Utah Connections Academy - Special Education Teacher, School Year 2024-2025

School Summary

Utah Connections Academy (UCA) is a tuition-free, online public school that serves students in grades K–12 throughout Utah. UCA is authorized under state law by the Utah State Charter School Board and governed by an independent Board of Directors. The school is operated by Utah Connections Academy, a nonprofit corporation, through a contract with Connections Academy of Utah, LLC, to provide its educational program and other services. UCA is accredited by the Northwest Accreditation Commission, an accrediting division of AdvancED.

Utah 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.

Position Summary and Responsibilities:

Working full time from your home in Utah, the Special Education Teacher will virtually manage instructional programs for students with special needs. 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 his/her instructional program. The Special Education Teacher will participate in all steps of the IEP process.

They will work closely with other teachers and district professionals to ensure that the school’s special education program is successful and operating in compliance with federal and state regulations. The Special Education Teacher will utilize technology to deliver virtual instruction.

The Special Education Teacher will be responsible for the successful completion of the following tasks:

• Manage and provide instructional guidance, virtual teaching and general strategies for a caseload of students;
• Develop, write and help implement IEPs;
• Evaluate tests and assessments, complete report cards/ progress reports and conduct parent conferences;
• Communicate regularly with parents/learning coaches of students with special needs to insure that their IEP goals are being met, and that their needs are addressed in a timely and appropriate fashion;
• Consult with teachers and coordinate the implementation of specially designed instruction as defined in the IEP regarding students with specific needs and potential learning issues;
• Provide direct services to students including services delivered through web-conferencing software, as needed;
• Schedule, organize and conduct IEP related meetings in a virtual environment, as needed;
• Participate in the school’s Student Support Team; help teachers and learning coaches develop and implement program modifications and strategies for all students;
• Assist, as needed, with the organization and proper implementation of all paperwork, documentation and procedures for the IEP process;
• Assist with locating service providers for students needing related services as mandated by their IEPs;
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date data in the school’s Learning Management System and special education software;
• Assist with administering state testing and coordinate the special adaptations that are required based on the IEP; and
• Other duties as assigned

Requirements: 

• Degree in Special Education or related Education Field
• Up to date Utah teaching license
• Residency in Utah required
• Experience in policy (IDEA) and/or administration with Special Education
• Strong technology skills (especially with Microsoft Office products)
• Excellent communication skills, both oral and written
• Customer focused approach
• High degree of flexibility and ability to prioritize tasks
• Demonstrated ability to work well in fast paced environment
• Team player track record
• Willingness to travel on occasion for marketing and state testing events (may require occasional overnight travel)
• Must be able to use a personal electronic device and email address for 2-step authentication