Special Education Teacher - Minnesota Connections Academy

Connections Academy; Minnesota; Hybrid; USD 10,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A forward-thinking online charter school is seeking a dedicated Special Education Teacher to provide tailored instruction for students with special needs. This role involves developing and implementing Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) while utilizing technology for virtual instruction. The ideal candidate will thrive in a collaborative environment, engaging with students, families, and educational professionals to ensure compliance and success in the special education program. Join a dynamic team committed to fostering an inclusive educational experience that values diversity and promotes equity, while working from the comfort of your home office in Minnesota.

Qualifications

• Degree in Special Education or related field required.
• Must possess a valid Minnesota PK-12 Special Education certificate.

Responsibilities

• Manage instructional programs for students with special needs.
• Develop and monitor IEPs and communicate with IEP teams.

Skills

Customer Centric

Communication Skills

Organizational Skills

Flexibility

Team Player

Education

Degree in Special Education

Valid Minnesota PK-12 Special Education certificate

Tools

Microsoft Office

Google Suite

Learning Management System

Special Education Software

Job description

School Summary

Minnesota Connections Academy (MNCA) is a tuition-free, online public charter school for students in grades K-12 throughout Minnesota. MNCA is a member of the Minnesota Transitions Charter School (MTCS), a K-12 academic community. MNCA is a state-approved online program operated through a contract with Connections Academy of Minnesota, LLC, to provide the educational program and other services. MNCA is accredited by the North Central Association Commission on Accreditation and School Improvement, an accrediting division of AdvancED.

Position Summary and Responsibilities

Minnesota Connections Academy seeks a Special Education Teacher to deliver specially designed instruction. Working from your home office in Minnesota, 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

• Degree in Special Education or related Education Field
• Valid Minnesota PK-12 Special Education certificate
• Successful background checks or clearances, including the Child Abuse History Clearance
• 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

Minnesota 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.