e-Teacher - Next Online

Description:Location - Colorado (Hybrid)FLSA Status - Exempt, Full-TimeAbout Zero DropoutsZero Dropouts exists to deliver innovative student development opportunities in a way that invites school districts, communities, and students to co-create unique solutions that recognize, foster, and unleash students’ unrealized potential so that their lives are transformed as they thrive in their education and work.Our Next GED Plus Online (Next Online) program is designed for learners whose lives do not align with traditional school structures, pacing, or attendance expectations. Many of our students are highly mobile, balancing work, family responsibilities, housing instability, or other complex life circumstances that make consistent participation in brick-and-mortar settings difficult.We design for flexibility without lowering expectations—creating responsive, relationship-based learning environments where students can engage, re-engage, and make meaningful progress on pathways that adapt to their lives.What We BelieveOur foundational beliefs guide every aspect of our work:We Believe Mysteries are OpportunitiesWe are inspired to solve the deeply complex mysteries that face our world. Our innovative approach drives us to uncover hidden truths and create tailored solutions that address the unique challenges of our clients and communities.We Believe in Anti-Deficit IdeologyAnti-deficit ideology focuses on recognizing and valuing the strengths, abilities, and potential of individuals and communities, rather than highlighting their shortcomings or deficiencies.We Believe in a Sociocultural Model for LearningPeople develop knowledge and skills through an active learning process that encourages interactions with teachers, peers, and their communities. We meet people where they are in their learning journeys, centering their experiences and identities in the process to foster both independent learning and collaboration.We Believe in a ‘Power With’ Approach to RelationshipsWe use a ‘power with’ approach that emphasizes collaboration, mutual support, and collective empowerment in our relationships with youth, partners, and each other. Instead of hierarchical or competitive dynamics, it focuses on sharing power, fostering partnerships, and working together to achieve common goals.We Believe Organizations are Living SystemsWe believe that organizations and groups operate as dynamic living systems. This perspective emphasizes interdependence and collaboration, fostering resilience and adaptability. By nurturing supportive relationships and collective growth, we create conditions and environments where all members can thrive.Role OverviewThe e-Teacher provides live online instruction to students working toward earning their GED and preparing for postsecondary pathways. This role is responsible for creating a supportive and engaging virtual classroom environment where students can build academic skills, gain confidence, and make progress toward their goals. e-Teachers lead synchronous online classes, support students through challenges, monitor academic progress, and help students stay connected and motivated throughout their educational journey. This position works closely with other members of the Next Online team to ensure students receive the instruction, encouragement, and support needed to persist and succeed. Who You AreYou are an educator who knows that learning happens in relationship. In an online environment, you don’t just deliver content—you design for connection, belonging, and forward momentum.You meet students where they are and build with them. You understand that consistency, pacing, and participation may look different for each student—and rather than expecting students to fit a system, you adapt the system to fit students. You are skilled at differentiating in real time, adjusting instruction, expectations, and supports to meet learners with varying schedules, skill levels, and life demands.You understand that engagement is not compliance—it is something we intentionally design through purpose, agency, and meaningful work. You create opportunities for students to re-engage without penalty or shame, while still maintaining clear pathways toward progress.You hold the hope. You see potential before students can see it in themselves and create conditions where they can experience progress, capability, and ownership of their learning.You believe access matters. Students should be able to demonstrate what they know and can do in ways that align with their strengths—including language. You work to remove barriers and expand pathways. Bilingual (English/Spanish) skills are especially valuable in supporting students preparing for GED assessments offered in both languages.You thrive in a collaborative, evolving environment. You are reflective, adaptable, and grounded in a “power with” approach—working alongside students, families, and colleagues to co-create meaningful learning experiences.What You’ll DoDesign & Facilitate Learning in RelationshipDesign and facilitate live, online, standards-aligned virtual learning experiences grounded in interaction, dialogue, and shared meaning-makingCreate opportunities