School Summary 

Georgia Connections Academy is a tuition-free, full-time virtual school for students in grades K-12 throughout Georgia. The school is authorized by the Georgia Charter Schools Commission and governed by an independent Board of Directors, with a mission to maximize academic achievement for students who are seeking other academic options. The school is operated by Georgia Connections Academy, a nonprofit corporation, through a contract with Connections Academy of Georgia, LLC, to provide its educational program and other services. Connections Academy, a division of Connections Education, is accredited by AdvancED, and GACA is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges & Schools Council on Accreditation and School Improvement. 

Position Summary and Responsibilities 

Working from our office in Duluth, Georgia, the Assistant Principal of Special Education provides leadership and oversight for developing, implementing, and managing special education programs and services. This role ensures compliance with state and federal regulations, fosters an inclusive learning environment, and supports the academic, social, and emotional growth of students with disabilities. The Assistant Principal of Special Education collaborates with educators, families, and the community to ensure equitable access to quality education for all students. 

All GACA staff must be able to participate in monthly in-person activities, including but not limited to: 

School and department meetings,  Student engagement opportunities, Required training/development, School-level events, such as state testing and graduation.

This is a 12-month, full-time position. 

The Assistant Principal of Special Education will be responsible for the successful completion of the following tasks: 

Provide leadership in the planning, development, and implementation of special education programs and services.  Oversee the development and implementation of specially designed instruction (SDI) to ensure students with disabilities receive individualized support per their IEP  Support the development of interventions and strategies to address academic and behavioral challenges  Monitor lesson planning to ensure they include evidence-based strategies for SDI  Conduct classroom observations to ensure that teachers are delivering SDI with fidelity Provide professional development and training for staff to build capacity in special education practices  Manage and supervise special education teachers to ensure the delivery of high-quality instruction and services  Monitor and manage data related to student progress on IEP goals and service delivery Work collaboratively and participate in weekly meetings with the Special Education Director to address the needs of students with disabilities  Understand the requirements for and assist the state testing team to facilitate the administration of all district testing  Collaborate with district staff to prepare for audits and state reporting  Foster a culture of inclusion and support for students with disabilities within the school community  Attend and participate in leadership meetings with the Principal, contributing to decision-making and strategic planning  Assist the Principal in developing budgets and allocating resources for special education programs  Oversee instructional aspect of enrollment to ensure accurate placements and that teachers receive guidance on special education supports and services  Manage the hiring and onboarding process of special education teachers  Address concerns related to special education services, acting as an advocate for students and families  Provides solution-focused approach when collaborating with parents and GACA staff to ensure positive student outcomes  Other duties as assigned. 

Qualifications: 

Georgia Special Education teacher certification  Must have no ethics violations  Must have received a rating of Effective or Highly Effective in the most recent performance review.  Must have a clearance certificate as defined by the GaPSC.  GaPSC Education Leadership Certificate or currently enrolled in a leadership program.  Strong technology skills (especially with Microsoft Excel and Google Sheets products)  Excellent communication skills, both oral and written  Customer focused approach  Excellent attention to detail and organizational skills  Experience in writing policies and procedures  Expert knowledge of IDEA and Georgia Rules and Regulations regarding Special Education  Expert knowledge in FTE funding rules and reporting  Flexible and willing to provide and receive constructive feedback  Team player with demonstrated leadership skills  Demonstrated ability to work well in a fast-paced environment  Skilled in the use of spreadsheets  Experience in training and/or coaching adult learners  Experience in analyzing data to make informed decisions  Strong desire to continue career improvement and advancement through professional development  Willingness to travel on occasion for marketing, school and state testing events (may require occasional overnight travel)