Position Title:  Independent Study/Home School Teacher

Summary: 

Olive Grove Charter School teachers work with students and families in a TK-12 independent-study/homeschool setting.  The primary role of the Olive Grove teacher is to develop an individualized learning plan for each of his/her students, assign approved school course curriculum, hold individual weekly meetings with students and families to monitor and assess progress in assigned classes, collect, compile, and submit learning period attendance folders, and adhere to and hold students and families accountable to the master agreement guidelines.  The teacher provides differentiated instruction to students and provides positive and consistent academic support and intervention, as necessary.

            When applicable, and as assigned by the school Executive Director and/or Principal, teachers will hold support classes related to their areas of expertise.  Teachers will keep accurate student records, formally calculate and issue student grades quarterly and at the close of each semester and engage in regular communication of student progress with parents.  Teachers will collaborate with colleagues in professional learning communities for the purpose of developing, improving and updating curriculum, as needed, to remain current with educational trends and developments.  Collaborative work between colleagues, parents, and administration to ensure students have the support necessary to perform successfully is also an essential role of the Olive Grove teacher.  Finally, teachers are expected to engage in ongoing professional development to remain dynamic and informed professionals. 

Reporting Responsibilities:  Reports directly to the Lead Teacher

Duties and Responsibilities:  Responsible to implement and follow all school policies and procedures, including but not be limited to the following:

Curriculum Responsibilities/Instructional Management

• Explains school and state graduation requirements to students/parents
• Provides parents and students information about all the curriculum options we offer for student/parent preference
• Differentiates instruction and uses a variety of strategies and approved curriculum to ensure student achievement
• Participates in curricular learning groups based on subject area to develop, revise, and implement curriculum for school wide use
• Plans, implements and coordinates instructional goals, activities, and lessons with students and parents of Homeschool/Independent Study students
• Utilizes approved course pacing guides, places subject assignments into individual weekly assignment sheets
• Works with each student to prepare Individualized Learning Plans (ILPs) in the spring for following year’s classes
• Meets with families and students at the beginning of each semester to review/adjust ILPs, review transcripts, and discuss progress towards graduation and post-high school goals
• Completes the Master Agreement with each student/parent/guardian on or before the first day of attendance
• Reviews and grades work for each class and submits report card with grades/credits earned, quarterly and at the end of each semester or upon withdrawal/dismissal
• Communicates in a timely manner impending dates, such as beginning/end of semester, standardized test dates, and paperwork deadlines to students/parents
• Evaluates student progress on a regular basis and revises individual instructional plans as appropriate
• Communicates with Subject Area teacher regarding student progress, when applicable
• Promotes in students a positive self-concept, self-awareness, self-discipline, responsibility and respect for others
• Establishes and maintains standards and procedures which promote an effective and positive learning environment
• Maintains textbook check-out/check-in procedures
• Maintains contact log information and documentation for every student/parent meeting
• Verifies and signs weekly assignment sheet
• Holds individual weekly meeting with each assigned student (with weekly parent attendance for grades K-8 and minimum monthly parent attendance for grades 9-12)
• Submits LP’s (work samples and signed calendars) to the office within timelines established on the LP schedule.
• Maintains all required records in an organized, efficient and professional manner
• When applicable, and as assigned by the school Executive Director and/or Principal, teachers will hold support classes related to their areas of expertise
• Initiates the SST process with the Lead Teacher when significant areas of concern warrant doing so

Professional Activities and Growth

• Participates in curriculum development, materials selection, staff development, staff committees and professional growth activities as directed
• Promotes positive and effective school communication by ensuring that all interactions with staff, students, parents, and the public at large are prompt, efficient, helpful and friendly
• Attends SST, 504 and IEP meetings and documents students’ present levels of performance
• Maintains professional competence through participation in in-service activities provided by the school and in self-selected professional growth activities as approved

Qualifications:

Training, Education and Experience

• A valid California teaching credential
• Must have knowledge of standards based curriculum, behavior management techniques, record keeping, student assessment, planning for individual student learning needs, and child development
• Understands the overall dynamics of the program including school procedures, paperwork requirements and scope of curriculum

Knowledge and Skills

• Have the human relations skills to effectively deal with a wide variety of students and students’ needs, as well as the parent/guardian and other staff members
• Have the ability to act as teacher, counselor, coach, mentor, student advocate
• Maintain a proactive and positive relationship with students, staff, parents and community members
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret student performance data
• Communicate effectively in written and oral forms
• Ability to write reports, and to effectively present information and respond to questions from parents, staff, students and the general public
• Ability to communicate effectively using email and other electronic tools
• Must be able to use and teach students how to utilize Google Drive for weekly assignment delivery and sharing and editing documents with staff and office
• Effectively use the school computer programs (Pearson Gradpoint, etc.) for tracking student progress
• Ability to adapt instruction to individual student abilities and educational needs
• Provide instruction or seek assistance form other teachers when needed on a wide variety of subjects
• Work effectively with the administration and other teachers within the school
• Perform routine clerical tasks including operation of office-related machines
• Knowledge of special circumstances associated with the independent study students
• Knowledge of remedial teaching techniques
• Punctual
• Expertise in curriculum and instructional strategies for differentiated instruction
• Experience developing relationships with a multicultural community

Miscellaneous

• Must pass FBI/DOJ Background/Fingerprint test, TB Test