Elementary Teacher - Michigan Connections Academy

Company Summary

Michigan Connections Academy (MICA) is a tuition-free, online public school serving students in grades K–12 throughout Michigan. MICA is authorized by Ferris State University Charter Schools Office and governed by an independent Board of Directors. The school is operated by Michigan Connections Academy, a nonprofit corporation, through a contract with CA of Michigan, LLC, to provide its educational program and other services. Connections Academy, a division of Connections Education, is accredited by AdvancED.

Position Summary and Responsibilities 

Working from our office or your home office in Michigan, certified Teachers will virtually manage instructional programs. Through use of the telephone, Internet and various curriculum tools they will consult regularly with learning coaches and students to ensure that each child successfully completes their instructional program. Teachers will be responsible for the successful completion of the following tasks: 

• Support the instructional program with asynchronous web conferencing sessions and synchronous instruction; 
• Complete all grading, create progress reports and conduct parent conferences in a timely manner; 
• Communicate with parents, students and other teachers on a regular basis to develop and update Personal Learning Plans and schedules, score assessments, provide feedback on student work, suggest instructional approaches and strategies, monitor completion of assignments and coach special projects; 
• Develop a general knowledge of the entire program’s curriculum and a very detailed knowledge of the courses for which responsible; 
• Review curriculum and devise alternate approaches to presenting lessons to increase student understanding (working directly with students and parents); 
• Support students and parents with alternate strategies and provide additional assistance with daily assignments and projects; 
• Communicate regularly with parents, students, and school staff through use of computer and telephone; 
• 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; 
• Keep student records and data up to date, including cumulative files, online student and family information, attendance accounting, and logging all student and parent contacts; 
• Consult with other teachers, team members, academic interventionists/specialists, and other staff members to develop alternate enrichment activities and modifications to students’ programs to increase student understanding; 
• Work with staff to ensure students and families are receiving appropriate communications, students are making adequate progress and established goals are being met; 
• Work with other teachers to coordinate social activities and relevant field trips for students; 
• Manage regional field trips and make efforts to integrate trips into the curriculum; 
• Devise and implement virtual methods of creating and maintaining a “school community”; 
• Participate in the organization and administration of the State Testing, as directed; 
• Participate in student recruiting sessions and other marketing efforts that require teacher representation; 
• Attend field trips and other community activities implemented for families; and 
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements 

• Qualified and certified to teach the appropriate subject in Michigan 
• Michigan Residency required
• Strong technology skills (especially with Microsoft Office products and Google Suite)
• Excellent communication skills, both oral and written
• Highly organized and punctual
• Student and family focused approach
• High degree of flexibility
• Demonstrated ability to work well in fast paced environment
• Team player track record
• Strong interpersonal skills which include the ability to work effectively with students, parents, staff, and community members from diverse backgrounds.
• Travel to and attendance at in-person events, including State Testing is required throughout the school year, as determined by the school. This may require overnight travel.
• Ability to work some occasional evening hours, as needed to support some families
• Ability to work remotely, if necessary

• Must be able to use a personal electronic device and an email address for two-step authentication.

Michigan 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.