Teacher, Deaf and Hard of Hearing

MADERA COUNTY SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS CLASS TITLE: TEACHER, DEAF AND HARD OF HEARING BASIC FUNCTION: Under the general supervision and direction of an assigned administrator, provide assessment and consultation services to classroom teachers, as well as direct instruction to students who are deaf and/or hard of hearing as needs are identified. Services may be provided in a classroom and/or itinerant setting. Plan, organize, and create an individualized program to maximize and promote the students’ progress to the fullest potential. Promote, by his/her action, the qualities of good citizenship, cooperative attitude, responsible conduct, good work habits, initiative, and appropriate attire as deemed by his/her immediate supervisor. Meet with a variety of administrators, teachers, parents, and develop strong working relations with these groups. REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES: ESSENTIAL DUTIES: Assess and evaluate students and assist in the coordination of related services when necessary. Develop well-defined goals and objectives based upon state adopted standards (learning foundations – for Early Childhood) for students who are (severely disabled, emotionally disturbed, deaf/hard of hearing, orthopedically impaired, and visually impaired). Prepare IEPs for each student, including diagnostic/prescriptive/ performance characteristics, and methods of implementation, and participate in IEP meetings. Monitor student achievement through periodic, ongoing assessment and adjust instruction in response to student data. Assist in developing or revising curriculum or learning materials to meet instructional, adaptive, and social/emotional needs of each student. Participate in the selection of instructional materials and supplies, maintain inventory, and submit material and work requests as appropriate. Prepare written lesson plans for students which reflect the diagnostic, prescriptive, and performance characteristics of the learning environment. Uphold confidentiality guidelines pertaining to students and their families. Create an effective environment for learning in which positive self-concept, self-help activities and independence are stressed. Organize own classroom or consult with other classroom teachers to create a safe and optimal learning environment appropriate to students’ needs. Provide individualized and small group instruction based on each student’s need. Provide necessary supervision of students in out-of-classroom activities as directed to ensure their safety. May implement an appropriate behavioral management system for students, including setting consistent, firm and appropriate limits for student through a positive behavior plan. Meets students’ needs which may include feeding, toileting, diapering, and transferring. Facilitate student mainstreaming as appropriate and required by the IEP. Work cooperatively and maintain effective communication and working relationships with parents, administrators, community agencies and staff to provide a positive and productive learning environment. Participate in case staffings, team, and other meetings. Explain school program and curriculum to parents and other interested persons. Monitor student safety and health, and make appropriate referrals when necessary (parent, nurse, administrator, agency, etc.). May supervise, coordinate, and plan the work of Instructional Assistants or other paraprofessionals who assist in the Special Education program. