English Learner - Michigan Connections Academy

School Summary

Michigan Connections Academy (MICA) is a tuition-free, online public school serving students in grades K–12 throughout Michigan. MICA is authorized by Ferris State University Charter Schools Office and governed by an independent Board of Directors. The school is operated by Michigan Connections Academy, a nonprofit corporation, through a contract with CA of Michigan, LLC, to provide its educational program and other services. Connections Academy, a division of Connections Education, is accredited by AdvancED.

Position Summary and Responsibilities:

Working from home, the English Learner Teacher will virtually manage instructional programs for students 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 EL Teacher will participate in all steps of the LEP process. They will work closely with other teachers and district professionals to ensure that the school’s multilingual program is successful and operating in compliance with federal and state regulations. The EL Teacher will utilize technology to deliver virtual instruction.

In addition, the EL teacher will be responsible for the successful completion of the following tasks:

•  Coordinate language proficiency screenings and language testing, staying compliant with state-timelines for tasks such as Beginning of the Year, Middle of the Year and End of the Year meetings and documentation;
•  Attend local and state provided professional development trainings related to Title III compliance and instruction;
•  Collaborate with the student’s teachers in supporting learning and conduct parent conferences and communication in a timely manner;
•  Support the instructional program with asynchronous web conferencing sessions and synchronous instruction;
•  Become proficient with supplemental programs to support English Learners in the virtual setting, including interpreting data within the programs;
•  Review curriculum and devise alternate approaches to presenting lessons to increase student understanding (working directly with students and parents);
•  Communicate with parents, students and other teachers on a regular basis to discuss assessments, provide feedback on student work, suggest instructional approaches and strategies, monitor completion of assignments and coach special projects;
•  Work collaboratively with other teachers to ensure that all students are successfully progressing through the program, that parents have a central point of contact, and that tasks are distributed among the teachers;
•  Collaborate with teachers to gain knowledge of the curriculum to support students as needed;
•  Support students and parents with alternate strategies and provide additional assistance with daily assignments and projects;
•  Communicates regularly with parents, students, and certified content area teachers through use of computer and telephone;
•  Keep student records and data up-to-date, including EL Data Views, State Testing Data Views, other DVs as needed, cumulative files, online student and family information, attendance accounting, and logging all student and parent contacts;
•  Consult with other teachers and staff learning specialists to develop alternate enrichment activities and supports to students’ programs to increase student understanding;
•  Devise and implement virtual methods of creating and maintaining a “school community”;
•  Work with teachers and School Counselor to ensure students and families are receiving appropriate communications, students are making adequate progress and established goals are being met;
•  Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

•  Please note 2-step authentication is required to set-up to login to all systems if given a job offer.
•  Highly qualified to teach ESL in Michigan; valid ESL certification for grades 3-12
•  Experience directly teaching EL students preferred
•  Bilingual preferred, but not required
•  Strong technology skills (especially with Google Suite)
•  Excellent communication skills, both oral and written
•  Customer focused approach
•  High degree of flexibility
•  Demonstrated ability to work well in fast paced environment
•  Team player track record
•  Willingness to travel on occasion for school-based meetings, trainings, and ELL testing events (may require occasional overnight travel)
•  Ability to work in the office or remotely, when necessary.