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 Cognia, and Georgia Connections Academy is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges & Schools Council on Accreditation and School Improvement. 

Job Summary: 

We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced individual to join our team as the Middle School Program Coordinator. Working from the Duluth, GA office, the Middle School Program Coordinator at Georgia Connections Academy (GACA) is a 12-month employee who plays a vital role in supporting the educational mission of the school. The Middle School Program Coordinator will serve as a key leadership team member, providing strategic guidance and operational support to ensure the success of school programs, initiatives, and student engagement. This position is responsible for assisting the Principal and Assistant Principal in the overall administration and management of the school, with a primary focus on student success and teacher support. All GACA staff must be able to participate in monthly in-person activities, including but not limited to: 

monthly 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. 

Key Responsibilities: 

Program Development and Management

Collaborate with teachers and staff to design, implement, and evaluate academic and extracurricular programs that align with the school's vision and strategic goals.  Coordinate and oversee scheduling, testing, and other academic operations to ensure smooth execution of school programs.  Use data-driven decision-making to identify areas for program improvement and implement targeted interventions. 

Instructional Leadership 

Support teachers in the development and delivery of high-quality instructional practices through coaching, professional development, and classroom observations. Facilitate professional learning communities (PLCs) to foster collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement among staff.  Analyze student performance data to inform instructional strategies and program adjustments.  Oversee the implementation of Tier 1 interventions to ensure all students receive high-quality, proactive support, and manage the referral process for identifying students in need of Tier 2 interventions.  Provide guidance, expertise and professional development to staff on implementing consistent and effective Tier 1 interventions for students.  Ensure the curriculum aligns with state standards and best practices.  Lead the selection and implementation of instructional materials and resources.  Support teachers in developing and using formative and summative assessments effectively.  Analyze student achievement and assessment data to identify trends and inform instruction.  Use data to design targeted interventions and support plans for students and teachers.  Monitor progress toward instructional goals and adjust strategies as needed.  Observe classrooms regularly and provide constructive feedback to teachers.  Work closely with counselors, teachers, and families to provide tailored support for students with academic, social, or behavioral challenges.  Lead and monitor restorative practices and discipline processes to maintain a safe and inclusive learning environment. 

Student Support and School Climate 

Develop and implement initiatives to promote a positive school culture and improve student engagement, attendance, and behavior.  Evaluate and approve field trip and event requests, ensuring alignment with GACA's policies and procedures. Oversee logistics, funding, and ensure the safety and well-being of students and families while maximizing their benefits. Facilitate a wide range of activities by working closely with grade-level chairs, school and district leaders, the Parent Engagement Team, and the Marketing Team. Ensure events are balanced across different regions and offer equal opportunities for engagement.  Manage the school's events calendar and communicate event details effectively to the GACA Middle School leadership team and community, ensuring transparency and participation.  Provide operational support for other school-wide engagement efforts as needed, including Welcome/End-of-Year Events, school initiatives, Breakfast clubs, Parent Meetings, and Town Halls, to enhance the community and learning environment. 

Administrative and Operational Leadership 

Support the principal in managing the day-to-day operations of the virtual school, including staff supervision, technology oversight, and ensuring compliance with district and state policies.  Responsible for gathering, organizing, and disseminating crucial data related to School Year Cycle tasks (SYC), contacts, grading, and other relevant information. ○ Collaborates with stakeholders to ensure accurate and up-to-date data collection, facilitating efficient decision-making processes.  Takes a leadership role in conducting grade-level or team meetings, fostering an environment of open communication, collaboration, and productivity. 

○ Discuss progress, challenges, and strategies to maximize the overall effectiveness of the team. 

Collaborate with the leadership team to design and maintain a virtual master schedule that optimizes instructional time, accommodates various student needs, and supports effective resource allocation.  Takes a proactive role in preparing and organizing meetings and agendas for Career Ladder discussions, ensuring that all pertinent topics are covered and objectives are met effectively.  Serves as a major program information resource person, acting as liaison between schools, departments, District office, and other locations. Dispenses pertinent information and direction to students, parents, staff, and visitors. Monitor and coordinate learning platforms, ensuring seamless access for students and staff and troubleshooting technical issues as needed.  Serve as a liaison between staff, students, parents, and the broader community, utilizing virtual communication tools to foster strong relationships and stakeholder engagement. Assist in organizing and facilitating middle school meetings, workshops, and events to promote collaboration, professional development, and a sense of community in the online environment.  Coordinates follow-up tasks to ensure that the timelines are met; arranges correspondence for supervisor's personal reply in the order of a predetermined priority with appropriate background materials available for reference. Exercises diplomacy in answering questions and resolves situations involving students, parents, public, school staff and district personnel through knowledge of school policies and general district rules and regulations. Observe, supervise, and evaluate staff, as assigned, in accordance with district policies including TKES. Leads and manages the Middle School Summer School program as the Administrator. The Middle School Summer School administrator would be responsible for hiring summer school teachers, creating rosters based upon final grades, tracking and monitoring student and teacher progress, final promotion and retention decisions and processing, and other administrative duties as assigned. Assists with new student enrollment tasks such as, but not limited to, the review of principal flags, course placements, and sectioning.

Professional Development and Leadership Growth 

Participate in leadership training and mentorship programs designed to prepare for future administrative roles.  Take on additional responsibilities and projects that align with the school’s goals and personal growth as an aspiring assistant principal. 

Minimum Qualifications: 

Must be a GaPSC certified educator  Must have no ethics violations  Must have received an overall 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. 

Qualifications: 

Valid teaching certification and GAPSC educational leadership certification or currently enrolled in a leadership program.  Previous experience in educational leadership (preferred)  Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.  Knowledge of curriculum development and instructional best practices. Commitment to student success and teacher support.  Must receive manager recommendation (if internal applicant)  Possesses a positive customer service attitude in interactions with all stakeholders.  Flexible and willing to provide and receive constructive feedback  Must be able and willing to conduct and participate in collaborative meetings, professional development sessions, and events at the GACA office and/or other locations as needed.  Demonstrated ability to work well in fast-paced environment Willingness to travel on occasion for marketing and state testing events (may require occasional overnight travel)