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ACCESS Virtual Learning

Alabama Connecting Classrooms, Educators & Students Statewide

Resources

  • If you need academic support in an ACCESS Virtual Learning course, it is important to communicate your questions or concerns as soon as possible. Students should first contact their ACCESS teacher through Schoology Messages and keep their school-assigned facilitator, school counselor, and parent/guardian informed of any academic concerns or challenges.

    Additional support is available through the Madison Regional Support Center. Students may contact a Success Coach through Schoology Messages or reach the Support Center by emailing mcaccesshelp@madisoncity.k12.al.us or calling (256) 774-4609. Early communication and seeking help when needed are key to success in an online learning environment.

  • Click this link for the ACCESS Academic Calendar.

  • Interested in teaching for ACCESS Virtual Learning? ACCESS teachers help expand educational opportunities for students across Alabama by providing high-quality online instruction and support in a virtual learning environment. The information below outlines the qualifications, application process, and ongoing expectations for ACCESS teachers.

     

    Minimum Requirements

     

    To be considered for an ACCESS teaching position, applicants must meet the following requirements:

    1. Hold a valid Alabama teaching certificate in the content area to be taught
    2. Meet all required background check requirements
    3. Have at least three years of classroom teaching experience in grades 6–12 within the subject area to be taught through ACCESS

     

    Application Process

     

    Step 1: Submit Application Documents

     

    Complete and submit the MC Teacher Application.

    In addition, applicants must also submit the following documents:

    • Alabama teaching certificate
    • Current resume including subjects taught, schools, and years of experience
    • Signed letter of recommendation from the applicant’s current principal on school letterhead
    • AP certification, if applicable

     

    Completed application materials should be emailed to Sheri Smith at sdsmith@madisoncity.k12.al.us.

     

    Step 2: Application Review

     

    Applications are reviewed for completeness upon submission and remain on file for 1 year from the date of receipt.

     

    Step 3: Interview Process

     

    Teacher staffing needs for the upcoming school year are evaluated during the spring semester. Based on program needs, selected applicants may be contacted for a phone interview in late spring.

     

    Step 4: Teacher Training

     

    Selected teachers will be invited to participate in required ACCESS training sessions and complete online training modules before teaching ACCESS courses.

     

    *Please note that completion of the application process does not guarantee employment with ACCESS Virtual Learning.

     

    Annual Teacher Requirements

     

    ACCESS teachers are expected to participate in ongoing professional learning and communication throughout the school year. Annual expectations include the following:

    • Attending monthly online faculty meetings
    • Participating in the annual summer Teacher Day professional development event by attending in person or completing the required online Teacher Day modules
    • Joining and actively monitoring the following Schoology groups:
      • Connecting ACCESS Staff & Teachers – Madison City (CAST-MC)
      • Connecting ACCESS Staff & Teachers – Alabama State Department of Education (CAST-ALSDE)

     

    We appreciate educators who are committed to supporting student achievement and providing engaging, high-quality online learning experiences for students across Alabama.

    For additional information, please review the ACCESS Policy Manual.

     

     

  • For students enrolled in ACCESS Virtual Learning courses who have IEP, 504, or EL Plans, these documents must be submitted to ACCESS through PowerSchool Special Programs. Depending on the LEA, plans may be uploaded at either the local school or district level.

    Instructions and resources for submitting Special Population documents are provided below. If you have questions regarding Special Population students or the upload process, please contact your ACCESS Support Center for assistance.

    For more information regarding ACCESS and Special Population students, please refer to the ACCESS Policy Manual for Schools: Special Populations.

    Adding 504 & EL Plans

    Written Instructions

    Step-by-Step Guide

     

  • Teachers should log in to https://accessvl.schoology.com to access and manage the ACCESS courses they are teaching. If you need assistance retrieving your login credentials, please email ALSDE for assistance at schoologyenrollments@alsde.edu. 

    Teachers should also join the following Schoology groups to stay informed and connected:

     

    • CAST-MC (Connecting ACCESS Staff & Teachers – Madison City) for information regarding faculty meetings, professional development, weekly Faculty Focus newsletters, updates, announcements, and instructional resources
    • CAST-ALSDE (Connecting ACCESS Staff & Teachers – Alabama State Department of Education) for statewide ACCESS updates, professional development opportunities, course-specific training information, and registration details for ACCESS professional learning sessions

     

    For additional assistance, please refer to the Alabama State Department of Education ACCESS webpage or contact your ACCESS Support Center.