Bachelor's Degree Level Paraprofessional
Illinois Menta Tech Virtual
Classroom Support – Teacher Assistants /
Full-Time /
Hybrid
Job Description
As a Bachelor's Degree Level Paraprofessional with The Menta Group, you will be responsible for virtually working with classroom instructors and staff to offer targeted teaching and support to students in a virtual classroom. This hybrid position requires intra-state Illinois travel approximately 10% of the time.
90 % Virtual Classroom Support with 10% Reimbursed Travel
7 1/2 hour Work Day w/Hours between 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., based on student needs
10 Month School Calendar: Benefit Options & Generous Paid Benefit Time Off!
On-Going employment; return school year after school year
Responsibilities
- Virtual Substitute Teaching, all subjects (Middle through HS)
- Provide virtual academic support in a virtual classroom setting; group and individual support as needed
- Substitute Teach in a virtual classroom setting
- Virtually manage classroom behaviors
- Grading student assignments/projects
- Report behavioral concerns of students to appropriate staff
- Implement and maintain behavioral program policies and data
- TRAVEL, PROVIDING STUDENT RESOURCE SUPPORT (approximately 10% of Job)
- Compensated Travel, using personal vehicle (reimbursed for miles, tolls) to deliver student materials such as electronic devices, project materials, books, and other materials to student homes. Travel is Intra-State Illinois.
- Visit student homes on an occasional, case-by-case basis to address truancy or other academic concerns.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's Degree (BA or BS) is required in order to possess a Substitute Teacher Certification
- Substitute teaching experience is strongly preferred, but not required
- Ability to operate tactfully under stress
- Flexibility to change in routines
- At least 23 years of age
- Ability to travel (reimbursed) using personal vehicle for approximately 10% of the job
Benefits
- Benefit options include: Medical, Dental, Vision, and Supplemental Insurance Programs
- Medical Insurance enrollment is available to full time employees on their date of hire. No waiting period.
- 10 Month School Position with 12 Month Semi-Monthly Pay
- Generous Paid Time Off Benefits for salaried employees
- 403(b) Investment Options
About Menta Tech Academy
Menta Tech Academy is a response for the need of an educational alternative for students with school anxiety, phobia, refusal or other issues that have led to a lack of student attendance which is significantly impacting educational progress. Currently, there are limited options available for special education students to meet the requirements for graduation without attending a physical school site. In addition to completing graduation requirements, there is a need to address the psychological, social, and emotional issues the student is experiencing that present a barrier to school attendance and academic progress.
The Menta Group has a proven history of providing educational programming that addresses the individual student’s needs promoting school success.
Menta Tech Academy is designed to meet the unique needs of special education students as follows:
Students who are not attending school due to school refusal, anxiety, depression, or other factors. There is a documented history of lack of attendance despite interventions.
The severity of these issues has caused a complete lack of progress and/or significant decline in academic achievement in all less restrictive general and special education settings.
Each student enrolled at Menta Tech Academy will be assigned to a primary teacher that will serve as the student’s case manager. Instruction for specific courses may be provided by this teacher or other part-time teaching staff.
The primary teacher/case manager would be responsible for setting the student’s daily agenda, daily contact with the student to ensure understanding of the requirements for the day, supporting teaching staff, providing instruction for some courses and monitoring student participation and progress.
The teacher assistant plays a supportive role in assisting the teacher in preparation for instruction, being available to students to answer questions, clarify, or check for understanding, assist in monitoring student participation, time on task, and work completion.
Menta Tech Academy requires students to be engaged for a minimum of 5 hours daily and operates for 176 student attendance days during the regular school year. Instructional hours can include direct instruction, student completion of assignments, participation in online related services, independent learning, and group activities. An extended school year is also available for students requiring this service during the summer months.
As a part of the intake process, Menta works with the family to address expectations regarding learning in the home environment, acceptable use of equipment, and participation requirements.
Menta Tech Academy provides all resources necessary to participate in the program which includes a google chromebook and access to a wifi hotspot. Students communicate with staff via Google Hangouts which offers a platform for visual and auditory instruction, assessment, and communication in real time. There is also a chat option where students can provide and receive written communications. Staff develop daily agendas with the student that outlines times and objectives for face to face communications, assignments for the day, and reflections.
As the student progresses, opportunities are presented to encourage gradual movement toward integration into a physical school environment. Examples of steps towards integration include but are not limited to:
Online participation in instructional activities with students in the physical setting
Individual one to one instruction
Independent work
Participation in instructional or related services inside the school building before, during, or after school hours.
An increase in the amount of time spent inside the physical location.
About Menta Tech Academy
Menta Tech Academy is an innovative and dynamic virtual K-12 school that harnesses the power of technology to deliver a comprehensive and engaging educational experience.
Designed to meet the needs of students in the digital age, our virtual school offers a flexible and personalized learning environment accessible from anywhere in the world.
By accommodating the diverse needs of students by offering a flexible schedule, students can learn synchronously and asynchronously. We provide a diverse academic selection of courses, from core subjects like mathematics, science, language arts, and social studies to specialized disciplines such as computer science, fine arts, and more.
Through live virtual classes, video lectures, discussion boards, and one-on-one sessions, students receive personalized attention and guidance to maximize their learning potential.
In addition, Menta Tech Academy promotes a collaborative learning environment where students can interact with their peers through virtual group projects, online forums, and social activities. We believe fostering social connections and building a sense of community are crucial aspects of the educational experience, even in a virtual setting.
Whether students require an accelerated learning path, extra support, or the flexibility to balance their education with other commitments, our virtual school provides the necessary tools and resources to succeed.
Professional Associations and/or Partnerships
The Menta Group affiliates are members/partners with CEC, CASE, Autism Speaks, ASBA, AAPSEC, AASA, CCSSO, SEAA, ASCD, and many more associations that focus on the education of children with disabilities.
Equal Opportunity Employer
The Menta Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The Menta Group ensures equal employment opportunities regardless of race, creed, sex, color, national origin, religion, age, sexual orientation or disability. The District has a policy of active recruitment of qualified minority teachers and non-certified employees. Any individual needing assistance in making application for any opening should contact the district office.
