Special Education Transition Teacher - Georgia Connections Academy

School Summary

Georgia Connections Academy is a tuition-free, full-time virtual school for students in grades K-12 throughout Georgia. The school is authorized by the Georgia Charter Schools Commission and governed by an independent Board of Directors, with a mission to maximize academic achievement for students who are seeking other academic options. The school is operated by Georgia Connections Academy, a nonprofit corporation, through a contract with Connections Academy of Georgia, LLC, to provide its educational program and other services. Connections Academy, a division of Connections Education, is accredited by Cognia, and GACA is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges & Schools Council on Accreditation and School Improvement.

Georgia 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 Overview

Working from the Duluth office, the Special Education Transition Teacher will utilize the Pearson Online Classroom to support and motivate students and prepare students with disabilities for life after high school, including postsecondary education, employment, and independent living. This role often involves individualized instruction, collaboration, and advocacy to help students achieve their goals. The Special Education Transition Teacher will participate in all steps of the 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.

All GACA staff must be able to participate in monthly in-person activities, including but not limited to:

• School and department meetings,
• Student engagement opportunities,
• Required training/development,
• School-level events, such as state testing and

This is a 10-month, full-time position.

Key responsibilities:

• Teach transition-focused courses, such as career readiness, life skills, or vocational
• Develop and implement lesson plans that align with IEP goals and state
• Collaborate with IEP teams to set measurable postsecondary goals based on student interests, strengths, and needs.
• Monitor and document progress on IEP goals related to
• Teach workplace skills, such as professionalism, communication, and problem-solving.
• Facilitate partnerships with local businesses, community organizations, or vocational
• Guide students in exploring postsecondary education options, such as college, trade schools, or training programs.
• Assist students with applications, financial aid, and accommodations for postsecondary
• Provide resources and support for transitioning to adult services, such as vocational rehabilitation or community agencies.
• Creating positive relationships with students through frequent contacts via phone calls, webmail, and LiveLesson
• Creating positive relationships with caretakers and families through phone calls and webmail
• Working collaboratively with learning team and department
• Communicating effectively with all members of the school district and
• Attending all in-person events and meetings, as required
• Attending all state testing, as required
• Other duties as

Qualifications:

• Degree in Special Education or related Education Field
• Valid Georgia Special Education General and Adaptive certification
• Strong technology skills (especially with Microsoft Office products)
• 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 marketing and state testing events (may require occasional overnight travel)
• Must be able to use a personal electronic device and an email address for two-step authentication