Experienced Special Education Teacher – Michigan Online Middle School – Virtual Learning Environment

About Michigan Great Lakes Virtual Academy

Michigan Great Lakes Virtual Academy (MGLVA) is a public online school that provides students in grades K-8 with a high-quality, personalized education experience. As a partner school of Stride K12, a leading provider of online education solutions, we are committed to creating and maintaining a culture of inclusion and diversity where our employees are passionate about serving students and families, treat one another and customers with respect, challenge each other to innovate, and always strive to do better. Our mission is to provide an exemplary individualized and engaging educational experience for students by incorporating school and community/family partnerships, a rigorous curriculum, and a data-driven and student-centered instructional model.

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced Special Education Teacher to join our team of passionate educators. As a Special Education Teacher, you will be responsible for delivering specific course content in an online environment, providing instruction, support, and guidance to students with special needs, and managing the learning process to focus on individual student needs as defined by each student's Individualized Education Program (IEP). This is a full-time position that requires the ability to work independently, typically 40+ hours per week, and maintain a professional home office without distraction during work hours.

Key Responsibilities

• Ensure all special education and related services are provided as determined by the IEP team
• Communicate with parents and applicable related service staff to ensure that students with special needs are receiving the appropriate therapies
• Develop compliant IEPs, progress reports, and other state-specific required special education documentation
• Facilitate and lead collaborative special education meetings, such as annual IEP meetings
• Use provided resources to ensure accommodations and modifications for students with disabilities, such as assistive technology, supplemental curriculum, and accessible text
• Make modifications and accommodations to Stride K12 lessons and assessments as specified by the IEP
• Ensure inclusion and success of students in the general education classroom
• Collect data and work samples to monitor student progress towards IEP goals and objectives
• Document all contact with parents and interventions with students
• Analyze student data to prescribe remediation and enrichment as needed
• Provide rich and engaging synchronous and asynchronous learning experiences for students
• Commitment to personalizing learning for all students
• Demonstrate a belief in all students' ability to succeed and meet high expectations
• Maintain grade book ensuring student academic integrity, make student placement and promotion decisions, and alert administrators to concerns about student performance and progress
• Prepare students for high-stakes standardized tests
• Understand that a primary responsibility is to establish and maintain positive rapport with families and regularly communicate with and respond to students and learning coaches/parents in a timely manner
• Support learning coaches/parents with student curricular and instructional issues, as well as basic troubleshooting in a virtual classroom environment that is in line with academy policies and procedures
• Travel as required (on average once per month and/or approximately 25% of the time) for face-to-face professional development, student testing, and as required by school

Essential Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree
• Active State Special Education teaching license
• Ability to clear required background check
• Residency Requirement: Must be a Michigan resident

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with the proposed age group
• Experience supporting adults and children in the use of technology
• Experience teaching online (virtual) and/or in a brick-and-mortar environment
• Experience with online learning platforms
• Ability to work collaboratively with other teachers to interpret and produce numeric, tabular, and graphic representations of student data, and use it to drive instructional decisions
• Receptive to receiving coaching on a regular basis with administrators
• Ability to embrace change and adapt to ensure excellent student outcomes
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel, Outlook, Word; PowerPoint
• Ability to rapidly learn and adapt to new technologies and teaching platforms
• Strong written/verbal communication skills

Skills and Competencies

As a Special Education Teacher, you will need to possess the following skills and competencies:

• Strong instructional skills and ability to adapt to different learning styles
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Strong organizational and time management skills
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and prioritize tasks effectively

Career Growth Opportunities and Learning Benefits

As a Special Education Teacher at Michigan Great Lakes Virtual Academy, you will have the opportunity to grow and develop your career in a dynamic and supportive environment. We offer a range of professional development opportunities, including:

• Regular coaching and mentoring from experienced educators
• Opportunities for professional growth and advancement
• Access to cutting-edge technology and online learning platforms
• Collaboration with a team of passionate educators who share your commitment to student success
• Opportunities to participate in professional development workshops and conferences

Work Environment and Company Culture

As a virtual employee, you will have the flexibility to work from home and maintain a professional home office without distraction during work hours. Our company culture is built on the values of:

• Inclusion and diversity
• Respect and empathy
• Collaboration and teamwork
• Continuous learning and growth
• Student-centered approach

Compensation, Perks, and Benefits

We offer a competitive salary package, commensurate with experience, and a range of benefits, including:

• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Retirement plan with employer match
• Paid time off and holidays
• Professional development opportunities
• Access to cutting-edge technology and online learning platforms

Conclusion

If you are a passionate educator who is committed to making a difference in the lives of students, we encourage you to apply for this exciting opportunity. As a Special Education Teacher at Michigan Great Lakes Virtual Academy, you will have the chance to work in a dynamic and supportive environment, collaborate with a team of dedicated educators, and make a tangible difference in the lives of students. Apply now and join our team of passionate educators who are dedicated to providing an exemplary individualized and engaging educational experience for students.