Special Education Teacher - Inspire Connections Academy

School Summary:

Inspire Connections Academy is a tuition-free, online public charter school serving students in grades K–12 throughout Idaho and is part of the global learning company, Pearson. Inspire Connections Academy is authorized under state law by the Idaho Charter School Commission and governed by an independent Board of Directors. The school is operated by Inspire Academics, Inc., a nonprofit corporation, through a contract with Connections Education, LLC, to provide its educational program and other services. Inspire Connections Academy has met the criteria for educational quality established by Cognia Global Commission and is accredited by the North Central Association Commission on Accreditation and School Improvement, the Northwest Accreditation Commission, and the Southern Associates of Colleges and Schools Council on Accreditation and School Improvement. Inspire Connections Academy participates in the PERSI retirement system.

Inspire 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 and Responsibilities:

Working from their home office in Idaho, the Special Education Teacher will virtually manage instructional programs for students with special needs. Through the use of multiple communication and curriculum tools, they will consult regularly with learning coaches, parents, and students to ensure that each child successfully completes his/her instructional program.

The Special Education Teacher will participate in all steps of the IEP process. They will work closely with other teachers and district professionals to ensure that the school’s special education program is successful and operating in compliance with federal and state regulations. The Special Education Teacher will utilize technology to deliver virtual instruction.

The Special Education Teacher will also be responsible for the successful completion of the following tasks:

• 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 and assessments, complete report cards, and conduct parent conferences;
• 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;
• 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;
• Participate in the school’s Student Support Team; help teachers and learning coaches develop and implement program modifications and strategies for all students;
• Maintain the organization and proper implementation of all paperwork, documentation, and procedures for the IEP process;
• Work with School Counselors to ensure students and families are receiving appropriate communications, students are making adequate progress, and established goals are being met;
• Devise and implement virtual methods of creating and maintaining a “school community”;
• Work collaboratively with other teachers to ensure that all students are successfully progressing through the program, that parents have a central point of contact, and that tasks are distributed among the teachers;
• 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; and
• All other duties as assigned.

Requirements:

• Degree in Special Education or related Education Field
• Valid Idaho Exceptional Child Generalist (K-12) teaching endorsement
• Applicants must reside in Idaho to apply
• Strong technology skills (especially with Google Suite, Microsoft Windows, and MS Office programs)
• Excellent communication skills, both oral and written, attention to detail, and organizational skills
• Ability to analyze, develop, implement, and track intervention plans and strategies
• The applicant will need a high degree of flexibility, a track record as a team player, and the ability to work well in a fast-paced environment.
• Willingness to travel on occasion for marketing, field trips, and state testing events (may require overnight travel)
• Ability to work some occasional evening hours, as needed, to support some families
• Private workspace free from distraction, high-speed internet, and, if applicable, appropriate childcare arrangements for any dependent children that may be in the home during scheduled work hours (8-4 MST)
• Must be able to use a personal electronic device and an email address for two-step authentication