Alternatively Assessed Special Education Teacher - Georgia Connections Academy

Connections Academy•Duluth, GA

21h•Hybrid

About The Position

Accepting applications for the 2026/2027 school year. School Summary Georgia Connections Academy is a tuition-free, full-time virtual school for students in grades K-12 throughout Georgia. The school is authorized by the Georgia Charter Schools Commission and governed by an independent Board of Directors, with a mission to maximize academic achievement for students who are seeking other academic options. The school is operated by Georgia Connections Academy, a nonprofit corporation, through a contract with Connections Academy of Georgia, LLC, to provide its educational program and other services. Connections Academy, a division of Connections Education, is accredited by AdvancED, and GACA is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges & Schools Council on Accreditation and School Improvement. Georgia Connections Academy strives to create an inclusive environment that welcomes and values the diversity of the people we serve. We foster fairness, equity, and inclusion to create a workplace environment where everyone is treated with respect and dignity. Position Summary Working from the Duluth, Georgia, office and from your home office within Georgia, certified teachers at Georgia Connections Academy support and motivate students through high-quality virtual instruction using the Pearson Online Classroom. Teachers deliver synchronous and asynchronous instruction, provide intervention and enrichment, engage families, and use data to drive student learning and growth. All GACA teachers and staff must be able to regularly participate in required in-person activities that may require overnight travel throughout the state of Georgia, including but not limited to: School and department meetings Student engagement events Professional development and required training State testing, End-of-Pathway testing, and all in-person summative and formative assessments Graduation and other school-level events Teachers may also be required to support virtual administration of assessments, as scheduled by the school. Position Summary and Responsibilities The Alternatively Assessed Special Education Teacher provides specially designed instruction to students with complex learning, communication, and adaptive needs in an online learning environment. This role is responsible for implementing individualized, standards-aligned instruction focused on functional academics, life skills, communication, and independence, while ensuring compliance with IDEA, IEP requirements, and state regulations. The teacher collaborates closely with families, related service providers, and school-based teams to support student progress and access to a free appropriate public education (FAPE) in a virtual setting.

Requirements

Master’s Degree in Special Education or related field
Georgia Clearance Certificate
Georgia teacher certification in Special Education Adapted Curriculum (P-12) Consultative is the minimal requirement
Degree in Special Education or related Education Field
Valid Georgia Special Education certification
Experience in policy (IDEA) and/or administration with Special Education
Must have a Clearance Certificate through the Department of Education or be able to obtain one within the first 30 days of the first day of hire.
Ability to work with diverse populations and manage sensitive situations effectively
High degree of flexibility
Experience in training and/or coaching adult learners
Experience in analyzing data to make informed decisions
Customer focused approach
Excellent attention to detail and organizational skills
Experience in writing policies and procedures
Strong technology skills (especially with Microsoft Office products and Google Suite)
Excellent communication skills, both oral and written
Highly organized and punctual
Student and family-focused approach
Willingness to travel for marketing and state testing events (may require occasional overnight travel)
Ability to work some occasional evening hours, as needed to support some families
Must be able to use a personal electronic device and an email address for two-step authentication
This position requires frequent travel throughout the state of Georgia to conduct official school business. Candidates must possess a valid driver's license, maintain a clean driving record, and be comfortable with regular day trips and occasional overnight travel as needed.
A reliable personal vehicle is required.

Nice To Haves

Experience in teaching or supporting Title I schools
Demonstrated ability to work well in a fast-paced environment
Team player track record
Strong interpersonal skills, which include the ability to work effectively with students, parents, staff, and community members from diverse backgrounds.

Responsibilities

Manage and provide instructional guidance, virtual teaching and general strategies for a caseload of students
Develop, write and help implement IEPs
Modify assignments and curriculum to fit the needs of students with cognitive disabilities
Evaluate tests and assessments, complete report cards and conduct parent conferences
Communicate regularly with parents/learning coaches of students with special needs to insure that their IEP goals are being met, and that their needs are addressed in a timely and appropriate fashion
Consult with teachers and coordinate the implementation of specially designed instruction as defined in the IEP regarding students with specific needs and potential learning issues
Provide direct services to students including services delivered through web-conferencing software, as needed
Schedule, organize and conduct IEP related meetings in a virtual environment, as needed
Assist, as needed, with the organization and proper implementation of all paperwork, documentation and procedures for the IEP process
Maintain accurate and up-to-date data in the school’s Learning Management System and special education software
Assist with administering state testing and coordinate the special adaptations that are required based on the IEP
Other duties as assigned
Administer formative and summative assessments, including monthly progress monitoring, GAA 2.0, and CFAs where applicable.
Participate in all required Georgia state standardized assessments in-person and virtual sessions, including Georgia Milestones, ACCESS, Georgia Alternative Assessment, etc., in addition to End-of-Pathway, benchmarks, CFAs, and diagnostic assessments.
Maintain accurate records of attendance, communication logs, academic progress, and intervention documentation.
Work collaboratively within the Professional Learning Community to monitor data, plan instruction, and ensure student success.
Partner with Advisory Teachers, School Counselors, Special Education staff, and team members to meet student needs and ensure strong communication loops.
Support social, engagement, and community-building activities—both virtual and in-person—to cultivate belonging for students and families.
Attend required school and district professional development and pursue ongoing growth in instructional practice.
Assist in the organization and facilitation of school-wide events (graduation, field trips, engagement activities).
Participate in student recruitment efforts, marketing events, and family orientations as needed.
Support the creation of a positive, inclusive virtual school culture through consistent communication, engagement, and community-building practices.
Perform other duties as assigned to support school operations, strategic initiatives, and student success.