K-8 Advisory Teacher - Iowa Connections Academy

Connections Academy•Anita, IA

2d•Remote

About The Position

Iowa Connections Academy (IACA) is seeking a K-8 Advisory Teacher for the 26-27 school year. This is a full-time virtual position based in Iowa, requiring the teacher to manage instructional programs and consult regularly with learning coaches and students. The Advisory Teacher will serve as the primary point of contact for homeroom students, newly enrolled students and families, and students identified as "at risk," developing strategies for their success in the online school environment. Responsibilities include hosting homeroom and new student support LiveLessons, supporting students and families through key school year tasks, encouraging student engagement, and advising on academics and skill-building. A significant portion of the role involves supporting at-risk students through regular check-ins, intervention, and collaboration with counseling teams. The role also includes participation in PLCs, assisting with student withdrawals, and collaborating with IEP/504 teams. Additionally, Advisory Teachers will work within professional learning communities to review student progress data, ensure appropriate communications, and meet established goals. Attendance at in-person training, team-building, and state testing activities throughout Iowa is required, as is adherence to state regulations for incident reporting. Professional development, including SEL and DEI training, is expected, along with potential participation in school-wide representative roles.

Requirements

Appropriate teacher certification in any Secondary subject or K-8 Elementary Education.
Must reside in the state of Iowa, or with School Leader approval be hired and willing to be responsible for expenses associated with travel in order to participate in required activities within the state of Iowa.
Demonstrated strong technology skills (especially with Microsoft Office and Google Suite products, synchronous classroom programs such as Zoom, third-party educational software such as Nearpod and Kahoot, and data collection and examination tools, including spreadsheets and databases).
Excellent communication skills, both oral and written, with the ability to communicate (listen, speak, and write) effectively and appropriately with staff, students, and families from a wide range of cultural, ethnic, and linguistic backgrounds.
Excellent attention to detail, with proven time management and organizational skills, especially when working independently.
Demonstrated ability to work with colleagues to foster and encourage an inclusive work and school environment that is supportive of different groups of individuals, including people of different races, ethnicities, religions, abilities, genders, and sexual orientations.
Student- and family-focused approach, with demonstrated ability to create an inclusive and culturally responsive classroom environment that supports and recognizes students of diverse backgrounds and identities.
Ability to travel for one, possibly two, weeks at a time for key school events, including overnight travel (including, but not limited to: back-to-school training, state testing, graduation ceremony, marketing events, and field trips).
Must be able to use a personal electronic device and email address for 2-step authentication.

Responsibilities

Hosting a homeroom of students, acting as a role model and mentor.
Hosting homeroom LiveLessons as determined by school leadership.
Supporting students and families through key school year cycle tasks, including Welcome Calls, Intent to Return, and monthly Student of Concern Progress Checks.
Encouraging students to be engaged in their lessons and LiveLessons.
Advising students and families related to academics, academic skill building, and graduation.
Hosting New Student Support LiveLessons as assigned during the fall and spring enrollment seasons.
Working with school leadership, implement and oversee programs for students and families related to intervention.
Assist teachers when students enroll mid-semester, providing teachers with guidance on integrating the students into their coursework.
Supporting students identified as Unsatisfactory in Student Learning Plan (Student of Concern) progress checks.
Conducting weekly or biweekly check-ins with a floating caseload of students and providing support between progress checks.
Contacting students and families who have not engaged satisfactorily in our program.
Host LiveLessons to provide support and intervention for student academic behaviors.
Collaborates with the Professional School Counseling Team to discuss strategies to support at-risk students.
Takes an active role as a member of an assigned PLC to identify and monitor progress on a team-determined goal.
Works with school teams to identify and help families access school and community resources.
Supports families through the school withdrawal process, assisting with data collection regarding withdrawal.
Coordinating tracking updates with Direct Supervisor and other school leaders.
Be a collaborative member of IEP and 504 teams, as assigned.
Work collaboratively and often within a professional learning community of grade- or content-level instructional staff to review student progress data.
Work with other Advisory Teachers and School Counselors to ensure students and families are receiving appropriate communications.
Attend and participate in in-person training sessions, team-building, and state testing activities scheduled throughout the school year and throughout the state of Iowa.
Report and refer critical incidents that jeopardize student well-being as obligated by law, administrative regulations, or ethical standards.
Stay abreast of all state regulations relating to incident reporting and documentation.
Take part in all assigned professional development and training, synchronous and asynchronous, including state-required training in SEL and DEI.
Complete the duties of an assigned or volunteered-for representative or Career Ladder position that has a school-wide focus.
Other duties as assigned.