Middle School/High School Independent Study Teacher (Part-time)

Valley Life Charter School - Job Description

Independent Study Teacher 

Job Code CERT-IST-1100

Number of Positions 05

Part-time - hourly, between the hours of 7:45 and 4:00

School Mission and Vision

VLCS's mission is to provide a rigorous educational program that emphasizes academics, leadership, and visual and performing arts (VAPA). The school's vision is to "develop community leaders, one student at a time" by building character that supports core values such as trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, and citizenship. The instructional philosophy focuses on creating an environment where students are well-mannered leaders with exceptional listening skills, and the school commits to educating the whole person by including social skills and character development alongside academics and arts training.1

Position Summary

The Independent Study Teacher provides individualized instruction, guidance, and academic support to students enrolled in the independent study program. This role involves developing and implementing personalized learning plans, assessing student progress, and maintaining regular communication with students and parents/guardians to ensure academic success.

RESPONSIBILITIES:       

• Develop and implement Individual Learning Plans (ILPs) tailored to each student’s needs, grade level, and academic goals.
• Provide direct instruction in assigned subject areas in-person.
• Monitor student progress and provide timely feedback on assignments, projects, and assessments.
• Conduct regular meetings with students and parents/guardians to review progress and set academic goals.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date attendance records, grades, and documentation in compliance with state and district requirements.
• Modify instructional strategies to support students with diverse learning needs.
• Communicate regularly with school staff, counselors, and administrators to coordinate services and support.

Qualifications

• California Commission on Teacher Credentialing certificate, permit, or other documents equivalent to that which a teacher in other public schools would be required to hold
• NCLB is highly qualified for elementary, middle, and high school students 
• Commitment to the mission and goals of the school
• Comprehensive knowledge of learning theories and curriculum development
• Demonstrated record of serving students and families in a culturally diverse learning environment
• Ability to effectively communicate with the school’s stakeholders
• Proficient with technology and computers
• Interest and expertise in curriculum and instruction
• Entrepreneurial thinking and strategic vision
• Ability to communicate to multiple, diverse constituencies
• Good judgment and compassion
• The belief that all students can learn at the speed of their personal potential

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• First aid and CPR certified by the first day of employment
• Valid TB Clearance by the first day of employment
• Clear Criminal Background/Fingerprint Clearance
• Maintain acceptable physical health standards, energy, and emotional adjustment to the job environment.
• Computer skills- proficiency in Word, Excel, and others as necessary 

PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATION:

• Commitment to work in an innovative, entrepreneurial, and mission-driven school environment
• Maintain professional appearance, grooming, and maturity, establishing a desirable example for students.
• Tolerate high levels of stress
• Excellent interpersonal skills, including the ability to listen and be responsive to colleagues, funders, administration, Board of Directors, parents, etc

• Ability to work well independently and within a team environment; working efficiently and exercising excellent judgment in making decisions.

• Good communication and interpersonal skills; accuracy, discretion, and ability to work independently as part of a team; flexibility and willingness to learn are essential.

• Apply common sense understanding of detailed multi-step instructions in a combination of written, oral, and diagrammatic form.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

•  The regular requirement is to stand, sit, walk, talk, hear, see, read, speak, reach, stretch with hands and arms, stoop, kneel, and crouch.
•  Lift and carry objects weighing up to 50 lbs.
•  Occasional exposure to blood, bodily fluids, and tissue
•  Occasional interaction with unruly children
•  Occasional evening and or weekend work
•  Occasional travel
•  Willingness to be trained as needed
• Willingness to work longer than a traditional workday
• Must be able to work duties as assigned, including evening events as needed

REPORTS DIRECTLY TO: Principal, designee, or another appropriate administrator

• Salary Transparency (SB 1162) Placement on the Admin (Psych)  salary schedule is based on verified years of prior experience and units of post-baccalaureate college coursework. https://www.vlcs.me/careers

• Compensation and Working Conditions: The starting salary ranges from $  per year, depending on experience, with VLCS giving up to 8 years of service credit. Full-time employees receive health, sick, and pension benefits. The work schedule includes 175 instructional days plus 3 staff development days. Working conditions include regular requirements to stand, walk, lift, and carry objects up to 50 lbs., and a willingness to work a longer than traditional workday. Occasional evening, weekend work, travel, and exposure to blood/bodily fluids and unruly children may occur. The position reports directly to the Principal, designee, or other appropriate administrator.

