Special Programs Support Specialist (Work from Home)

The Wisconsin Virtual Academies (WVAs) are three public charter schools authorized by the McFarland School District and powered by Stride K12, Inc: Wisconsin Virtual Academy, Insight School of Wisconsin, and Destinations Career Academy. Our collective mission is to provide equitable, personalized learning opportunities for students no matter who they are, where they are, or what they need.

We are seeking a dynamic, highly motivated candidate to join our team as a Special Programs Support Specialist starting in the 2026-27 school year. Candidates must be passionate about helping students succeed, adept at navigating multiple systems simultaneously, and excited for the unique realities of an online learning environment.

Position Overview:

This is a full-time, year-round position. During the morning, the Special Programs Support Specialist will act as a special education assistant for students and staff in our LEAP program, which serves students with more intensive learning needs and those in a self-contained learning environment. During the afternoon and summer months, the Special Programs Support Specialist will serve as an engagement mentor, focused on maintaining connections with students and families. This position plays an essential role in fostering engagement, success, inclusion, and continuity of support for students with disabilities throughout the year.

Special Education Assistant Key Responsibilities:

• Assist special education teachers in implementing Individualized Education Programs (IEPs)
• Provide small-group and one-on-one instructional support in academic, behavioral, and functional skill development
• Support classroom activities by adapting materials and reinforcing lessons under the direction of the teacher
• Promote student independence and engagement in learning tasks
• Monitor and support students' social-emotional functioning and development
• Work collaboratively with special education teachers, general education teachers, therapists, counselors, mentors, and other staff
• Communicate regarding student progress and needs
• Support a safe, structured, and positive learning environment
• Participate in team meetings and professional development as required

Engagement Mentor Key Responsibilities:

• Serve as a point of contact for students and families over the summer
• Initiate meaningful and recurring contact by phone, email, and other means with students and Learning Coaches
• Provide ongoing re-registration support
• Facilitate structured activities designed to support student connection and engagement over the summer
• Build and maintain positive mentoring relationships with assigned students
• Maintain regular communication with families to encourage participation and engagement
• Serve as a liaison between students, families, and program staff when needed
• Assist with planning and implementing engaging, inclusive summer activities
• Track attendance, participation, and communication efforts as required

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Positive attitude, flexible, and enthusiastic about supporting and engaging striving learners
• Practical knowledge and understanding of student motivation, behavior, and, skill development
• Ability to provide academic and engagement support to students with a range of academic and functional needs
• Strong organizational skills, communication skills, and the ability to multi-task
• High degree of professionalism and the ability to maintain strict confidentiality related to school and student matters
• Willing to follow the direction of special education and general education staff, including receiving positive and constructive feedback
• Adept at learning and navigating multiple student information systems and other platforms
• Familiarity with Microsoft 365 (e.g., Office, Outlook, OneDrive, Teams, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.)

Title IX Compliance:

The Wisconsin Virtual Academies (WVA) does not discriminate on the basis of sex and prohibits sex discrimination in any education program or activity that it operates, as required by Title IX and its regulations, including in admission and employment.

Inquiries about Title IX may be referred to Becky Eberhardt, WVA Title IX Coordinator, the US Department of Education's Office of Civil Rights, or both. The WVA Title IX Coordinator is Becky Eberhardt, 4721 Dale Curtain Drive, McFarland, WI 53558, reberhardt@k12.com, 608-838-9482.

The WVA nondiscrimination policy and grievance procedure can be located on the WVA websites under the Non-Discrimination Notice link. To report information about conduct that may constitute sex discrimination or make a complaint of sexual discrimination under Title IX, please reference the complaint form on the WVA websites under the Non-Discrimination Notice link.