Learning Diversity Associate (SPED Support)

Independence Preparatory Academy is a new, academically challenging, highly structured, and joyful K-8 school in Fairfield, AL. We are on a mission to equip all students with the academic tenacity and strength of character necessary to choose their destiny and create a fulfilling life. We develop empowered learners through agency, purpose, and tenacity.

In August 2025, Independence Preparatory Academy opened its doors to 60 students in kindergarten through second grade. We will continue to grow until we reach a total capacity of 485 students in kindergarten through eighth grade. We are actively building a team that shares our belief that with rigorous academics, high-quality instruction, and character development, all students can excel in high school, college, and life.

EMBRACE YOUR CALLING

Are you passionate about ensuring that all scholars—including those with diverse learning needs—receive the support they need to thrive? Do you believe that every child can achieve at high levels when given the right scaffolds, structure, and care? Are you energized by working closely with teachers to provide targeted, small-group, and individualized support? If so, Independence Preparatory Academy could be your perfect fit.

To achieve our vision, we seek a Learning Diversity Associate (Special Education Support) with at least two years of college (an Associate degree is preferred) and at least 3 years of professional work experience who desires growth in a feedback-driven, supportive environment.

The Learning Diversity Associate serves as a critical classroom-based support for scholars receiving special education services, operating similarly to a teacher assistant with a focus on inclusion, intervention, and individualized support.

LDAs work under the guidance of the Learning Diversity Specialist to ensure that scholars with IEPs and other learning needs can access grade-level content, build independence, and achieve mastery.

SUPPORT AT INDEPENDENCE PREPARATORY ACADEMY

iPrep teammates are perpetual learners, challenging the status quo and solving challenges together. We remain united by our commitment to envisioning the infinite potential of every child. Our ideal candidate believes in our scholars and our community. They have a passion for scholar-centered learning, evident in the following orientations:

• Adaptability: Our team is oriented toward building alongside each other. This means a commitment to:
• Learning and iterating
• An openness to giving and receiving feedback
• An entrepreneurial spirit: building from the ground up
• Collaboration with other adults and families
• Belief in our model and our graduate profile through a commitment to:
• Student agency and advocacy
• Supporting students in finding their purpose
• Mastery-based grading
• Profound learning experiences
• Student result orientation: through a commitment to:
• Hard quantitative academics
• Holistic indicators for success
• Knowledge of self: confidence in describing your identity, purpose, and passions

We are hiring for the 2026-2027 school year. The salary range for this position is between $28,980 and $33,638. New hires can expect to be brought into the organization at a salary near the lower end of the range, depending on relevant experience, teacher certification status, and internal equity. Compensation is based on our salary scales and is not negotiable.

Requirements

ACHIEVE IMPACTFUL OUTCOMES

With the hands-on support of the Director of Academics & Culture, Learning Diversity Specialist, and classroom teachers, you will:

• Deliver targeted support for diverse learners by preparing instructional materials, facilitating small-group and one-on-one instruction, and reinforcing key skills aligned to IEP goals and grade-level standards.
• Implement accommodations and modifications with fidelity to ensure scholars with diverse learning needs can access rigorous, grade-level content and demonstrate mastery.
• Maintain a structured, inclusive, and joyful learning environment by supporting behavioral systems, reinforcing routines, and ensuring safety, consistency, and a sense of belonging for all scholars.
• Provide individualized support to scholars who need additional help with comprehension, task completion, organization, and self-regulation, building both skill and independence.
• Collaborate closely with teachers and Learning Diversity Specialist to adapt materials, align on instructional strategies, and support the effective delivery of differentiated instruction.
• Collect and track data on scholar progress to support IEP goal monitoring and inform instructional adjustments.
• Engage in ongoing professional development and coaching to strengthen your ability to support scholars with diverse learning needs in a high-expectations environment.
• Serve as a champion for inclusion and the iPrep mission, modeling belief in every scholar’s potential and contributing to a school culture that inspires families to join and stay engaged in our community.

Benefits

ENJOY OUR INVESTMENT IN YOU

What we offer:

• A chance to be part of community development and work alongside the community to SOAR
• Being a part of a new, innovative, unprecedented school model
• Unique model experiences - ex: Eagle Quests, Choice Day
• Mastery-Based Grading
• Coaching toward student agency, purpose, and tenacity
• World-class peers - we are looking for exemplary educators committed to pushing your practice, collaborating with peers, and being aligned with our mission and vision
• Discipline that makes sense - restorative practices rooted in our core values and celebrated through positive incentives and rewards
• Deep care about your personal and professional growth:
• A clear pathway to professional growth
• Consistent feedback and support from managers and teammates
• Community Circle to build and strengthen our sense of team
• Over 6 hours a week in instructional planning and professional development
• Comprehensive and affordable medical, dental, and vision plans
• 403(b) retirement plan; iPrep offers contributions of up to 5% of your salary toward your savings
• Competitive compensation