Because Valley Life is a Charter School with a focus on leadership, they often look for these additional qualifications:

• Leadership Orientation: Ability to integrate the 7 Habits of Highly Effective People into all that you do.
• Clearances: * Department of Justice (DOJ) and FBI Fingerprint clearance.
• Current TB (Tuberculosis) clearance.
• CPR and First Aid certification (often required by the first day of employment).
• Mobility: A valid California Driver’s License and proof of insurance
• Knowledge/Skills: Applicants must commit to the school's mission, have a comprehensive knowledge of learning theories and curriculum development, be proficient with technology/computers (Word, Excel), and have the ability to effectively communicate with diverse stakeholders. Entrepreneurial thinking, strategic vision, good judgment, and compassion are also required
• Minimums: First aid and CPR certification, valid TB Clearance, and clear criminal background/fingerprint clearance are required by the first day of employment.
• Professional: Candidates must be committed to working in an innovative, mission-driven environment, be able to tolerate high levels of stress, and demonstrate excellent interpersonal skills.

Hiring Process

Applications are taken on TalentEd and require submission of an application, EPI, resume, letter of introduction, copy of transcripts, credentials, and three letters of reference.1

 Legal Notices & Mandatory Disclosures

DISCLOSURE OF EGREGIOUS MISCONDUCT:

As of January 1, 2025, in accordance with Education Code section 44939.5 (as amended by

California AB2534) applicants for certificated positions are required by law to provide a complete list of every school district, county office of education, charter school and/or state special school with which they have previously been employed, regardless of the length of service. AB2534 mandates the disclosure of egregious misconduct by  former certificated employees. It establishes the requirements for reporting, investigating, and disclosing misconduct to prevent the concealment of serious violations.

Nondiscrimination Statement

Valley Life Charter School is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing a work environment free of discrimination, harassment, intimidation, and bullying. Employment admissions, recruitment, and access to programs are available to all persons without regard to actual or perceived race, color, ancestry, national origin, ethnic group identification, age, religion, marital or parental status, physical or mental disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or gender expression; or on the basis of a person’s association with a person or group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics.

Title IX & Section 504 Compliance

In compliance with Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1974, Valley Life Charter School does not discriminate based on sex or disability in its educational programs or employment practices.

• Title IX Coordinator: Lori Lackey (559)625-8527
• 504 Coordinator - Jessica Uribe (559)6258527

Tobacco-Free Environment: Valley Life Charter School is a tobacco-free facility. Smoking, vaping, and the use of any tobacco products are strictly prohibited on all district property, in district vehicles, and at all school-sponsored events, in accordance with California state law and Board Policy.

AB 2534/SB848 "Pursuant to California Education Code Section 44932, all applicants are notified that Valley Life Charter School  is required to conduct an inquiry into any past 'egregious misconduct.' By submitting an application, candidates acknowledge that the District will contact former employers to verify the absence of such conduct as defined by law."

Conditions of Employment

• Fingerprint Clearance: In accordance with the California Education Code, the candidate will be required to provide fingerprints and clear a background check via the Department of Justice (DOJ) and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) before the first day of service.
• TB Clearance: Proof of a negative tuberculosis (TB) test or risk assessment within the last four years is required.
• Mandated Reporter: This position is designated as a Mandated Reporter. The selected candidate must sign a statement acknowledging their responsibility to report known or suspected instances of child abuse or neglect as required by the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act (CANRA).

Reasonable Accommodation

Valley Life Charter Schools will make reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities in the recruitment process. If you need an accommodation, please contact Lindsay Deal at (559) 625-8527