School Summary

Maine Connections Academy (MCA) is a tuition-free, full-time, virtual public charter school for students in grades 7–12 statewide. MCA launched during the 2014-15 school year and is authorized by the Maine Charter School Commission. Connections Academy is a division of Connections Education, which is accredited by Cognia.

Position Summary and Responsibilities

Working from both home and in our office in Scarborough, Maine, the Advisory Teacher will “virtually” manage student programs. Through the 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 education.

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

• Serve as a homeroom teacher and hold grade-level Live Lesson sessions weekly;
• Regularly communicate with students and families regarding student participation, progress, performance, and socialization/engagement opportunities;
• Work with school teams to identify and help families access school and community resources;
• Make Welcome Calls to new students and keep grade level teachers informed when new students are enrolled into their courses;
• Monitor grade level escalation, including contacts and participation.
• Monitor attendance and truancy, including communicating with caretaker regarding attendance expectations, and making attendance adjustments as necessary;
• Assist students and parents with the secondary school course selection process according to specific state credit and graduation requirements and student needs and interests. An integral part of this process is assisting students and parents to develop a Four Year Plan for meeting graduation requirements;
• 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;
• Implement programs for students and families related to interpersonal adjustment issues;
• Advise students and families related to academics, career planning and graduation;
• Keep abreast of all high school graduation requirements, and communicate this information with staff;
• 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);
• Help identify students and report to proper student support teams who are “at risk” or “in crisis”; Act as the main point of contact for these students and families, communicating regularly with them;
• 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 abreast of all state regulations relating to incident reporting and documentation;
• Assist teachers when students enroll mid-semester, making sure that teachers receive guidance on integrating the students into their coursework, and ensuring that previous grades, credits, and evaluations are handled appropriately;
• Assist with proctoring for required state tests or benchmark assessments. Monitor state testing participation for assigned grade levels. Assist with student contacts/confirmation regarding state testing;
• Help students to research and understand their post-secondary career and educational options;
• Support professional development activities for teachers and school staff members;
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date data in the school’s Learning Management System;
• Support planning efforts and attend school graduation/promotion ceremonies, academic summits, field trips, etc.; and
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Maine teacher certification in any Secondary subject or K-8 Elementary Education prefered
• Strong technology skills (especially with Microsoft Office products)
• Excellent communication skills, both oral and written
• Customer-focused approach
• Excellent attention to detail and organizational skills
• High degree of flexibility
• Team player with demonstrated leadership skills
• Demonstrated ability to work well in a fast-paced environment
• Willingness to travel on occasion for marketing and state testing events (may require occasional overnight travel)