Texas Connections Academy @ Houston - Special Education Teacher, 2023-2024 School Year

Company Summary

Texas Connections Academy @ Houston (TCAH) is a Texas Online School that offers 100% virtual instruction to public school students across Texas in grades 3-12 who are not physically present on campus during instruction. The TxVSN OLS program is authorized by Texas Education Code (TEC) Chapter 30A and administered through TEA. Connections Education, LLC is in partnership with Houston ISD to provide this high quality and rigorous virtual instruction through TCAH.

Texas Connections Academy @ Houston 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.

Position Summary and Responsibilities:

Working from home, the Special Education teacher will virtually manage instructional programs for students with special needs in collaboration with the general education teachers. 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 ARD/IEP process. 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 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 strategies for a caseload of students;
• Assist with administering state testing and coordinate the special adaptations that are required based on the IEP documentation; and
• Assist, as needed, with the organization and proper implementation of all paperwork, documentation and procedures for the IEP process;
• Schedule, organize and conduct IEP related meetings in a virtual environment, as needed;
• 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;
• Other duties as assigned.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date data in the school’s Learning Management System and special education platform;
• Communicate regularly with parents/learning coaches of students with special needs to insure that their IEP goals are being met, and that their needs are addressed in a timely and appropriate fashion;
• Evaluate tests and assessments, complete progress report and conduct parent conferences;
• Participate in the school’s Student Support Team; help teachers and learning coaches develop and implement program modifications and strategies for all students;
• Assist coordinating with our HISD service providers for students needing related services as mandated by their IEPs;
• Develop, write and ensure the implementation of IEPs;
• Provide direct services to students including services delivered through web-conferencing software, as needed;

Requirements:

• Willingness to travel on occasion for marketing, state testing and school based events (may require occasional overnight travel)
• Demonstrated ability to work well in fast paced environment
• Excellent communication skills, both oral and written
• Experience in policy (IDEA) and/or administration with Special Education
• High degree of flexibility
• Certification in Special Education (EC-12)
• Willing to complete a professional development course for online teaching which will meet the requirements of the TxVSN (Texas Virtual School Network)
• Valid Special Education credential in Texas; ACP candidates seeking an internship are not eligible
• Team player track record
• Strong technology skills (especially with Microsoft Office and Google products)
• Customer focused approach

Want to know more? Please watch our new On Demand Teacher Information Session and join us for a Q&A session held every Wednesday at 5:00 p.m. Eastern. We hope to see you there!