toward professional goals.
• A keen desire to work in a collaborative, inclusive, and student-centered environment.
• Ability to connect with students of diverse backgrounds to develop healthy, supportive, and responsive relationships.
• Strong writing, reading, and speaking abilities.
• Enthusiasm for continued professional development in educational practices.
• Eagerness to support and be present in the life of the school.
• Facility with technology in educational settings.

Schedule

10-month employee
7:45 AM – 3:30 PM

About University Liggett School

The oldest independent co-educational day school in Michigan, University Liggett School is among the preeminent PreK-12 institutions in the Midwest. Enrolling over 500 students, the school offers a rigorous and innovative academic framework that allows students in every grade to find their passions and explore them in depth while developing creativity, critical thinking, teamwork, and adaptability. This guiding philosophy is supported by a rich array of co-curricular programs and empowers students to drive their own academic experience, preparing them to flourish at some of the strongest colleges and universities in the country.

Concentrated class sizes and challenging academics shape students, fostering a keen sense of self while cultivating a lifelong appreciation for and understanding of learning. The mission of University Liggett School is to empower students to develop intellectual curiosity, leadership, and confidence to contribute to a complex and changing world. The school challenges students to excel and achieve their highest potential while creating opportunities for discovery and achievement.