Teacher Information

Frequently Asked Questions for Teachers

If I am selected to teach for the Virtual Academy, will I still retain my seniority?

Yes. You will still be considered a regular employee for MMUUSD.

Is Virtual Academy an option for Special Educators?

Yes, we are adopting the model of creating a designated position for special educators supporting students enrolled in the MMVA. Total special education positions will be based on student enrollment but our plan is for them to be dedicated to the MMVA. The VTVLC will be providing training for special educators as well as the regular teaching staff.

What is curriculum responsibility for a special educator?

The curriculum is already provided through the VTVLC and there will be professional training for all teachers (including special educators). A special educator would only be working with Virtual Academy students to ensure continuity in the experience.

How will academy teachers be able to be supported in a more personal way (will we be able to see/work with colleagues or will we be working in isolation from our home)?

The plan at this time (subject to meeting with all the School Coordinators) is to have (at first) weekly Zoom meetings to circle the wagons and fill in any items which may need attention/additional support. The VTVLC is trying to coordinate the same meetings (at least once a month) for "VTVLC faculty" meetings by grade levels (elementary, MS, and HS). The Director of Virtual Learning will be checking in with local teachers to do the same work and help support teachers. This may take the form of Faculty Meetings locally to create a network of professional learning locally as extra support for the Virtual Academy Teachers in K-8.

How do sick and personal days work for academy teachers?

Teachers will file any paperwork as usual locally and the Director of Virtual Learning should track any issues when coverage may be an issue. If a teacher is out more than a day or two (and communicating that to families), then we can arrange to have some coverage within the courses (by either local or VTVLC Student Support).

Will the teachers be meeting live with students or is it all asynchronous? Are daily hours flexible?

Yes... live synchronous class meetings daily and 1:1 sessions with students at least every other day. Online office hours are also synchronous.

When will the 9-credit Online Teaching Certificate program work occur?

This will happen throughout the year. You will need to commit to taking the course work through Castleton University.

Does the academy calendar follow the MMUUSD calendar?

Teacher vacations will be locally decided. If any students from other districts are enrolled in their classes, they will continue working while the teacher is on vacation and the teacher will let them know that the following week, when the student is on vacation, they will enter the assessment feedback and do not expect the student will be on for meetings, etc. There are two (2) floating week vacations incorporated into each course per semester to accommodate for this.

How were teachers for virtual learning selected?

It was a voluntary interest survey. We are selecting teachers from their interest based on criteria set forth internally as well as by the VTVLC. Ultimately, it is also a unique environment for teachers so they must be willing to accept the same expectations placed upon students that are enrolled in a 100% virtual learning option. We will be making a selection at the end of the week of August 10th.

Do teachers on the virtual system have in-school teaching obligations as well?

No, the teachers for the Virtual Academy VTVLC Partnership are dedicated to only the virtual students.

What happens to my students that elect to go to the Virtual Academy?

They will be transitioned to a new case manager for the 20-21 SY. Since this is a family option, the students will then go to the designated special educators within the Virtual Academy. There will be many changes in the world of special education this year regardless due to the pandemic.

I looked up the VTVLC to try and get an idea of what types of lessons/style/set up k-4 teachers use. I couldn’t find any. I did find some other assignments they use which look fun. Do you have any links to lessons I could watch? Or links to what a week looks like for a younger student?

THE VTVLC just started its K-6 program this year so it is very new and not all the information has been populated on their website. Look at the K-5 page on this website for more information.

Will teachers be given additional time to work on the 9 credits for the online teaching certification that is required?

The first two classes are both anticipated to be about 10-12 weeks in duration. There will be a couple of weeks break between them. The VTVLC PD Coordinator said that it is very personalized, so more free-flowing as needed.

Will special education students have an MMUUSD special educator to support them?

We are planning to bring on 1-2 designated special educators for the Virtual Academy who will hopefully only have Virtual Academy students on their caseload. However, this will be based on enrollment.

Would I still be paid through MMUUSD?

Yes, the same money and the same negotiated raises.