Special Education Teacher - Washington Connections Academy

Connections Academy•Lacey, WA

1d•$40,000 - $55,000•Remote

About The Position

Washington Connections Academy (WACA) is a tuition-free, virtual public school serving students in grades K-12 statewide. This position is a remote, full-time position with regular hours between 8:00 am to 4:00 pm. Applicants may live in Washington, Oregon, or Idaho. The Certified Special Education Teacher will manage instructional special education programs. Through the use of the telephone, Internet, and various curriculum tools, they will consult regularly with caretakers, Learning Coaches, and students to ensure that each student successfully completes their instructional program. The Special Education Teacher works closely with the Special Education Director team.

Requirements

Must have Washington teacher certification in Special Education
Residence in Washington preferred
Team player track record, highly flexible, and with a demonstrated ability to work well in a fast-paced environment
Demonstrated strong technology skills (especially Microsoft Office and Google Suite products, synchronous classroom programs such as Zoom, third-party educational software such as Nearpod, and data collection and examination tools, including spreadsheets and databases)
Excellent communication skills, both oral and written, with the ability to communicate (listen and speak) 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 an email address for two-step authentication

Responsibilities

Manage and provide instructional guidance, virtual teaching and general strategies for a caseload of students
Develop, write, and help implement IEPs and 504 plans
Evaluate tests, assessments, or records reviews
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
Schedule, organize and conduct IEP-related meetings in a virtual environment, as needed
Monitor the general education progress of students on an ongoing basis and work additionally with students who are struggling
Create lesson plans and provide direct services to students in weekly small group LiveLessons, co-planning or individually as needed
Assist with the organization and proper implementation of all paperwork, documentation and procedures for the IEP process
Assist with administering state testing and coordinate the special adaptations that are required based on the IEP
Assist with locating service providers for students needing related services as mandated by their IEPs
Maintain accurate and up-to-date data in the school’s Learning Management System and special education software
Communicate regularly with parents/learning coaches of students with special needs to ensure that their IEP goals are being met, and that their needs are addressed in a timely and appropriate fashion
Collaborate with teachers and learning coaches to ensure, develop and implement program modifications and strategies for all students
Work with school staff to coordinate and attend social activities and relevant field trips for students and families, as required within school policy. When possible, integrate field trips and social activities into the curriculum
Devise and implement virtual methods of creating and maintaining a “school community”
Participate in the administration of the state testing, including in-person proctoring of WIDA and/or SBAC/WCAS testing at various locations around the state of Washington
Participate in student recruiting sessions and other marketing efforts that require staff representation
Be a collaborative member of IEP and 504 teams, as assigned, sharing course progress insights about students and providing feedback on goals and accommodations
Work collaboratively and often within a professional learning community of grade- or content-level instructional staff to review student progress data related to a team-determined SMART goal, with the goal of the data driving instruction and support, and improving teaching practices
Work with Advisory Teachers and School Counselors to ensure students and families are receiving appropriate communications, students are making adequate progress, and established goals are being met within WSLP and/or graduation frameworks
Attend and participate in in-person training sessions and team-building activities scheduled throughout the school year and throughout the state of Washington
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, and actively seek additional opportunities to grow and learn in the role
Complete the duties of an assigned or volunteered-for representative or Career Ladder position that has a school-wide focus (examples include, and are not exclusive to, Attendance Rep, Communication Rep, or Elective Rep)
Other duties as assigned