Special Education Teacher - Texas Connections Academy

Company Summary

Texas Connections Academy  (TCA) is a Texas Online School that offers 100% virtual instruction to public school students across Texas in grades 3-12 who are not physically present on campus during instruction. The TxVSN OLS program is authorized by Texas Education Code (TEC) Chapter 30A and administered through TEA. Connections Education, LLC is in partnership with Houston ISD to provide this high quality and rigorous virtual instruction through TCAH.

Texas Connections Academy @ Houston 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 home, the Special Education teacher will virtually manage instructional programs for students with special needs in collaboration with the general education teachers. 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 his/her instructional program. The Special Education teacher will participate in all steps of the ARD/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 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 ensure the implementation of IEPs;
• Evaluate tests and assessments, complete progress report and conduct parent conferences;
• Communicate regularly with parents/learning coaches of students with special needs to insure 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;
• Assist, as needed, with the organization and proper implementation of all paperwork, documentation and procedures for the IEP process;
• Assist coordinating with our HISD service providers for students needing related services as mandated by their IEPs;
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date data in the school’s Learning Management System and special education platform;
• Assist with administering state testing and coordinate the special adaptations that are required based on the IEP documentation; and
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements:

• Certification in Special Education (EC-12)
• Valid Special Education credential in Texas; ACP candidates seeking an internship are not eligible
• Willing to complete a professional development course for online teaching which will meet the requirements of the TxVSN (Texas Virtual School Network)
• Experience in policy (IDEA) and/or administration with Special Education
• Strong technology skills (especially with Microsoft Office and Google products)
• Excellent communication skills, both oral and written
• Customer focused approach
• High degree of flexibility
• Demonstrated ability to work well in fast paced environment
• Team player track record
• Willingness to travel on occasion for marketing, state testing and school based events (may require occasional overnight travel)
• Must be able to use a personal electronic device and an email address for two-step authentication.