Learning Specialist Jobs

The Academic Support Program for Student-Athletes (ASPSA) serves and supports the academic needs of UNC student-athletes throughout their collegiate experience as they pursue their educational goals and prepare for the next stage of their lives. The ASPSA reports directly to the Office of the Executive Vice Chancellor and Provost and is uniquely positioned to collaborate with faculty, the Department of Athletics, and the campus community to support student-athletes as they excel in the classroom and compete in athletics. In addition to the Director/Assistant Provost, the ASPSA staff includes academic counselors, learning specialists, and tutors. The ASPSA provides numerous academic services including tutoring, secondary academic and career advising, assistance with University and NCAA eligibility, and coordination of academic honors and awards. ASPSA staff members work together to guide and support student-athletes throughout their career at Carolina, beginning with an introduction to academics at UNC during the recruiting process through graduation and beyond. Academic counselors assist student-athletes with academic coaching in areas including time management and academic learning strategies; they reinforce information provided by campus academic advisors and educate students on NCAA and institutional eligibility requirements; and in conjunction with campus partners, guide students on course and major selection and career planning. Academic Counselors meet with students on a regular basis to monitor academic progress, review reports from faculty and tutors on students’ academic progress, class attendance and grades. Additionally, they provide detailed, weekly reports to coaches, conduct and attend team meetings, compile semester grade/eligibility reports and assist with the preparation of each team’s Academic Progress Rate (APR) and Graduation Success rate (GSR). All incoming student-athletes, as well as those in need of additional academic support, participate in the My Academic Plan (MAP) program. Academic counselors and learning specialists work with each student-athlete to customize his or her MAP based on academic preparedness, course schedule, and individual need. Learning specialists provide services including helping students explore and adopt new learning strategies and utilize assistive technology, focus on academic skill development, provide support to students who suspect or have a documented learning disability or medical condition, and liaise with UNC’s Accessibility Resource and Services. Approximately ninety tutors conduct sessions that are available for all students in either individual, small or large group, and drop-in sessions. The ASPSA is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion and the University’s Carolina Next initiatives to strengthen student success and build our community together. Maintaining the highest standard of integrity and complying with all NCAA, ACC, and University policies and procedures is imperative. ASPSA is dedicated to providing an inclusive learning environment and comprehensive academic support for Carolina’s Tar Heel student-athletes.

The Learning Specialist provides intensive academic support to assigned student-athletes across all sports. Responsibilities include providing one-on-one and small group instruction in study skills and learning strategies to student-athletes and developing academic programming and materials for student-athletes struggling to meet academic standards. The Learning Specialist specializes in working with the high risk student-athlete population including students with learning disabilities and students who are academically under prepared. The person will have responsibility for assisting student-athletes by developing individual learning and study plans, and by identifying, developing, implementing, and evaluating educational learning programs and activities for selected student-athletes. The person will collaborate and communicate closely with other ASPSA staff members including learning specialists, academic counselors, and tutor coordinators. The individual will also assess the academic readiness of prospective student-athletes and serve as liaison to campus-wide offices related to learning resources for students. Some evening and weekend work is required; some travel may be expected. The person must follow and comply with all NCAA, ACC, and University policies and procedures.

Post-Baccalaureate degree required (or foreign degree equivalent); for candidates demonstrating comparable independent educational or instructional activities related to tutoring, supplemental instruction, or direction of programs that enhance educational experiences of enrolled or prospective students, will accept a relevant Bachelor’s degree (or foreign degree equivalent) and 3 or more years of relevant experience in substitution.

• Knowledge of best practices in undergraduate student retention and familiarity with issues related to student-athletes’ academic progress and transition issues.
• Nightly and weekend work required, all year round.
• Demonstrated effectiveness working collaboratively with staff and colleagues.
• Experience working with diverse student populations and at-risk students.

• Advanced written and oral communication skills
• Knowledge of learning disability diagnostic tools and learning strategies related to supporting students with learning disabilities.
• Knowledge of current research and proven strategies to work with at-risk students and students with diagnosed disabilities.
• A minimum of two years of experience working in special education, counseling, academic support programs, or related field.
• Experience working with NCAA policies.
• Demonstrated experience as a learning specialist working with student-athletes within a college or university environment.
• Master’s degree or post-Baccalaureate degree preferred.

This position is designated as a Campus Security Authority in accordance with the Clery Act. This position will be required to report Clery crimes to the Clery Compliance Manager and complete annual training about reporting responsibilities.