Teacher of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing

Job Description

10 hours per week.

General Statement of Duties

An employee in this class is responsible for providing specialized instructional services and support to students who are deaf or hard of hearing in accordance with federal, state, and local guidelines. The Teacher of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DHH) develops and implements individualized educational programs designed to meet students’ academic, communication, social-emotional, and functional needs. Work involves collaboration with general education teachers, administrators, related service providers, families, and outside agencies to ensure appropriate access to instruction and educational success.

The employee works under the general supervision of the Exceptional Children’s Director, school administration, or other designated supervisor.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Provides direct instruction and support services to students who are deaf or hard of hearing in individual, small group, and classroom settings.
• Develops, implements, and monitors Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) in compliance with federal and state regulations.
• Assesses students’ communication abilities, academic progress, and functional performance to determine appropriate instructional strategies and accommodations.
• Collaborates with classroom teachers and staff to ensure access to curriculum, instruction, classroom communication, and school activities.
• Recommends and supports accommodations, assistive technology, amplification systems, captioning, and communication supports appropriate for each student.
• Provides consultation and training to school staff regarding hearing loss, communication access, instructional strategies, and classroom modifications.
• Supports students’ language development, self-advocacy skills, social-emotional growth, and independence.
• Coordinates services with audiologists, speech-language pathologists, interpreters, parents/guardians, and outside agencies as appropriate.
• Assists in evaluating the educational effectiveness of hearing assistive technology and communication systems.
• Monitors student progress and maintains accurate educational records, progress reports, and documentation.
• Participates in IEP meetings, eligibility meetings, multidisciplinary team meetings, and other school-related conferences.
• Maintains confidentiality of student information in accordance with FERPA and district policies.
• Participates in required professional development and maintains knowledge of current best practices in deaf education.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Thorough knowledge of instructional methods, communication strategies, and educational practices for students who are deaf or hard of hearing.
• Knowledge of language development and the impact of hearing loss on educational performance.
• Working knowledge of assistive listening devices, hearing technology, amplification systems, and communication supports.
• Ability to communicate effectively using the communication modality appropriate for assigned students, which may include American Sign Language (ASL), Signed English, cued speech, auditory-verbal strategies, or total communication.
• Knowledge of federal and state laws governing Exceptional Children’s services and special education procedures.
• Ability to develop and implement individualized instructional plans and accommodations.
• Strong collaboration and interpersonal skills in working with students, staff, families, and community agencies.
• Ability to analyze educational data and adapt instruction to meet student needs.
• Ability to maintain accurate records and prepare required reports.

Minimum Training and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Deaf Education, Special Education, or a related field from an accredited institution.
• Valid North Carolina teaching license in Deaf Education or eligibility for licensure through the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction.
• Previous experience working with students who are deaf or hard of hearing preferred.

Licensure and Certification Requirements

• Must hold or be eligible to hold a valid North Carolina Professional Educator’s License in Deaf Education.
• Must maintain all required licensure and professional development requirements established by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI).

Physical Requirements

• Ability to effectively communicate through spoken language, sign language, or other communication methods appropriate to the needs of students.
• Ability to move throughout school facilities and participate in classroom and school-related activities.
• Ability to perform tasks requiring visual and auditory attention in instructional settings.