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Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is Connections Academy?
Connections Academy provides a new form of free public school that students attend from home or another location outside a traditional classroom. This is a unique program that combines the strong parental involvement of home schooling, the expertise and accountability of publicly funded education, and the flexibility of online classes. Connections Academy provides all the tools and support students need to learn in the non-classroom setting. We currently operate schools in many states.
2. What is the best way to apply for a job with Connections Academy? Can I email or fax my resume?
Connections Academy requires all candidates to apply online by creating a profile and completing the online application. All hiring managers have direct access to all online applications. Hiring managers are able to search for candidates, review resumes, and contact candidates to schedule interviews.
3. How can I check the status of my application?
Upon completion of the online application, a confirmation will be automatically sent to your email address. All hiring managers have access to view applications. The hiring manager regularly reviews new applications. If your application is selected for an interview, you will be contacted directly by the hiring manager.
4. Where do I find salary information regarding my position?
Connections Academy does not use a set salary scale. Our salary system is a performance-based model. At the time of hire, an individualized offer is made to the candidate. Years of experience, education level, fit in our environment and special skills are considered when making the initial offer. Once you are employed by Connections Academy, salary increases are tied to your performance.
5. What other performance incentives are available for teachers?
Teachers also have the potential to earn a 5% bonus each year, which is based on both individual performance as well as the performance of the school. Other incentives are tied to performance, such as the potential to earn work-at-home days and extra personal days. Connections Academy also offers a career ladder opportunity for teachers. The career ladder provides teachers the opportunity to take on leadership roles giving them upward mobility and increased pay.
6. How does the career ladder for teachers work?
The career ladder provides the opportunity for teachers to take on leadership roles and giving them upward mobility and increased pay. Learn more about the Career Ladder program on the Career Ladder Opportunities page.
7. Does Connections Academy offer benefits?
Connections Academy offers competitive compensation with annual performance-based salary review, and a potential annual bonus incentive. We offer comprehensive benefit plans (with great employee rates) to full-time employees. Visit the Benefits page to view a full list of employee benefits.
8. Can I teach for Connections Academy if I don’t hold a teaching certificate?
Connections Academy schools are public schools and must adhere to regulations set by the No Child Left Behind Act. All teachers must hold a valid teaching certificate for the state in which they are teaching and must be appropriate to the subject they are teaching. For example, a teacher who teaches high school Social Studies for Colorado Connections Academy must hold a valid Secondary Social Studies teaching certificate for Colorado.
9. If I teach for Connections Academy, can I work from home?
Most full time teaching positions for Connections Academy report to the local office location. Teachers have the ability to earn work-at-home days based on performance. All adjunct teachers work from home. All job postings indicate whether the position is office-based or home-based.
10. How does teaching in a virtual classroom differ from teaching in a classroom in a brick and mortar school?
Virtual teachers complete the same tasks as teachers in a brick and mortar school – i.e. monitoring student progress, delivering direct instruction, lesson planning, assessing student learning, and communicating with parents. Virtual teachers use various modes of technology to complete these tasks. Connections Academy teachers use the Learning Management System (LMS) to monitor student progress and record student achievement. The LMS WebMail system and phone calls are used to keep in communication with students and parents. Teachers deliver direct instruction through LiveLesson®. Connections Academy teachers work in an office environment or at home and are not managing a classroom of students.
11. What is LiveLesson®? How does LiveLesson® work?
LiveLesson® is an interactive teaching tool, Connections Academy teachers use to enhance instruction and communicate with students. LiveLesson® uses Acrobat Connect, a web-based communication system purchased by Connections Academy for online synchronous and recorded sessions. Students sign into the teacher’s LiveLesson® classroom and participate via chat to ask questions, type responses and interact with the teacher and students in the virtual classroom. Teachers prepare and share PowerPoint presentations and take advantage of whiteboard tools, Q&A, and poll questions to highlight specific concepts in the lesson. The teacher can also use breakout rooms and group the students for class discussions.
12. What curriculum does Connections Academy provide?
Connections Academy provides comprehensive lesson plans, both online and in print in all core subjects like reading and math, along with exciting enrichment courses. Visit our Curriculum page to learn more. Our proven curriculum incorporates materials developed by leading educational institutions as well as lessons developed by our own curriculum specialists. The curriculum providers include McGraw-Hill, Calvert School, Prentice Hall, and Houghton Mifflin, to list just a few.
13. Do Connections Academy teachers have the opportunity to see their students?
Connections Academy teachers have the opportunity to see their students by the use of a webcam during LiveLessons®. In addition, teachers meet students in person during the proctoring of state testing and field trips.
14. How does state testing work in a virtual school?
All students must complete the standardized tests that are required in their state or district. Each school arranges testing locations throughout the state. Teachers travel to the testing sites to proctor state exams. Travel expenses are paid for by the school.
15. As a virtual teacher, am I able to get involved in school-sponsored clubs and/or organizations?
While it’s not an expectation as part of a teacher’s role within Connections Academy, we always welcome teacher involvement in our clubs; the clubs and activities team would be happy to work with any interested teachers on an individual basis to see where the best fit would be.
16. What types of support are in place for teachers with Connections Academy?
Connections Academy employs a team of School Support Representatives. Each school has a representative who is a liaison to address teacher needs. The School Support team assists with training and professional development, resolution of technology challenges, distribution of curriculum materials, and various other support functions.
Teachers also have the chance to speak with Dr. Guttentag, the Executive Vice President and Chief Education Officer, during bimonthly Brown Bag Lunches. These informal sessions provide an opportunity for teachers to share their input and experiences in order to improve current processes. Teachers with Connections Academy also have an extensive network of colleagues across the country. Teachers can communicate through teacher message boards and professional learning communities.
17. If Connections Academy doesn’t have a school in my state, can I still teach for Connections Academy?
Typically, Connections Academy employs teachers in a state in which there is a school. Even if a teacher is home-based, he/she still reports to the office for training and/or meetings either on a regular or ad hoc basis. Teachers are also required to be certified in the state in which they are teaching.
18. Can I get in touch with a current Connections Academy teacher?
Yes, we encourage you to contact a Connections Academy teacher. Go to our Connect With a Teacher page to access the backgrounds of several Connections Academy teachers. If you would like to get in touch with one of the teachers, complete the online form provided, and we will arrange an email or phone call.
19. Do Connections Academy teachers work year round?
Connections Academy teachers work 10-months. The first and last teacher work day varies by school. Typically, schools follow a similar calendar as that of the local school districts. Teachers work 200 duty days.
20. Does Connections Academy hire part time teachers?
Connections Academy does hire teachers to teach part-time. Adjunct teachers are part-time and home-based. Adjunct teachers are hired to teach particular courses, typically at the Secondary level. Adjunct teachers must hold a valid certification in the subject area which they are teaching and report to the local office for training.