Special Education Teacher - Lighthouse Connections Academy

School Summary 

Lighthouse Connections Academy (LCA) is a tuition-free K–12 online public school that students attend from home. Authorized by Oxford Community Schools, Lighthouse Connections Academy is state certified and open to students located throughout Michigan including Troy, Royal Oak, Bloomfield Hills, Rochester, Farmington, and beyond.

Position Summary and Responsibilities

Working from our office in Southfield, Michigan, or a personal home office, the Special Education Teacher will “virtually” manage instructional programs for students with special needs. 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 IEP process.  They will work closely with other teachers and district professionals to ensure that the school’s special education program is successful and operates 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:

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 help implement IEPs and 504 plans;
• Evaluate tests and assessments, complete report cards and conduct parent conferences;
• Communicate regularly with parents/learning coaches of students with special needs to ensure 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 with locating service providers for students needing related services as mandated by their IEPs;
• Assist with negotiating and executing contracts with service providers for students requiring such services;
• 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. 

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Special Education or related Education Field
• Valid Michigan Teaching Certification with full approval or endorsement in at least one area of special education from Michigan Department of Education, Office of Special Education (MDE, OSE)
• Must meet all continuing education requirements as defined by MDE
• Expertise in special education law and compliance
• Excellent communication skills, both oral and written
• Customer focused approach
• High degree of flexibility
• Demonstrated ability to work well in fast paced environment
• Technologically proficient (especially with Microsoft Office products)
• Travel 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
• Must be able to use a personal electronic device and an email address for two-step authentication

Lighthouse 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.