School Summary

Lighthouse Connections Academy (LCA) is a tuition-free virtual public charter school serving students in grades K-12 throughout Michigan. LCA is authorized by Oxford Community Schools and governed by an independent Board of Directors. The school contracts with Connections Education LLC to provide its educational program and other services. Connections Academy, a division of Connections Education, is accredited by AdvancED/Cognia.

Position Summary and Responsibilities

Working from your home office, the English Learner (EL) Specialist will virtually manage instructional programs for students with special needs in collaboration with the general education teachers. Through the use of curriculum tools, they will consult regularly with learning coaches and students to ensure that each child successfully completes his/her instructional program. The EL Specialist will participate in all steps of the LEP process. They will work closely with other teachers and district professionals to ensure that the school’s multilingual program is successful and operating in compliance with federal and state regulations. The EL Specialist will utilize technology to deliver virtual instruction.

The EL Specialist 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 synchronous web conferencing sessions and asynchronous instruction;
• Manage a homeroom of students;
• 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 K-5 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, State Testing Data Views, other DVs as needed, cumulative files, online student and family information, attendance accounting, and logging all student and parent contacts;
• Develop and inform students of reasonable rules concerning classroom procedures and behavior and maintain a safe and orderly classroom environment
• Employ a variety of instructional techniques, instructional media, and performance assessments, which guide the learning process toward academic achievement and curriculum goals
• Assess the accomplishments of students in a variety of ways on a regular basis and provides progress reports as required
• Maintain accurate, complete, and correct records as required by law, district policy, and administrative regulations
• Administer and analyze standardized testing data and adjust instructional strategies, as needed, to maximize probability of student success
• Build effective relationships with parents and students through regular communication and availability to students and parents
• Participate in professional growth and development, staying abreast of current research through continuing education, educational seminars, workshops, conferences, membership in professional organizations of the subject taught, and attendance at district-sponsored in-service opportunities
• Meet professional obligations through efficient work habits such as, meeting deadlines, honoring schedules, coordinating resources and meetings in an effective and timely manner, and demonstrate respect for others
• All work responsibilities are subject to having performance goals and/or targets established

Requirements

• Valid Michigan Teaching Certification (for the appropriate Grade Band) with NS or Y endorsement
• Michigan Residency preferred
• Highly qualified to teach ESL in Michigan
• Experience directly teaching EL students preferred
• Bilingual preferred, but not required
• Strong technology skills
• 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
• Travel and attendance at in-person events, including State Testing is required throughout the school year, as determined by the school. This may require overnight travel
• Ability to work some occasional evening hours, as needed to support families

Lighthouse 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.