Job Title: Virtual Learning Instructor - Special Education/ARD Facilitator

Wage/Hour Status: Exempt

Reports to: Principal Pay Grade: Teacher Payscale

Dept./School: iUniversity Prep Virtual Academy Date Revised: April 2024

Grapevine-Colleyville ISD virtual school is seeking a smart, experienced and passionate individual who wants to work in a student-centered environment of respect and trust with high expectations for all members of the community. We are seeking an individual who believes all students can be successful, and who desires to create a culture of learning and collaboration along with preparing students with the skills necessary for life in the 21 st century.

Primary Purpose:

This is a dual-purpose role split between Special Education Virtual Instructor and ARD Facilitator. The primary purpose includes: Working from a home office and out of an office within the Grapevine-Colleyville ISD, the certified Virtual Special Education Virtual Instructor/ARD Facilitator will “virtually” support special education services through the provision of instruction, including behavior, executive function, and social skills using research-based behavior and instructional practices. Promote quality instruction and services to improve student achievement. Facilitate implementation of behavioral and social skills development strategies through staff development, modeling, observation, and data analysis. Collaborate with staff and parents to develop and implement their student's IEP/ARD. Acts as a liaison between district SPED personnel, school personnel, and parents, to coordinate the provision of service time and accommodations. The Special Education Virtual Instructor/ARD Facilitator compiles, maintains, and files documents required for IEP/ARD/Special Services. Using the phone/text, virtual classroom and various curriculum tools, the Special Education Virtual Instructor/ARD facilitator will consult regularly with program staff, parents and students to ensure that each child successfully completes his/her instructional program.

Qualifications:

Education/Certification: Bachelor’s degree from accredited university.

Valid Texas teaching certificate: Special Education K-12

*Must have one of the certifications listed below in addition to the posted certification:

• Other Core Subject area grades 5-12 *Preferred
• Math
• ELA
• Science
• Social Studies

Special Knowledge/Skills:

Knowledge of special needs of students in assigned area

Knowledge of Admission, Review, and Dismissal (ARD) Committee process and Individual Education Plan (IEP) goal setting and implementation of General knowledge of curriculum and instruction.

Knowledge and skills in developing and implementing interventions for academic and behavior.

General knowledge of core academic instruction

General knowledge of curriculum and instruction

Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills

Strong technology skills (especially Google Suite, Canvas LMS)

Excellent communication skills, both oral and written

Customer-focused approach

High degree of flexibility and willingness to work non-traditional hours

Demonstrated ability to work well in a fast-paced environment

Team player track record

Willingness to travel on occasion for marketing and state testing events (may require occasional overnight travel)

Ability to work remotely and in an office as necessary

An ability to learn new technology tools quickly (e.g., database and web-based tools)

An ability to support and guide adults as well as students

Ability to work some evening and weekend hours weekly, as needed to support families

Experience:

Three years of teaching experience

Major Responsibilities and Duties:

The Special Education Virtual Learning Instructor/ARD Facilitator will be responsible for the successful completion of the following tasks:

Instructional Strategies:

• Devise and implement virtual methods of creating and maintaining a “school community”;
• Tutor struggling students, in small groups or one-on-one;
• Provides diagnostic, prescriptive and evaluative services for identified students;
• Create progress reports and conduct parent conferences in a timely manner;
• Review curriculum and devise alternate approaches to presenting lessons to increase student understanding (working directly with staff, students and parents);
• Create and digitize concept teachlets, lessons and supplemental lessons as needed;
• Demonstrate knowledge of the state TEKS standards and how to align with the online curriculum;
• Develop a general knowledge of the entire program’s curriculum;
• Support students and parents with alternate strategies and provide additional assistance with daily assignments and projects;
• Work collaboratively with teachers to support student academic progress and attendance;
• Assess student learning styles and use results to plan instructional activities.
• Help students analyze and improve study methods and habits;
• Teach students and parents academic integrity and virtual etiquette expectations of the school,

Communication:

• Understand overall diversity of assigned families and individual characteristics of students/parents; specifically, how this impacts support needed;
• Establish and maintain a positive rapport with assigned families;
• Establish and maintain positive rapport and work collaboratively with colleagues to ensure the success of all assigned students;
• Support students with set-up and maintenance of their learning environment;
• Support students through basic computer troubleshooting;
• 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;
• Work with other teachers and leadership team to ensure students and families are receiving appropriate communications, students are making adequate progress and established goals are being met
• Communicate high expectations and shows an active interest in student’s achievement;
• Be a positive role model for students, and support the mission of the campus and of the school district;
• Alert administrators to any concerns about student performance and progress;
• Communicate regularly with parents, students, and curriculum specialists through use of computer and telephone;

Assessment:

• Collect and organize relevant data in preparation for Admission, Review, and Dismissal (ARD) Committee meetings.
• Participate in the ARD Committee with appropriate placement, and development of Individual Education Plans (IEP) for students according to district and school procedures.

Consultation:

• Assist classroom teachers with implementation of IEP.
• Consult parents/guardians concerning the educational needs of students.
• Consult parents/guardians, teachers, administrators, and other relevant individuals to enhance their work with students.
• Work cooperatively with General education teachers to modify curricula as needed for special education students according to guidelines established in Individual Education Plans (IEP);
• Consult with other teachers and staff learning specialists to develop alternate enrichment activities and modifications to students’ programs to increase student understanding.

Program Management:

• Compile, maintain, and file all physical and computerized reports, records, and other documents required.
• Comply with policies established by federal and state law, State Board of Education rule, and local board policy in the areas of assessment, placement, and planning for special education services.
• Comply with all district and local campus routines and regulations.
• Participate in professional development activities to improve skills related to job assignment.

Other:

• Participate or sponsor school club and manage regional field trips;
• Participate in the organization and administration of State Mandated Testing, PSAT and/or AP testing that may require overnight stays throughout the state, as directed;
• Participate in student recruiting sessions and other marketing efforts that require teacher representation;
• Work with other teachers to coordinate social activities and relevant field trips for students;
• Attend community activities implemented for families;
• Demonstrate a high level of effectiveness;
• Adhere to the principles as listed in the Code of Ethics and Standard Practices for Texas Educators;
• Keep informed of, and comply with, state, district, and school regulations and policies for virtual teachers;
• Display dependability and punctuality in all assigned duties;
• Travel to and participate in staff meetings and professional development sessions as required;
• Other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

None.

Working Conditions:

Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors:

Maintain emotional control under stress.