School Summary
Michigan Connections Academy (MICA) is a tuition-free, online public school serving students in grades K–12 throughout Michigan. MICA is authorized by Ferris State University Charter Schools Office and governed by an independent Board of Directors. The school is operated by Michigan Connections Academy, a nonprofit corporation, through a contract with CA of Michigan, LLC, to provide its educational program and other services. Connections Academy, a division of Connections Education, is accredited by AdvancED.
Position Summary and Responsibilities
The Academic Interventionist/Specialist will support MICA’s Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) using the Response to Intervention Framework (RTI). The Academic Interventionist/Specialist coordinates the push-in and pull-out support in planning instruction and/or adaptation of the instructional program using the Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) model to facilitate student learning in accordance with district policies and state guidelines. The Academic Interventionist/Specialist designs and implements specific strategies designed to promote intellectual, social, and physical growth in all students identified for academic intervention need. The Academic Interventionist/Specialist evaluates and measures the effectiveness of specific MTSS strategies and interventions in order to refine Tier 1, Tier 2, and Tier 3 levels of support. The Academic Interventionist/Specialist supports the instructional programs with regular and special education teachers. Most of the Academic Interventionist/Specialist’s responsibilities will include providing intensive, research-based interventions for Tier 3 students. The Academic Interventionist/Specialist will be responsible for the successful completion of the following tasks:
- Utilize performance, survey and observation, and attendance data to help teachers identify and group children who need additional support. Assist teachers in developing and implementing classroom-based, developmentally appropriate interventions for individual children and groups of children to enhance their acquisition of social/emotional and cognitive skills
- Support teachers in documenting children’s progress
- Facilitate the Student Support Team (SST) process with the principals, support staff, parents, and instructional staff
- Develop and use instructional and behavioral support tools (Tier 2 Planning form, SST forms, functional behavior assessment and behavior management plans) effectively
- Gather and organize grade-level/subject area universal assessment tools and develop assessments for progress monitoring purposes for all teachers
- Design collaborative systems to support the sharing of MTSS best practices
- Implement and track all Tier 3 support for all identified students, design systems and tools to measure its effectiveness, and refine strategies and support as needed to improve results
- Work with the Directors or Managers of Special Education and SST participants to facilitate eligibility for special education
- Schedule, organize, and conduct RTI meetings in a virtual environment
- Plan and implement RTI professional development opportunities
- Maintain and update on-line resources with RTI forms and information
- Facilitate data driven conferences with teachers to effectively inform instruction during Professional Learning Community meetings
- Assist in preparing and submitting the school improvement plans for struggling learners
- Assist with managing IDEA and Section 504 activities that fall under Child Find requirements
- Assist in producing required Federal, State and District reports in relation to general education interventions and Child Find responsibilities and ensure compliance with legislative mandates regarding intervention programs and documentation
- Develop and inform students of reasonable rules concerning classroom procedures and behavior and maintain a safe and orderly classroom environment
- Employ a variety of instructional techniques, instructional media, and performance assessments, which guide the learning process toward academic achievement and curriculum goals
- Assess the accomplishments of students in a variety of ways on a regular basis and provides progress reports as required
- Maintain accurate, complete, and correct records as required by law, district policy, and administrative regulations
- Administer and analyze standardized testing data and adjust instructional strategies, as needed, to maximize probability of student success
- Build effective relationships with parents and students through regular communication and availability to students and parents
- Participate in professional growth and development, staying abreast of current research through continuing education, educational seminars, workshops, conferences, membership in professional organizations of the subject taught, and attendance at district-sponsored in-service opportunities
- Meet professional obligations through efficient work habits such as, meeting deadlines, honoring schedules, coordinating resources and meetings in an effective and timely manner, and demonstrate respect for others
- All work responsibilities are subject to having performance goals and/or targets established
Qualifications
- Valid Michigan Teaching Certification in the required subject matter and grade band
- A minimum of 5 years fulltime successful teaching experience in the required subject matter and grade band
- Michigan Residency Preferred
- Excellent communication skills, both oral and written
- Customer focused approach
- High degree of flexibility
- Demonstrated ability to work well in a fast-paced environment
- Technologically proficient (especially with Microsoft Office products)
- Travel and attendance at in-person events, including State Testing is required throughout the school year, as determined by the school. This may require overnight travel
- Ability to work some occasional evening hours, as needed to support families
Michigan 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.
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.
