Michigan Connections Academy - Middle School English Language Arts Support (At-Risk), 2024-2025 School Year

Company Summary 

At Connections Academy, we help students maximize their potential and meet the highest performance standards through a uniquely individualized learning program. Founded in 2001, we deliver a high-quality, online educational experience to students in grades K-12.  Our innovative and personalized e-learning, an award-winning curriculum and Education Management System (EMS), dedicated state-certified teachers, and a supportive school community are what we pride ourselves on. In addition to academics, teachers focus on emotional well-being and social development, working closely with families to help students learn how they learn best. Parents of enrolled students consistently share their satisfaction with Connections Academy: 92% “would recommend the schools to other families” and 95% say the curriculum is “high quality.” As of this year, Connections Academy-supported public schools serve students in 29 states, while our private online school, Pearson Online Academy meets the online school needs of students worldwide. Recognized for its outstanding curriculum and leadership, Connections Academy is committed to expanding quality education through technology, and helping students achieve both academic and personal success. Connections Academy is part of the global learning company, Pearson, and its Online & Blended Learning group. For more information, visit www.ConnectionsAcademy.com or call 1-800-382-6010.

School Summary

Michigan Connections Academy (MICA) is a tuition-free, online public school serving students in grades K–12 throughout Michigan. MICA is authorized by Ferris State University Charter Schools Office and governed by an independent Board of Directors. The school is operated by Michigan Connections Academy, a nonprofit corporation, through a contract with CA of Michigan, LLC, to provide its educational program and other services. Connections Academy, a division of Connections Education, is accredited by AdvancED.

Position Summary and Responsibilities

Working from our office in Okemos, Michigan, the Middle School ELA Support will carry out educational and instructional activities, and non-teaching tasks. The Writing Support Coach will implement learning experiences that advance the intellectual, emotional, social, and physical development of students in an online learning environment.

The Middle School ELA Support will be responsible for the successful completion of the following tasks:

• Assist students with how to approach a topic critically and convey ideas in written form;
• Act as a coach/support teacher to reinforce concepts taught relating to Language Arts and Writing;
• Consult with team members and staff learning specialists to develop alternate enrichment activities and modifications to students’ programs to increase student understanding;
• Review curriculum and devise alternate approaches to given lessons to increase student understanding (working directly with parents and students);
• Represent a commitment to equitable practice in all areas within the job description; this includes use of evidence to make decisions, holding high expectations for all students and committing to providing individualized support to all students to meet those expectations;
• Support the instructional program with asynchronous recorded lessons and synchronous instruction, along with individual communications and intervention;
• Provide clear, constructive, and consistent feedback for all student work, create progress reports and conduct parent conferences in a timely manner;
• Communicate with parents, students and other teachers on a regular basis to develop and update Personal Learning Plans and schedules, score assessments, provide feedback on student work, suggest instructional approaches and strategies, monitor completion of assignments and coach special projects;
• Operate within the Response to Intervention/Multi-Tiered System of Supports model, using data and evidence to provide Tier 1 differentiated instruction to all students while working with a team of teachers to develop and implement Tier 2 and 3 interventions;
• Support students and parents with alternate lessons, assessments, and strategies and provide additional assistance with daily assignments and projects in order to meet individual learning goals
• Build strong relationships with students and families to provide direct instruction and intervention that meets the needs of the individual student
• Work collaboratively with other staff within a professional learning community 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 staff;
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