EL Teacher - Texas Connections Academy

Company Summary

Texas Connections Academy (TCA) is a Texas Online School that offers 100% virtual instruction to public school students across Texas in grades 3-12 who are not physically present on campus during instruction. The TxVSN OLS program is authorized by Texas Education Code (TEC) Chapter 30A and administered through TEA. Connections Education, LLC is in partnership with Houston ISD to provide this high quality and rigorous virtual instruction through TCAH.

Texas Connections Academy @ Houston 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 Summary and Responsibilities:

Working from home, the English Language teacher will “virtually” manage instructional programs for students who qualify for EL support 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 their instructional program. The EL teacher will participate in all steps of the LPAC process.  They will work closely with other teachers and district professionals to ensure that the school’s English Learner/Emergent Bilingual 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 LPAC meetings and documentation


• Participate in the organization and administration of the State Testing, as directed


• 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 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 develop and update Personal Learning Plans and schedules, 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;


• Develop a general knowledge of the entire program’s curriculum and a very detailed knowledge of the courses for which responsible;


• 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, 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 modifications to students’ programs to increase student understanding;


• Work with other teachers to coordinate social activities and relevant field trips for students;


• Attend field trips and other community activities implemented for families;


• Devise and implement virtual methods of creating and maintaining a “school community”;


• Participate in student recruiting sessions and other marketing efforts that require teacher representation;


• Work with advisory teachers and school counselor to ensure students and families are receiving appropriate communications, students are making adequate progress and established goals are being met;


• Participate in Pearson Virtual School professional development sessions and associated activities


• Participate in Special Population department activities


• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements:

• Highly qualified with valid ESL certification grades 3-12 to teacher EL in Texas


• Experience directly teaching EL students preferred


• Bilingual preferred, but not required


• Strong technology skills (especially with Microsoft OS and MS Office programs)


• 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, marketing and state testing events (may require occasional overnight travel)


• Ability to work in the Houston office or remotely, when necessary


• Ability to work some occasional evening hours, as needed to support the school and some families


• Please note 2-step authentication is required to set-up to login to all systems if given a job offer.