SY 26-27 Special Education English and Language Arts Teacher

Job Title: Special Education Teacher

FLSA Status: Exempt

Department: Curriculum, Instruction, & Assessment

Dept Code: CIA

Primary Supervisor: Grade Band Administrator

Secondary Supervisor: Grade Band Assistant Principal

Grade Band Served:

Location: Primarily Remote Position

Hours/Days: 8am to 4pm, Monday through Friday

/ year

Salary starting at:

Job Description

The Special Education Teacher is a state-certified educator who provides daily instruction and support in the virtual academic environment. The special education teacher creates strategies to engage and facilitate student learning, serves as a case manager and point of contact for students and parents, and monitors academic progress to help prioritize student learning objectives.

Responsibilities

• Initiate, develop, and facilitate IEP and eligibility consideration meetings

• Collaborate with instructional teachers to review student academic data

• Track and communicate all IEP service changes (e.g. setting, accommodations, eligibility changes, related services, AT needs, etc.)

• Collaboratively serve as point of contact regarding academic needs, accommodations, and IEP services for families and teachers

• Receive progress reports and information from related services providers

• Provide special education documents to parent/guardian and required team members prior to and following meetings

• Administer assessments (e.g. performance, informal, or formal) to monitor student progress

• Monitor student engagement and attendance data

• Input testing accommodations into school database after each IEP meeting; verify accommodations prior to state testing

• In collaboration with school counselor, verify student class schedules for alignment with IEP services and FTE reporting

• Document communication with families via contact logs in Infinite Campus

• Maintains lesson plans, artifacts, and materials used to facilitate student instruction

• Comply with all written policies and procedures in teacher, district, and school-based handbooks

• Establish a virtual classroom environment conducive to learning

• Implement all IEP services and accommodations within classroom and testing environments with fidelity

• Utilize research-based strategies and differentiation to engage and nurture student learning and student relationships based on individual strengths and needs.

Supervisory Responsibilities: This position has no formal supervisory responsibilities.

Competencies: To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:

Adaptability/Flexibility: Adapts to change, is open to new ideas, takes on new responsibilities, handles pressure, and adjusts plans to meet changing needs.

Integrity/Ethics: Deals with others in a straightforward and honest manner, is accountable for actions, maintains confidentiality, supports company values, and conveys good news and bad.

Teamwork: Meets all team deadlines and responsibilities, listens to others and values opinions, helps team leaders to meet goals, welcomes new-comers, and promotes a team atmosphere.

Professionalism: Be professional at all times in communications, appearance, work product, and in representing Georgia Cyber Academy in a positive manner.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor Degree(s) in Special Education OR

• Equivalent combination of education and experience. Must hold or be eligible to hold a Georgia PSC approved certification in Special education.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills

• Great organizational and time management skills

• Strong data-collection, differentiation, and specialized instructional strategy skills

• Ability to adapt learning plans to meet various needs and learning styles

• Ability to create an engaging class culture and to manage the classroom environment

• Understanding of the GADOE Implementation Manual guidelines for Special Education

• Ability to write IEPs and Special Education Eligibility reports

• Ability to learn new technology tools quickly (e.g., database and web-based tools)

• Demonstrate prompt and regular attendance

Certificates and Licenses

• GAPSC Required Content Area Certification

• Clearance Certificate issued by the Georgia Professional Standards Commission required.

• Clear Fingerprint/Background Check Required.

Other Requirements

• Pedagogical knowledge content being taught and ability to apply critical thinking

• Knowledge of state content standards and ability to align those with GCAs chosen curriculum, academic supplements, and reinforcement supports

• Extensive knowledge of foundational skills for reading and writing to build literacy skills

• Extensive knowledge of developmental progressions for reading, writing, speaking, listening, and language standards

• Ability to embrace change/adapt to ensure excellent student outcomes

• Ability to problem solve independently and have a high level of organization

• Strong technology skills and ability to rapidly learn and adapt to new technologies and teaching platforms

• Understanding of interdependency of deadlines on multiple projects and able to act to preserve integrity on other people's deadlines

• Ability to work independently typically 40+ hours per week

• Ability to maintain teacher certification/professional development hours and fluency in all school systems, programs, and curriculum as applicable

• Ability to communicate well with school personnel, parents, students, and cabinet office staff while complying with the confidentiality requirements in local, state, and federal policies

• Ability to inspire teachers and school staff to meet school improvement initiatives and goals

• Ability to display a professional attitude in working with school personnel with parents

• Must be able to manage large volumes of paperwork and maintain adequate records

• General knowledge of computers, computer commands, peripherals, and various operating systems.

