Secondary Special Education Teacher - Utah Connections Academy

School Summary

Utah Connections Academy (UCA) is a tuition-free, online public school that serves students in grades K–12 throughout Utah. UCA is authorized under state law by the Utah State Charter School Board and governed by an independent Board of Directors. The school is operated by Utah Connections Academy, a nonprofit corporation, through a contract with Connections Academy of Utah, LLC, to provide its educational program and other services. UCA is accredited by the Northwest Accreditation Commission, an accrediting division of AdvancED.

Utah 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.

Position Summary and Responsibilities:

The Special Education Teacher, working full-time from a home office in Utah, will oversee instructional programs for students with special needs in a virtual environment. Utilizing the telephone, Internet, and various educational resources, the teacher will engage in regular instruction, and consultations with learning coaches and students to ensure that each child successfully completes his or her instructional program. Furthermore, the Special Education Teacher will actively participate in all phases of the Individualized Education Program (IEP) process. The teacher will work closely with other teachers and district professionals to ensure that the UCA’s special education program is successful and operating in compliance with federal and state regulations.

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;
• Develop, write and help implement IEPs;
• Evaluate tests and assessments, complete report cards/ progress reports and conduct parent conferences;
• 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;
• 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;
• Provide direct services to students including services delivered through web-conferencing software, as needed;
• Schedule, organize and conduct IEP related meetings in a virtual environment, as needed;
• Participate in the school’s Student Support Team; help teachers and learning coaches develop and implement program modifications and strategies for all students;
• Assist, as needed, with the organization and proper implementation of all paperwork, documentation and procedures for the IEP process;
• Assist with locating service providers for students needing related services as mandated by their IEPs;
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date data in the school’s Learning Management System and special education software;
• Assist with administering state testing and coordinate the special adaptations that are required based on the IEP; and
• Other duties as assigned

Requirements:

• Degree in Special Education or related Education Field (SPED)
• Current Utah teaching license
• Priority will be given to the candidates who live in Utah
• Candidates in the surrounding states are encouraged to apply (Idaho, Nevada, Arizona, Colorado, and Wyoming)
• Experience in policy (IDEA) and/or administration with Special Education
• Strong technology skills (especially with Google products)
• Excellent communication skills, both oral and written
• Customer focused approach
• High degree of flexibility and ability to prioritize tasks
• Demonstrated ability to work well in fast-paced environment
• Team player track record
• Willingness to travel overnight, on occasion, for school and state testing events.
• Must be able to use a personal electronic device and email address for 2-step authentication