Alternative Learning Environment Specialist

JOB TITLE:  Alternative Learning Environment Specialist

JOB BRIEF:   

• The Alternative Learning Environment (ALE) Specialist is responsible for the development, implementation, and management of programs designed to support students in non-traditional learning environments. The Specialist will work collaboratively with administrators, teachers, counselors, support staff and families to ensure that students receive appropriate interventions, support, and instruction tailored to meet their individual academic, behavioral, and social-emotional needs.

LOCATION: Manhattan High School

QUALIFICATIONS:  

• Valid teaching license (as required by state regulations).
• Bachelor's degree in education, counseling, or a related field.
• Master's degree and/or certification in special education or behavior intervention preferred.
• All USD 383 employees must pass a background check.

 EXPERIENCE AND CERTIFICATION

• Minimum of 5 years of experience working in education, with a focus on alternative education, special education, or student support services.
• Demonstrated success working with at-risk students with diverse leaning needs.
• Experience in district committees or educational leadership positions.
• Experience in program development and management preferred.

SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

• Strong knowledge of instructional strategies and interventions for non-traditional learners.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for working with students, staff, and families.
• Ability to analyze data to inform program decisions and monitor student progress.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Familiarity with state and federal guidelines related to alternative education programs.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• This position may involve working in various settings, including classrooms, small groups, and one-on-one sessions with students.
• Occasional evening or weekend meetings may be required to accommodate family schedules or program needs.

DIVERSITY: As an equal opportunity employer, USD 383 is committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce. We believe there is a long-term advantage to a team that reflects the diversity of our students, families, and staff.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Program Development and Management
  • Facilitate the implementation of ALE programs, ensuring compliance with state and district guidelines.
  • Work with Teaching and Learning to coordinate instructional strategies aligned with the specific needs of student in alternative settings.
• Collaboration 
  
  • Collaborate across departments, stakeholders and staff supporting students to  and stakeholders with teachers, counselors, and families to support the student's individualized plan of study and providing wraparound services for students.
  • Act as liaison between ALE staff and school administration to ensure alignment with district goals.
  • Serve as a point of contact for external agencies providing services to students in the ALE program.
  • Provide training, professional development, and support to teachers and staff on strategies for working with students in alternative settings as well as implementing differentiated instruction and behavioral interventions.
• Student Support 
  • Provide ongoing support to students to ensure success within the program including setting goals, building self-advocacy skills, developing independent learning habits, and providing connections to additional resources as needed. 
  • Assist students in navigating academic and personal challenges, connecting them with additional resources as needed.
• Data Management and Reporting 
  • Document, track, and monitor student attendance, academic performance, and progress towards graduation and behavioral data in compliance with district and state policies.
  • Provide timely feedback and encouragement surrounding student progress and interventions.
  • Prepare and submit reports on program outcomes to school administration and state agencies as required.
  • Monitor and evaluate program effectiveness and communicate with administration to make necessary adjustments.

• Other duties as assigned by the principal.

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT/SALARY:  

• 208-day contract.
• Based on Salary Schedule.
• Salary Schedule 2024-2025
• 2025-2026 Salary yet to be established.

REPORTS TO:   Building Principal.

BENEFITS:  

• Health Benefits Available.
• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance.
• For the 2024-2025 school year, USD 383 will pay the full health insurance premium for employees (Option C) and short-term disability insurance. Value of contributions per year-$7,788.
• Additional Benefits Available- Group Life Insurance, Flexible Spending Account, Individual Accident Insurance, Individual Cancer and Specified Disease Insurance, Heart Attack, Heart Disease, Stroke Insurance, Employee Assistance Program.
• 11 Paid Sick Leave days and 2 Personal days.

RETIREMENT:

• USD 383 makes monthly contributions to a 403(b)-retirement account for all certified and eligible employees.
• KPERS (Kansas Public Employees Retirement System): 6% monthly staff contribution. Vested after five years.

TECHNOLOGY: 

• District provided devices - iPad, laptop, and/or desktop for certified staff.

PAID COLLABORATION TIME.

FLSA STATUS: Exempt

EVALUATION: Performance will be evaluated annually in accordance with the Board of Education’s policy on evaluation of certified personnel.

ABOUT MANHATTAN HIGH SCHOOL: Manhattan High School is a 9th through 12th grade high school. The estimated enrollment for the 2024-2025 school year is 1,975 students. School begins at 7:40 a.m. and releases at 3:05 p.m. Teachers teach 5 of 7 class periods with an additional Advisory period one day a week. The 2 open periods in a teacher's schedule are dedicated to an hour of planning and an hour dedicated to professional learning time. MHS utilizes a modified block schedule that consists of periods 1-7 being taught Monday, Tuesday, and Friday. Wednesday and Thursday are block schedule days. Wednesday consists of 1st period, Advisory, 2nd period, and 3rd period. Thursday's schedule consists of 4th through 7th periods. Every teacher is provided with a MacBook Air and an iPad. All classrooms are equipped with a short throw projector and an Apple TV. Every student is provided with an iPad. USD 383 uses Infinite Campus for our student information system, CANVAS for our LMS (learning management system) and Xello for our individual plan of study system. We teach a wide variety of electives, Career and Technical Education, concurrent, dual credit, and Advanced Placement classes. We have many official and unofficial career pathways and athletic and activity opportunities with incredible student involvement. We have high expectations for all students and staff. We are always working on ways to meet our students' needs, develop positive relationships, and improve how we teach the things we are passionate about. We expect everyone who works at Manhattan High School to care about students, work hard, reflect, and be willing to grow. We expect our Manhattan High School community to be a place where compassion for others shows every day.

ABOUT MANHATTAN-OGDEN, USD 383:   

• The mission of Manhattan-Ogden Unified School District 383 is to prepare all students for success as lifelong learners, earners, and citizens. Our vision is to be nationally recognized for the breadth and depth of success attained by all students.
• USD 383 serves 7,000 students from early learning through grade 12. We have 1,800 employees.
• The Board of Education shall hire all employees based on ability and the needs of the district. Manhattan-Ogden Unified School District 383 is an equal opportunity employer and shall not discriminate in its employment practices and policies concerning hiring, compensation, terms, conditions, or privileges of employment because of an individual’s race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, disability, or age.
• This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.