for students to learn with and from each other, not just independently or passively via lectures or textsDesign learning experiences that flex to meet students with varying schedules, skill levels, and levels of participationDifferentiate instruction in real time—adjusting pacing, grouping, and support based on student engagement and readinessRe-engage students who have missed learning by helping them re-enter without penalty or shame, while maintaining momentum toward their goalsProvide targeted Tier 2 and 3 support through small groups and 1:1 instruction as neededIntegrate academic skill-building with real-world relevance and postsecondary pathwaysImplement accommodations aligned with IEPs and 504 plansBuild Engagement & MomentumTake an active, ongoing role in student engagement—reaching out, building connection, and sustaining momentum over timeRecognize that engagement may be inconsistent and design proactive strategies to re-engage students without relying on compliance-based approachesBuild strong, trust-based relationships with students and families using a “power with” approachCommunicate regularly with students and caregivers to support persistence, clarity, and shared understanding of goalsSupport and help coordinate key student milestones, including GED Ready and Official GED testing—working alongside students and team members to ensure testing happens in a timely and supported wayWork alongside students to identify and navigate barriers that impact their ability to engageCreate conditions where students feel known, supported, and accountable to themselves and their goalsRecognize that responsibility for student progress is shared, and step in where needed to ensure forward movementNotice, Interpret, and Respond to LearningMonitor student engagement, progress, and participation as part of an ongoing learning processUse patterns in student work, attendance, and interaction to inform instructional decisions and supportsProvide timely, meaningful feedback that helps students understand their progress and next stepsMaintain accurate records in required systemsCapture both quantitative and qualitative evidence of student growth to inform program improvement and storytellingContribute to a Living SystemCollaborate with the Next Online team to align practices, share learning, and strengthen the program over timeParticipate in team conversations grounded in inquiry, reflection, and continuous improvementContribute to design and innovation efforts as the program evolvesBuild and maintain relationships with internal teams, district partners, and community connectionsUse shared communication tools (Teams, Outlook, Coda) to stay connected and coordinatedOperate with a mindset of interdependence—recognizing when to lead, when to support, and when to step in to move shared work forwardContinue to Learn and EvolveEngage in professional learning, coaching, and reflection to strengthen your practiceStay responsive to new ideas, tools, and research that support student engagement and learningContribute to a culture of shared learning across the organizationRequirements:Required QualificationsCurrent Colorado Teaching License (7–12) or eligibility to transfer a valid out-of-state teaching license to ColoradoExperience with or strong readiness for teaching in virtual learning environments, particularly facilitating live online instructionProficiency in Google Suite and Microsoft applicationsStrong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple responsibilities in a dynamic environmentDemonstrated ability to build rapport across diverse backgrounds, with strong cultural competence and adaptability in communication with students, families, and partnersPreferred QualificationsCurrent Colorado Teaching License in Language Arts or Social Studies (7–12) or eligibility to transfer a valid out-of-state teaching license to ColoradoBilingual (English/Spanish) proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing, as the GED assessment is offered in both languages and language access is critical to student successExperience working with youth in alternative educational or community-based settings (e.g., credit recovery, GED preparation, re-engagement, or wraparound services)Experience working with IEPs, 504 plans, and multilingual learners (ELD populations)Experience in case management, including tracking student progress and supporting resource or career navigationKnowledge of Colorado’s community college and career technical education systems and workforce development programming, particularly transitions from secondary to postsecondary pathwaysCOMPENSATION: Starting at $58,000/yearBENEFITS: Company 401(k) plan with Employer Contribution Match, Medical, Dental & Vision Coverage, Paid Time Off (Sick Time, Holidays, Flexible Vacation), Life Insurance; Not PERA eligible.  Work Environment & Schedule:Full-time, year-round positionThis is a hybrid role—primary responsibilities are carried out virtually, with some in-person meetings, professional development, and all-staff gatherings will be required several times throughout the yearCandidates must reside in ColoradoSome evening availability may be required to meet student needs