Minnesota Connections Academy - Secondary Science Teacher, 2023-2024 School Year

School Summary

Minnesota Connections Academy (MNCA) is a tuition-free, online public charter school for students in grades K-12 throughout Minnesota. MNCA is a member of the Minnesota Transitions Charter School (MTCS), a K-12 academic community. MNCA is a state-approved online program operated through a contract with Connections Academy of Minnesota, LLC, to provide the educational program and other services. MNCA is accredited by the North Central Association Commission on Accreditation and School Improvement, an accrediting division of AdvancED.

Position Summary and Responsibilities:

The certified Teachers will “virtually” manage instructional programs.  Through 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 instructional program. 

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

• Complete all grading, create progress reports and conduct parent conferences in a timely manner;
• Support the instructional program with asynchronous web conferencing sessions and synchronous instruction;
• Review curriculum and devise alternate approaches to presenting lessons to increase student understanding (working directly with students and parents);
• 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;
• Work collaboratively with other teachers 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 the teachers;
• Develop a general knowledge of the entire program’s K-12 curriculum and a very detailed knowledge of the courses for which responsible; 
• Support students and parents with alternate strategies and provide additional assistance with daily assignments and projects;
• Communicate regularly with parents, students, and curriculum specialists through use of computer and telephone;
• Keep student records and data up-to-date, including cumulative files, online student and family information, attendance accounting, and logging all student and parent contacts;
• Consult with other teachers and staff learning specialists to develop alternate enrichment activities and modifications to students’ programs to increase student understanding;
• Work with other teachers to coordinate social activities and relevant field trips for students;
• Manage regional field trips and make efforts to integrate trips into the curriculum; 
• Devise and implement virtual methods of creating and maintaining a “school community”;
• Participate in the organization and administration of the State Testing, as directed;
• Participate in student recruiting sessions and other marketing efforts that require teacher representation;
• Work with Advisory Teachers and School counselor to ensure students and families are receiving appropriate communications, students are making adequate progress and established goals are being met;
• Attend field trips and other community activities implemented for families; and
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Highly qualified and certified to teach Secondary Science in Minnesota (appropriate to grade level and content area responsibilities).
• Strong technology skills (especially with Microsoft OS and MS Office programs).
• Excellent communication skills, both oral and written.
• Customer focused approach.
• High degree of flexibility.
• Demonstrated ability to work well in fast paced environment.
• Team player track record.
• Willingness to travel on occasion for marketing and state testing events (may require occasional overnight travel).
• Ability to work remotely, if necessary.
• Ability to work some occasional evening hours, as needed to support some families.

Minnesota 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.

Want to know more? Please watch our new On Demand Teacher Information Session and join us for a Q&A session held every Wednesday at 5:00 p.m. Eastern. We hope to see you there!