Job Information
Nevada Connections Academy Elementary Special Education Instructional Program Coordinator - Georgia Connections Academy in Duluth, Georgia
Description
School Summary
Georgia Connections Academy is a tuition-free, full-time virtual school for students in grades K-12 throughout Georgia. The school is authorized by the Georgia Charter Schools Commission and governed by an independent Board of Directors, with a mission to maximize academic achievement for students who are seeking other academic options. The school is operated by Georgia Connections Academy, a nonprofit corporation, through a contract with Connections Academy of Georgia, LLC, to provide its educational program and other services. Connections Academy, a division of Connections Education, is accredited by AdvancED, and GACA is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges & Schools Council on Accreditation and School Improvement.
Georgia 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
Working from the Duluth, Georgia, office and from your home office within Georgia, certified teachers at Georgia Connections Academy support and motivate students through high-quality virtual instruction using the Pearson Online Classroom. Teachers deliver synchronous and asynchronous instruction, provide intervention and enrichment, engage families, and use data to drive student learning and growth.
All GACA teachers and staff must be able to regularly participate in required in-person activities that may require overnight travel throughout the state of Georgia, including but not limited to:
School and department meetings
Student engagement events
Professional development and required training
State testing, Diagnostic testing, and all in-person summative and formative assessments
Graduation and other school-level events
Staff may also be required to support virtual administration of assessments, as scheduled by the school.
Position Overview:
Working from the Duluth office, the Special Education Instructional Program Coordinator will be key in organizing and managing new teacher orientation, overseeing mentoring programs, and providing ongoing support to educators throughout the year. Additionally, this position will assist the Principal of Elementary School with instruction, communications, and data management. The Instructional Program Coordinator will assist in managing Special Education Teachers for grades K-5 and will be a point of contact for families of students with disabilities. This position requires expertise in Federal and State Special Education regulations.
All GACA staff must be able to participate in monthly in-person activities, including but not limited to:
School and department meetings,
Student engagement opportunities,
Required training/development,
School-level events, such as state testing and graduation.
This is a 12-month, full-time position.
Key Responsibilities:
Consistent collaboration and strategic planning with the Elementary School principals around Special Education
Oversee Special Education instructional practices
Assist the school principal with the development and implementation of specially designed instruction (SDI)
Assist the school principal with monitoring lesson planning to ensure they include evidence-based strategies for SDI
Assist teachers with differentiated instruction
Support teachers with progress monitoring of IEP goals
Facilitate ongoing grade band and department professional development
Observe, supervise, and evaluate teachers as assigned in accordance with district policies including TKES.
Assist the state testing team to facilitate the administration of all district testing
Assist with the enrollment process related to placement and sectioning;
Review incoming IEPs to determine appropriate placement
Support teachers when students enroll, making sure that teachers receive guidance on special education supports and services
Participate in the hiring and onboarding process of special education teachers
Frequent data monitoring for SISPs, benchmarks, and other instructional initiatives
Collaborate and plan with school-level Summer School Leads
Collaborate and assist with developing summer parent orientation
Oversee and Monitor Extended School Year (ESY)
Other duties as assigned
Assessment & Accountability
Administer formative and summative assessments, including monthly progress monitoring, CFAs, EOGs and EOCs where applicable.
Participate in all required Georgia state standardized assessments in-person and virtual sessions, including Georgia Milestones, ACCESS, Georgia Alternative Assessment, etc., in addition to End-of-Pathway, benchmarks, CFAs, and diagnostic assessments.
Maintain accurate records of attendance, communication logs, academic progress, and intervention documentation.
Collaboration & Professional Practice
Work collaboratively within the Professional Learning Community to monitor data, plan instruction, and ensure student success.
Partner with Advisory Teachers, School Counselors, Special Education staff, and team members to meet student needs and ensure strong communication loops.
Support social, engagement, and community-building activities—both virtual and in-person—to cultivate belonging for students and families.
Attend required school and district professional development and pursue ongoing growth in instructional practice.
Community Engagement & School Support
Assist in the organization and facilitation of school-wide events (graduation, field trips, engagement activities).
Participate in student recruitment efforts, marketing events, and family orientations as needed.
Support the creation of a positive, inclusive virtual school culture through consistent communication, engagement, and community-building practices.
Perform other duties as assigned to support school operations, strategic initiatives, and student success.
Essential Skills & Competencies
Strong commitment to equitable practice, high expectations, and individualized student support
Ability to use data to inform instruction and intervention
Excellent communication and relationship-building skills
Effective collaboration within virtual and in-person teams
Strong organizational skills and timely completion of all required documentation
Comfort with technology-based instruction and virtual learning tools
Flexibility, problem-solving ability, and a student-centered mindset
QUALIFICATIONS:
Master’s Degree in Special Education or related field (or currently enrolled in a program)
CERTIFICATION/LICENSE
Georgia Clearance Certificate
Georgia teacher certification in Special Education
Education Leadership Certificate Tier I or currently enrolled in a leadership program.
Requirements
Degree in Special Education or related Education Field
Valid Georgia Special Education certification
Experience in policy (IDEA) and/or administration with Special Education
Must have a Clearance Certificate through the Department of Education or be able to obtain one within the first 30 days of the first day of hire.
Ability to work with diverse populations and manage sensitive situations effectively
High degree of flexibility
Experience in training and/or coaching adult learners
Experience in analyzing data to make informed decisions
Customer focused approach
Excellent attention to detail and organizational skills
Experience in writing policies and procedures
Strong technology skills (especially with Microsoft Office products and Google Suite)
Excellent communication skills, both oral and written
Highly organized and punctual
Student and family-focused approach
Experience in teaching or supporting Title I schools
High degree of flexibility
Demonstrated ability to work well in a fast-paced environment
Team player track record
Strong interpersonal skills, which include the ability to work effectively with students, parents, staff, and community members from diverse backgrounds.
Willingness to travel for marketing and state testing events (may require occasional overnight travel)
Ability to work some occasional evening hours, as needed to support some families
Must be able to use a personal electronic device and an email address for two-step authentication
Physical Requirements
This position requires frequent travel throughout the state of Georgia to conduct official school business. Candidates must possess a valid driver's license, maintain a clean driving record, and be comfortable with regular day trips and occasional overnight travel as needed. A reliable personal vehicle is required.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit for extended periods of time. Employees are also required to talk, hear, stand, and walk. The employee may be required to use hands to touch, handle, feel, and/or reach. Employees are occasionally required to stoop, kneel, or crouch. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights (https://www.eeoc.gov/poster) notice from the Department of Labor.