High School Advisory 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 and Mineral Wells School District to provide this high quality and rigorous virtual instruction through TCA.

Position Summary and Responsibilities

Working from your home office in Texas, the Advisory Teacher will virtually assist students and parents/learning coaches with course selection, scheduling and will be the initial point of contact for student concerns that span multiple subject areas as well as non-academic issues. The Advisory Teacher will become an expert on course and credit requirements and will work with the School Counselor to establish counseling processes for middle and high school students.

The High School Advisory Teacher will be responsible for the successful completion of the following tasks:

• Advise students and families related to academics;
• Keep current on all high school graduation requirements, including special requirements such as community service, and communicate this information to the High School Coordinator and to the principal;
• Assist students and parents with the secondary course selection process according to specific state credit requirements and student needs and interests;
• Advise students with issues related to dropping courses and changing schedules, seeking support as needed, while ensuring that the school’s course selection and drop policies are adhered to;
• Review student transcripts and the entry of credits into the online transcript system;
• Follow procedures to ensure that Connections Academy transcripts are accurate and up-to-date;
• Work with the administrative assistants to obtain school records from the student’s previous school (where applicable) and forwarding student records when appropriate;
• Implement programs for students and families related to interpersonal adjustment issues;
• Work with school teams to identify and help families access school and community resources;
• Participate in the development of crisis prevention and management plans for the school and serve as a key member of the Student Support Team (SST);
• Coordinate a team of middle and high school teachers to help identify students who are "at-risk" or "in crisis"; Act as the main point of contact for these students and families, communicating regularly with them;
• Oversee and maintain the Personal Learning Plan (PLP) for each student;
• Implement efforts to secure complete and accurate records for Connections Academy students;
• Support families through the school withdrawal process, assisting with data collection regarding withdrawal;
• Report and refer critical incidents that jeopardize student well-being as obligated by law, administrative regulations, or ethical standards. Stay current on all state regulations relating to incident reporting and documentation;
• Implement special programs such as Advanced Placement support, SAT and ACT preparation, and college entrance preparation;
• Understand the requirements for and assist the principal to facilitate the administration of all high school testing, including exit exams, PSAT, SAT, ACT, and AP exams;
• Help students to research and understand their post-secondary career and educational options;
• Assist with student preparation of applications for college and jobs;
• Educate students and parents about college admissions requirements and financial aid;
• Support the coordination of high school graduation ceremonies;
• Support professional development activities for teachers and school staff members;
• Assume teaching and grading duties as necessary including teaching middle school elective courses;
• 504 knowledge and compliance as needed
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Texas teacher certification in a secondary content area or grade level; ACP candidates are not eligible
• Must hold or be willing to immediately obtain TxVSN Certification
• Strong technology skills (especially with Microsoft Office products and Google Suite)
• Excellent communication skills, both oral and written
• Highly organized and punctual
• Customer-focused approach
• High degree of flexibility
• Demonstrated ability to work well in a fast-paced environment
• Team player with demonstrated leadership skills
• Ability to travel 15-20% for school-related business (state testing, marketing, professional development, and school meetings); May require overnight travel
• Ability to work some occasional evening hours, as needed to support some families
• Please note 2-step authentication is required to set-up to login to all systems if given a job offer.