Advisory Teacher - Minnesota Connections Academy

Connections Academy•Saint Paul, MN

About The Position

Minnesota Connections Academy (MNCA) is a tuition-free, online charter school serving students in grades K–12 throughout Minnesota. Its educational program and related services are provided through a contract with Connections Academy, LLC. The school is accredited by the North Central Association Commission on Accreditation and School Improvement. MNCA aims to foster an inclusive workplace that values diversity, fairness, equity, and respect. The Advisory Teacher is a certified teacher who works from home or the St. Paul, Minnesota office to manage instructional programs. Using telephone, the Internet, and curriculum tools, the teacher consults regularly with students and learning coaches to support successful completion of each student's instructional program. The teacher monitors student progress and collaborates with counselors, teachers, and administrators to guide student success. The role includes advising students and families on academics, career planning, and graduation; supporting course selection and four-year graduation plans; monitoring at-risk students and maintaining their Personal Learning Plans; coordinating records and student transitions; supporting student and family adjustment and access to resources; participating in crisis prevention and response; and supporting staff development. Teaching and grading, including middle school electives, may also be required as needed. Occasional travel and evening work may be required.

Requirements

Minnesota teacher certification in a secondary content area and/or a counseling license.
Strong technology skills, especially with Microsoft Office products.
Excellent oral and written communication skills.
Customer-focused approach.
Excellent attention to detail and organizational skills.
High degree of flexibility.
Team player with demonstrated leadership skills.
Demonstrated ability to work well in a fast-paced environment.
Willingness to travel occasionally for marketing and state testing events, potentially including overnight travel.
Ability to work remotely if necessary.
Ability to work occasional evening hours as needed to support families.
Ability to use a personal electronic device and email address for two-step authentication.

Responsibilities

Advise students and families on academics, career planning, and graduation.
Help students and parents select secondary school courses in accordance with state credit and graduation requirements, student needs, and interests; assist with developing four-year graduation plans.
Advise students about dropping courses or changing schedules, seek support when needed, and ensure school policies are followed.
Coordinate with administrative assistants to obtain records from prior schools and forward student records when appropriate.
Implement programs addressing interpersonal adjustment issues for students and families.
Work with school teams to identify and help families access school and community resources.
Participate in developing school crisis prevention and management plans and serve as a key member of the Student Support Team.
Identify and track students who are at risk or in crisis, serve as their main point of contact, and communicate regularly with them and their families.
Oversee and maintain each student's Personal Learning Plan.
Help secure complete and accurate student records.
Support families through the withdrawal process and collect related data.
Report and refer critical incidents affecting student well-being as required by law, regulations, or ethical standards; stay current on state incident-reporting and documentation regulations.
Assist teachers with integrating students who enroll mid-semester and ensure appropriate handling of prior grades, credits, and evaluations.
Communicate with the Curriculum Team to ensure curriculum offerings meet state requirements.
Support professional development for teachers and school staff.
Take on teaching and grading duties as needed, including teaching middle school elective courses.
Travel occasionally for marketing and state testing events, potentially including overnight travel.
Work occasional evening hours as needed to support families.
Perform other duties as assigned.