Special Education Teacher - Ohio Connections Academy

School Summary 

Ohio Connections Academy, a tuition-free K–12 public virtual school that students attend from home. Authorized under state law by the Ohio Council of Community Schools, Ohio Connections Academy (OCA) is state certified and open to students throughout Northeast, Northwest, Central, Southeast, and Southwest Ohio.

Position Summary and Responsibilities

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 parents/guardians and/or learning coaches as well as students to ensure that each child successfully engages in their instructional program. The special education teacher will participate in all steps of the IEP process and is responsible for ensuring each student’s IEP is implemented with integrity and fidelity. 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 specially designed 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 educational strategies for a caseload of students;
• Develop, write, and implement student IEPs;
• Schedule, organize and conduct all IEP related meetings in the virtual environment;
• Communicate regularly with parents/guardians/learning coaches of assigned students regarding student engagement and progress in their special education program;
• Collaborate and consult with both general education and special education teachers and coordinate the implementation of specially designed instruction ensuring all supports, services, accommodations and modifications are provided to each student, as defined within the IEP;
• Provide specially designed direct services to students virtually, as outlined in the IEP, including monitoring to ensure any/all related services are being delivered;
• Collaborate with teachers and learning coaches to develop and implement program modifications and strategies for all students;
• Assist with the organization and proper implementation of all required special education related paperwork, documentation and procedures for the IEP process;
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date data in the school’s Learning Management System and special education software;
• Monitor and update attendance records, discipline records, communication logs, RTI meeting minutes, grade retention records, and transcripts;
• Monitor student progress through formal and informal progress monitoring processes, including reviewing student gradebook for progress in the general education curriculum/courses;
• Assign and monitor appropriate Supplemental Instructional Support Programs (SISPs) to students;
• Assist with administering state testing and ensure student state testing accommodations are accurately reflected in both the IEP and the Learning Management System;
• High school special education teachers required to have knowledge of current graduation requirements in the state of Ohio; and
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Degree in Special Education or related education field;
• Highly qualified with a valid Ohio Special Education certification;
• Must reside in Ohio;
• Strong technology skills (especially with Microsoft OS, MS Office programs, and Google Suite);
• Ability to analyze, develop, implement, and track intervention plans and strategies;
• Excellent communication skills, both oral and written;
• Excellent ability to manage time/schedule;
• Strong organizational skills;
• Customer focused approach;
• High degree of flexibility;
• Demonstrated ability to work well in fast-paced environment;
• Team player track record;
• Willingness to travel (may require occasional overnight travel) for school wide events/activities.
• Must be able to use a personal electronic device and an email address for two-step authentication

Application Contingency: ANY PERSON WHO KNOWLINGLY MAKES A FALSE STATEMENT IS GUILTY OF A FALSIFICATION UNDER SECTION 2921.13 OF THE OHIO REVISED CODE, WHICH IS A MISDEMEANOR OF THE FIRST DEGREE. 

Ohio 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.