• Experience using search engines (internet) for research projects

• Desire to research and learn new technology skills and platforms

• Demonstrate initiative and the ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously

• Ability to interact positively with teachers, administrators, and support staff

• Possess knowledge of the school improvement process

• Must be an advocate for virtual learning and believe in the mission of Georgia Cyber Academy

• Knowledge of state and federal laws, and other pertinent laws regarding K-12 Education as they relate to applicable duties

• Knowledge of GaDOE CCRPI

• Proficiency using computer-based software and online resources to develop training materials

• Ability to read and interpret student academic data and educational reports

• Familiarity with online learning environment

• Experience working with diverse student populations

• Advanced/Proficient in MS Excel, MS Word, MS PowerPoint, Project, Visio, OneNote, and G-Suite.

• Ability to rapidly learn and adapt to new technologies and teaching platforms

• Ability to manage competing priorities with attention to deadlines

• Strong critical thinking, planning, and writing skills

• Ability to work independently as well as collaborate and communicate effectively within a team

• Ability to manage multiple projects within established deadlines

• Dependable, able to work under pressure and meet deadlines as required

• Demonstrates strong interpersonal skills using tact, patience, and courtesy

• Excellent organization skills, including ability to incorporate methods and build systems that can be used across the district

• Excellent presentation and public speaking skills

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

• Strong work ethic and self-motivation

• Ability to be flexible and adaptive to ensure excellent student outcomes

• Ability to problem solve independently and have a high level of organization

• Outstanding attention to detail

• Maintain a professional home office without distraction during 8 AM - 4 PM workday when working from home

• Consistent access to reliable high-speed internet

• Valid drivers license and availability of private transportation

• Ability to travel 25% of the time as required

Desired Qualifications

• Advanced Degree in Education or related field of study

• Leadership degree or endorsement or similar additional certification

• Gifted, Special Education, and/or ESOL certifications

• APSI certification

• Proficient/Advanced data analysis skills

• Google Certifications

• Experience using NWEA MAP, Illuminate DnA, WriteScore, FLVS Global, Edgenuity, Discovery Education, Bright Thinker, Writable, NEWSELA, Legends of Learning, Education Galaxy, Learning A-Z, MindPlay, USA Test Prep, IXL, BrainPOP, Edmentum Exact Path, Moby Max, iReady, Classworks, Nearpod, etc.

• Working knowledge of Securly

• Proficient/Advanced experience with Infinite Campus (SIS)

• Proficient/Advanced with Canvas (LMS)

• Working knowledge of Jigsaw Interactive (live classroom tool)

• Proficient/Advanced in use of Zoom conferencing tool

• Three (3) years virtual educational environment experience

• Previous experience as a Learning facilitator , Advisor, or Teacher at Georgia Cyber Academy

• Previous experience as an online educator

• Previous experience with online educational tools/curriculum/assessments

Physical Abilities & Working Conditions

The Physical Abilities and Working Conditions listed in this section are representative of, but are not intended to provide an exhaustive list of, physical abilities and working conditions which may be required of positions in this class. Georgia Cyber Academy encourages persons with disabilities who are interested in employment in this class and need reasonable accommodation to contact the Human Resources Department for further information.

• Work Schedule: This is a Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 4 PM, 5 Days/Week, primarily remote position. The noise level in the office is usually moderate (computers, printers, light foot traffic).

• In-Person Attendance: In-person attendance at professional development, training, conferences, job fairs, meetings, school events, marketing events, and/or testing sites will be required several times per year.

• Vision: (which may be corrected) to read small print; view a computer screen for prolonged periods.

• Hearing: (which may be corrected) to answer telephones and tolerate exposure to noisy conditions.

• Speech: to be understood in face-to-face or virtual communications; to speak with a level of proficiency and volume to be understood over a telephone and/or computer.

• Upper Body Mobility: use hands and fingers to feel, grasp, and manipulate small objects; manipulate fingers, twist and bend at wrist and elbow; extend arms to reach outward and upward; use hands and arms to lift objects; turn, raise, and lower head.

• Strength: to lift, push, pull and/or carry objects which weigh as much as 5 or more pounds on a frequent basis.

• Environmental Requirements: encounter constant work interruptions; work cooperatively with others; work independently; work indoors.

• Mental Requirements: read, write, understand, interpret and apply information at a moderately complex level essential for successful job performance; math skills at a high school proficiency level; judgement and the ability to process information quickly; learn quickly and follow verbal procedures and standards; give verbal instruction; rank tasks in order of importance; copy, compare, compile and coordinate information and records.