Middle School
"'I just want my child to feel as smart as she is.' This parental quote resonates with me as a teacher who has devoted her career to students who learn differently. Every mind is a treasure. It is a privilege and joy to work with students along with their teachers and families throughout their Middle School journey."
Ruth Webb
Middle School Academic Services

Academic Services Staff
In the Middle School, our learning specialists collaborate with students, parents, teachers and other professionals to promote and enhance student learning. As middle schoolers are often eager for increased autonomy, it is an ideal time for students to explore individualized learning strategies. Learning specialists work directly with students in classrooms and in small groups to develop self-advocacy skills and apply learning strategies across the curriculums. Students who may need support are identified through an ongoing screening process. Our department continually seeks to partner with families to brainstorm ideas and coordinate efforts; additionally, learning specialists collaborate with classroom teachers to deepen our collective understanding of students’ strengths and challenges and to provide resources. When needed, learning specialists connect with the guidance counselor and outside professionals to better understand and personalize support for students. Our goal throughout Middle School is for each learner to gain an awareness of their individual learning profiles, establish strategies to address academic demands and self-advocate to effectively communicate with others.

Teachers as Learners

Collegiate's commitment to supporting faculty as lifelong learners is noteworthy. In the Middle School, the Learning Specialists balance their professional development choices to expand their knowledge of research-based methods to support students with learning differences and to expand their understanding of best classroom practices for all learners. Here are a few of our most recent opportunities that we are eager to share with students, parents and faculty:
  • Megan Hunt attended The Duke School Institute to gain a better understanding of how inquiry and project-based learning can benefit all learners. 
  • Mary Margaret Ryan completed her Educational Specialist Degree in Literacy from Converse College. 
  • Sandy Ting began a language fundamentals course to learn strategies in a multisensory approach to reading, writing and spelling based on the Orton-Gillingham approach. 
  • Ruth Webb attended a week of learning and collaboration at the Landmark College LD Innovation Symposium.