Dan, Learning Specialist at California Middle School: Advize Career Interview
A career as a Learning Specialist offers a deeply rewarding path for those passionate about impacting young lives.
The journey, as described by a Learning Specialist at California Middle School, blends diverse interests like sports, arts, and writing.
Daily work involves collaborative relationships with students, parents, and teachers, tailoring instruction to individual learning styles and setting motivating goals.
A typical day is filled with proactive planning, communication, and collaboration. Success requires strong relationship-building skills, resourcefulness, patience, and a positive outlook.
The greatest rewards stem from the positive impact on students' lives, building lasting connections and fostering a supportive learning environment.
Entry-level opportunities abound, including tutoring, coaching, and various support roles, providing valuable experience before pursuing a career as a Learning Specialist or teacher.
Ultimately, the most significant lesson is the lasting impact of genuine connection and creating a supportive and empowering environment for every student.
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Dan McCauley
Learning Specialist
California Middle School
New York University, 2017
Relay Graduate School of Education, Masters in the Art of Teaching
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Education
Education
Education
Former Foster Youth, Honors Student, Scholarship Recipient, Pell Grant Recipient, Took Out Loans, Worked 20+ Hours in School
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Career Path of a Learning Specialist at California Middle School
Dan's career path reflects a commitment to "impact[ing] the lives of young people," blending passions for sports, arts, and writing. After college, where they juggled these interests with an internship assisting high school students' writing, they followed a mentor's advice to not choose between passions and joined Teach for America, leading to six years of teaching in the Bronx and California.
Main Responsibilities of a Learning Specialist at California Middle School
Dan's main responsibilities as a Learning Specialist center on building strong relationships with "students and the parents, and with the teachers as well," to understand their learning styles and tailor instruction accordingly, ultimately setting and monitoring motivating goals for student success. This involves "delivering specialized academic instruction" that authentically meets each student where they are, ensuring a positive learning experience.
A Day in the Life of a Learning Specialist at California Middle School
A typical day for the Learning Specialist involves collaboration: checking in with grade-level leads and teachers, "anticipating what students might need," and coordinating with support staff like the resource assistant and other service providers. The specialist also dedicates time to parent communication and preparation for meetings, highlighting the collaborative and proactive nature of the role.
Most Important Skills For A Learning Specialist At California Middle School
Dan, a Learning Specialist, emphasizes the importance of strong "relationships," understanding students' communication styles, and resourcefulness in navigating the challenges of the role. A key takeaway is the value of "humor and joy," illustrated by an anecdote about maintaining a positive outlook despite setbacks, highlighting the importance of daily "refresh" in working with young people.
Favorite Parts Of Being A Learning Specialist At California Middle School
Dan, a Learning Specialist, finds the greatest joy in the positive relationships built with students, citing the ability to "affect a young person in a very positive way" as a key aspect of the role. The lasting impact of these connections, such as a student recalling a past quote years later, further reinforces the rewarding nature of supporting students' learning journeys and helping them overcome challenges.
Biggest Challenges Faced By A Learning Specialist At California Middle School
Dan, a Learning Specialist, identifies the biggest challenge as discerning which student needs to address personally versus referring to other specialists; the key is knowing "which challenges do I take on," understanding their role is part of a team, not a "superhero" tackling every issue alone.
Favorite Parts Of Working In The Education Industry As A Learning Specialist
Dan, a Learning Specialist, enjoys the education sector due to its "transferable skills" and opportunities to integrate personal passions, like coaching and arts, into the work. The career offers fulfilling work with young people, "summers off," and cultivates leadership skills applicable to various roles, empowering Dan to "hone in on strength and building motivation" in others.
What type of person thrives in Education, according to a California Middle School Learning Specialist
Success in education requires enjoying work with young people, possessing resilience ("press refresh the next day"), and finding purpose beyond academics. A fulfilling career might involve integrating personal passions, like coaching volleyball or dance, while focusing on building relationships and supporting students' broader goals, such as "setting our kids up for college."
What A Learning Specialist At California Middle School Wishes They Had Known Before Entering Education
Dan, a Learning Specialist, wished someone had emphasized the importance of patience and self-compassion early in their teaching career. The initial years present challenges— "having a hard day in the classroom...doesn't make you a bad teacher"—but these difficulties are opportunities for growth and ultimately lead to a more authentic and impactful teaching style.
Entry-Level Positions for Aspiring Learning Specialists
Dan, a Learning Specialist, suggests that undergraduates can "test the water" in education through tutoring, coaching, or performing arts roles, all of which build valuable skills transferable to teaching. Entry-level roles like substitute teaching, paraprofessional work, or behavior interventionist positions offer practical experience and allow individuals to "work with the student one-on-one," gaining valuable insight into the field.
Career Lesson from a Learning Specialist at California Middle School
Dan's most significant career lesson, echoing Maya Angelou's quote, emphasizes the lasting impact of "how you made them feel," advocating for small, thoughtful interactions—remembering details, acknowledging struggles—to build strong relationships with students and colleagues. These small moments of presence, especially for vulnerable youth, prove "so therapeutic, so empowering," fostering a supportive environment for success.
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