Special Education Teacher - Oregon Connections Academy

Company Summary

Oregon Connections Academy is a tuition-free, online school serving students in grades K–12 throughout Oregon. Connections Academy schools are supported by Connections Education LLC, which is accredited by Cognia, formerly Cognia, formerly AdvancED. Oregon Connections Academy is authorized by the Prairie City School District to serve students throughout Oregon. 

Oregon 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

Oregon Connections Academy seeks a Special Education Teacher to deliver specially designed instruction. Working from your home office in Oregon, the Special Education Teacher will “virtually” manage instructional programs for students with special needs. The Special Education Teacher will participate in all steps of the IEP process.  They will work closely with other teachers and special education 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.

Key Responsibilities of the Special Education Teacher:

• Manage and provide instructional guidance, virtual teaching and general strategies for a caseload of students requiring direct and/or indirect services;
• Develop, write, implement, and monitor IEPs and 504 plans;
• Monitor student progress, complete report cards and conduct parent conferences;
• Communicate regularly with student’s IEP team, including; parents/learning coaches, related service providers, and other school staff to ensure their IEP goals are being met, and that their needs are addressed in a timely and appropriate fashion;
• 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;
• Assist, as needed, with the organization and proper implementation of all paperwork, documentation and procedures for the IEP process;
• Assist with the coordination of related service providers as mandated by their IEPs;
• 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.

Capabilities

• Customer Centric – Acts with a strong customer mindset (both internal and external) and is a visible advocate for the customer. Builds strong relationships with school staff, students and families and uses those to improve their experience and outcomes.
• Communications - A great communicator who engages teams and stakeholders with thoughtful delivery and messages that resonate. Confident Public Speaker. Produces high-quality written communications.
• Works well in a matrix - Models collaboration, solves problems efficiently and constructively with peers, builds trust and support. Agile and flexible in day-to-day operations and duties. Demonstrated ability to work well in fast-paced environment
• Takes personal responsibility – Can be relied on to complete tasks timely and well, demonstrates “ownership” regardless of the outcome, proactive in exploring and exploiting new opportunities. Shows a commitment to goal-directed management and accountability

Requirements

• Please note 2-step authentication is required to set-up to login to all systems if given a job offer.
• Degree in Special Education or related Education Field
• Valid Oregon Special Education certificate
• Experience in policy (IDEA) and/or administration with Special Education
• Strong technology skills (especially with Microsoft Office products and Google Suite)
• Excellent communication skills, both oral and written
• Highly organized and punctual
• Customer-centric
• High degree of flexibility and agility
• Demonstrated ability to work well in fast paced environment
• Team player track record
• Willingness to travel for marketing, state testing and other school events (may require occasional overnight travel)
• Ability to effectively work remotely