What are the responsibilities and job description for the Special Education Teacher - Inspire Connections Academy position at Inspire Connections Academy?
School Summary:
Inspire Connections Academy is a tuition-free, online public charter school serving students in grades K–12 throughout Idaho. It is also part of the global learning company Pearson. Inspire Connections Academy is authorized under state law by the Idaho Charter School Commission and governed by an independent Board of Directors. The school is operated by Inspire Academics, Inc., a nonprofit corporation, through a contract with Connections Education, LLC, to provide its educational program and other services. Inspire Connections Academy has met the criteria for educational quality established by Cognia Global Commission. It is accredited by the North Central Association Commission on Accreditation and School Improvement, the Northwest Accreditation Commission, and the Southern Associates of Colleges and Schools Council on Accreditation and School Improvement. Inspire Connections Academy participates in the PERSI retirement system.
Position Summary:
Working from their home office in Idaho, the Special Education Teacher will utilize the Pearson Online Classroom to deliver specially designed virtual and synchronous instruction, provide intervention and enrichment, use data to diagnose and support student learning needs, and motivate students in grades K-12 as they work through their curriculum. The Special Education Teacher will participate in all aspects of the IEP process and collaborate closely with teachers and special education professionals to ensure the school's special education program is successful and compliant with federal and state regulations.
Teaching in a virtual school requires proactive communication, consistent availability during the school day (8 am - 4 pm MST), flexibility, and strong time management. Successful candidates are comfortable building relationships, managing student engagement, and providing live instruction in a fully online environment.
Position Responsibilities:
The Special Education Teacher will also be responsible for the successful completion of the following tasks:
Instruction & Assessment
Provide specially scheduled live (synchronous), camera-on instruction to students during the school day (8 - 4 MST).
Support the instructional program with synchronous instruction in whole-group, small-group, and one-to-one settings.
Monitor student engagement during live sessions, including responsiveness, participation, and adherence to virtual classroom expectations.
Complete all grading within the grading policy timeframe, create progress reports, and conduct parent conferences in a timely manner and in accordance with the handbook timelines.
Represent a commitment to equitable practice in all areas of the role, including holding high expectations for all students and providing individualized support to meet those expectations.
Actively engage and re-engage students through relationship-building, regular outreach, and follow-up in a virtual environment.
Lead the implementation of Specially Designed Instruction (SDI) within the Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) framework, utilizing data and evidence to provide Tier 3 intensive interventions while collaborating with general education partners to ensure student access and progress within Tier 1 and 2 environments.
Provide targeted intervention and enrichment support to students based on academic and engagement data.
Support students and families with alternate instructional strategies and provide additional assistance with daily assignments and projects.
IEP Development & Compliance
Develop, write, and implement IEPs and 504 plans in compliance with federal and state regulations.
Schedule, organize, and conduct IEP-related meetings.
Maintain organization and proper implementation of all paperwork, documentation, and procedures related to the IEP process.
Coordinate and ensure required accommodations and modifications are implemented appropriately.
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;
Maintain the organization and proper implementation of all 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.
Student Support & Intervention
Participate in the school's Student Support Team to help teachers and learning coaches develop and implement program modifications and strategies.
Provide guidance and support to ensure students' individual needs are addressed in a timely and appropriate manner.
Collaboration & Professional Practice
Collaborate daily with colleagues through virtual and in-person meetings, shared systems, and ongoing communication to support student success.
Consult with teachers, counselors, and other staff to develop alternative enrichment activities, accommodations, and instructional modifications to increase students' understanding.
Work with School Counselors to ensure students and families receive appropriate communications, students are making adequate progress, and established goals are being met;
Collaborate within the school's professional learning community to continuously monitor student data and make strong instructional decisions that have a direct impact on student learning.
Homeroom & School Responsibilities
Manage a class of Homeroom Students by actively monitoring attendance, academic progress, and engagement, and completing required school-year tasks such as Welcome Calls and End-of-Year Calls.
Maintain frequent communication with students and parents regarding academic progress, promotion/graduation status, and attendance, especially when a student is off track.
Proctor state testing at a physical location under the supervision of the State Testing Coordinator and Test Site Lead Assist with administering state testing and coordinating any special testing adaptations required by the IEP.
Participate in student recruitment sessions and other marketing efforts requiring teacher representation.
Attend required school and district professional development and pursue ongoing professional growth within assigned curriculum areas.
All other duties as assigned.