Company Summary

At Connections Academy, helping students maximize their potential and meet the highest performance standards through a uniquely individualized learning program is at the core of our mission. Connections Academy was founded in 2001 to deliver high-quality, highly accountable online education to students in grades K-12. Hallmarks of Connections Academy-supported online schools include personalized learning, an award-winning curriculum and Education Management System (EMS), dedicated state-certified teachers, and a supportive school community.  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.” In 2017, Connections Academy-supported public schools serve students in 27 states, while the private online school, International Connections 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.  

Position Summary and Responsibilities

From your home office in Missouri, the Assistant Manager of Special Education will assist the Manager of Special Education with oversight of all aspects of educational service delivery for students with exceptionalities including those with IEPs or Section 504 Plans. The Assistant Manager will ensure that the special education team operates in compliance with all district, state, and federal regulations, and collect, store, and update data and documentation in a manner that meets all compliance expectations.  The Assistant Special Education Manager will assure that ACA’s special education teachers are providing a comprehensive special education program that includes specially designed instruction in the least restrictive environment. This will include management of the IEP process, communication with parents of students who have or who may have exceptionalities, engagement with related service providers throughout the state, and compliant operation with special education law and procedures at all times.

The Assistant Special Education Manager will work in collaboration with the school’s Manager of Special Education as well as the school’s leadership team and provide excellent customer service to the school leaders, teachers and families.

The Assistant Special Education Manager will be responsible for the following tasks:

Manage the implementation of the school’s IDEA procedures, including procedures for IEP development, placement, evaluation and re-evaluation of students with disabilities; Maintain documentation within the IEP program and the Education Management System that captures and organizes special education timelines and data; Manage the enrollment process for students with IEPs from inquiry to enrollment and IEP team action; Coordinate the organization and delivery of IEP mandated services to students; Manage and lead the Section 504 team as the Section 504 Coordinator; Communicate and consult with all teachers and Learning Coaches regarding the instructional program for students with disabilities or other special needs; Assist in the development, tracking, dissemination and proper implementation of IEP or 504 plan mandated accommodations for students with special needs during state testing events; Communicate directly with parents, as needed, to answer questions; Generates and interprets compliance reports from the designated IEP program and the Education Management System; Manages the records request and release process; Assist with Child Find activities; Ensures related services are implemented per the current IEP; Develop a working knowledge of Connections Academy’s curricular options, and how they can be adapted and implemented to meet specific student needs; introduce new ways of supporting special needs students in a virtual environment; Supervise special education teachers; Plan, implement, and evaluate staff in-service activities; Performs other duties as assigned by the Manager of Special Education Services or School Leader.

Requirements

Please note, if given a job offer, 2-step authentication is required to login to all systems Missouri Special Education Certification Master’s Degree in Education (preferred; special education a plus) Evidence of special education team leadership role A minimum of three to five years full time successful special education teaching experience Knowledge of special education law and compliance Excellent communication skills, both oral and written Demonstrated ability to work well in a fast paced environment Technologically proficient (especially with Microsoft Office products) Ability to travel as-needed Effective communication skills, both written and verbal Good organizational skills Must be able to work well with other employees Must be able to work independently