Iowa Special Education Substitute Teacher, 2024-2025 School Year

Position Summary

Working from your secure and distraction-free home office, certified Special Education Substitutes will virtually support the learning program for students in Connections Academy schools across the country. Using the telephone, Internet and various curriculum tools, the Special Education Substitute will consult frequently and regularly with students, Learning Coaches and school personnel to ensure that each child successfully completes his/her instructional program. The Iowa Special Education Substitute will act as teacher of record at various Connections Academy schools during periods of short- or long-term absences or vacancies ranging from, but not limited to, 2-20 weeks, with the average assignment lasting 8-12 weeks in length. This is a part-time position with no benefits.

The duties of a Special Education Substitute include, but are not limited to:

Responsibilities

• When on assignment, be online and available to students, parents, and school staff Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm in the time zone of the school to:
  • Communicate with parents, students and other teachers on a regular basis to develop and update individualized learning plans and schedules, provide feedback on student work, suggest instructional approaches and strategies, monitor completion of assignments, and verify student learning.
  • Complete all grading, generate progress reports, and conduct parent conferences in a timely manner, as instructed by the school.
  • Support the instructional program through a combination of synchronous and asynchronous web conferencing sessions (LiveLessons).
  • Work collaboratively with a team of teachers to ensure that all students on the team’s caseload are successfully progressing through the program.
  • Case manage a group of students, writing and delivering IEPs, and providing direct services as directed by the school.
  • Work with general education teachers to ensure that IEP goals and accommodations are being met, and that students are being provided with FAPE.
  • Support students and parents with alternate instructional strategies, and assist with daily assignments and projects.
  • Keep student records and data up to date, including cumulative files, online student and family information, attendance accounting, and student logs.
• When not on assignment, actively check email to remain informed of upcoming assignments and important Substitute Services updates.
• Meet at least monthly with an assigned Substitute Services supervisor via video conferencing software, whether on or off assignment.
• Complete required professional learning targeted at individual needs throughout the year.
• Maintain active certifications.

Requirements

• Must be able to use a personal electronic device and email address for 2-step authentication.
• Highly qualified and certified as a special educator in Iowa.
  • Special education instruction experience preferred
  • Multiple state certifications a plus
  • Ability to obtain certification in other states as requested
• Bachelor’s degree or higher
• Maintain a dedicated, distraction-free home working environment where all business activities will occur.
• When on assignment, must be available Monday through Friday during assigned school hours (typically 8:00 am to 4:00 pm in the school’s time zone)
• Excellent communication skills, both written and oral
• Ability to write and monitor IEP plans, and are willing to learn to do so using a variety of software
• Demonstrated ability to work well in a fast-paced environment that requires significant flexibility, effective prioritization of tasks, self-direction, and creativity
• Understanding of IEP/504 plans and how they can be implemented in a virtual setting
• Excellent attention to detail, and strong time management and organizational skills
• Proven commitment to student achievement
• Strong technology skills (experience with learning management systems, Microsoft Office programs, and Google Apps preferred)
• Reliable, high-speed internet access
• Microsoft OS- and Microsoft Office-equipped computer required (PC preferred)
• Customer-focused approach and team-player track record
• May not provide care for others during normal school hours while on assignment. Alternative care arrangements must be made
• May not be employed in another job during normal school hours while on assignment
• Complete required orientation and training programs within 30 days of hire, and at the beginning of each school year
• Ability to work occasional evening hours, as needed, to support some families