Job Summary:

The Alternative Learning Teacher is responsible for planning, administering, and directing the school district’s alternative education program. This position supports the students who experience a significant impact on their education due to behavioral and social skills deficits. The goal is to provide structure, support, and educational opportunities for students at risk for academic and/or behavior reasons, working collaboratively with district and school staff to promote learning and enable students to reach their full potential.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities:

Curriculum and Instructional Support:

• Coordinate the development, implementation, and revision of the curriculum for alternative education with curriculum & instruction.
• Monitor and provide supervision for online instructional programming.

Student Engagement and Support:

• Provide effective direct services to students, including developmentally appropriate face-to-face services.
• Create goals and objectives for students based on progress in the program and revise plans based on student needs.
• Assist with transitioning students who have attended an alternative education facility back to the comprehensive school setting.
• Implement instructional activities that foster collaboration and active student engagement.

Family and Community Involvement:

• Meet with parents/guardians and students to resolve concerns and determine appropriate educational placements.
• Communicate with the transportation department to arrange transportation as needed for alternative education students.
• Facilitate interagency planning between the school division and external service providers such as regional programs, court services, and detention centers.

Staff Collaboration and Support:

• Assist principals, administrators, and teachers in understanding alternative education and making appropriate referrals for student placement.
• Engage in continuing improvement of professional knowledge and skills and reflect periodically to determine professional development needs.

Stakeholder Communication:

• Interpret alternative education instruction to the School Board, staff, parents, and the community.
• Provide appropriate accommodations/modifications for students with special needs, including exceptional education students and students with limited proficiency in English.
• Foster student responsibility, appropriate social behavior, integrity, valuing of cultural diversity, and respect for self and others.

Classroom Management and Environment:

• Establish and maintain a positive, organized, and safe learning environment.
• Communicate high expectations to all students and maintain academic focus.
• Establish classroom routines and procedures for students to follow consistently.
• Maintain academic focus by using a variety of techniques to encourage and motivate students.

Instructional Practices:

• Implement instructional activities that foster collaboration and active student engagement.
• Provide appropriate accommodations/modifications for students with special needs, including exceptional education students and students with limited proficiency in English.
• Develop and use assessment strategies (traditional and alternative) as checks for student understanding.
• Provide actionable and appropriate feedback to students about their work and opportunities for growth.

Record Keeping and Reporting:

• Ensure accurate record-keeping of students receiving alternative education instructional services.
• Prepare or direct the preparation of reports to state, federal, and local regulatory and grant agencies as required.

Regulatory Compliance:

• Administer standardized tests in accordance with guidance and directions provided.
• Ensure compliance with school and district policies, procedures, and programs.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited institution.
• Minimum of five (5) years of classroom experience.
• Knowledge of current research and best practices in alternative education.
• Demonstrated strong interpersonal skills to collaborate with all staff in a school and provide ongoing staff development and leadership.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with colleagues in the pursuit of improvement of instruction (data analysis and decision-making)
• • Demonstrated ability to design, model, and support teachers in instructional practices that meet the needs of all students.
  
  
  

  Skills and Knowledge:

  • Knowledge of child development, especially of characteristics of children in the assigned age group.
  • Knowledge of prescribed curriculum, best practices, and current educational research.
  • Basic understanding and knowledge of technology and software utilized within the district.
  • Knowledge of learning styles and skill in using differentiation to address student learning needs.
  • Skill in oral and written communication with students, parents, and other stakeholders.
  • Ability to plan and implement activities for maximum effectiveness.
  • Ability to effectively assess levels of student achievement, analyze results, and use the results to inform instruction in the classroom.
  • Ability to maintain appropriate student supervision and behavior to ensure a safe and orderly learning environment.
  • Ability to collaborate and work effectively with peers, administrators, parents, and others.
  
  

  Physical Requirements:

  • Must have the use of sensory skills to communicate and interact effectively with other staff and the public through phone and personal contact.
  • Physical capability to effectively use and operate various office-related equipment such as a personal computer, copier, and fax machine.
  • Light Work: Exerting up to 30 pounds of force occasionally and/or up to 10 pounds of force as needed.
  • Sit, stand, and walk for required periods of time.
  • Possible exposure to a variety of childhood and adult disabilities/illnesses.
  
  

  Work Environment:

  Primarily office-based with regular visits to schools and community locations. Some evening and weekend work may be required for events and meetings.

  
  
  

  Disclaimer:  The above statements are intended to describe the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this position. They are not intended to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and skills that may be required of the employees assigned to this position. This description may be revised by the supervisor, with HR review and approval, at any time.

Reports to: Director of Student Services