So you want to be a Joplin R-8 virtual teacher

In a sign of the times, the Joplin R-8 School District posted advertisements for high school and middle school virtual teachers on the district website Wednesday.

The teachers are being hired to oversee the education of students who are learning at home as the district deals with the changes brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The positions are described in this way in the advertisements:

The full-time virtual teacher is the primary facilitator for Joplin virtual students. The virtual teacher will be assigned a caseload of virtual students. The virtual teacher is responsible for helping students achieve mastery of learning objectives, provide guidance, virtual tutoring, and guiding students to set goals to be successful.

 

The following are described as the positions' essential functions:

Provide virtual instruction to students 

Answering and helping virtual students get orientated to the virtual program (Acellus or Edgenuity); This includes communicating via email, phone, and online. 

Supporting virtual students with all general school information and enrolling in courses, K-8th grades

Examine academic progress and activity of student caseload on a daily and weekly basis 

Monitoring student’s online attendance (hours working online) and following up with students and parents with online attendance concerns 

Daily and weekly contact to students who are showing signs of failing/or not understanding standards

Deliver frequent live tutoring through Google Hangouts 

Ensure weekly communication with all caseload students and parents on current progress in assigned courses 

Schedule students for end of course (cumulative) exams, which occurs in person at the Roi S Wood 

Campus take their test using a lock down browser 

Attend IEP meetings, if required 

Schedule IEP meetings, if required 

Providing Constructive Feedback to students in the subject areas 

Ensure compliance documents such as communication logs and student progress are completed in a timely manner 

Proctoring in person end of course examines (cumulative) for students 

Returning all communication with parents/students ASAP but no longer than 24 hours 

Attending staff meetings 

Help brainstorm ways to motivate and reward virtual students 

Carry out all other duties as assigned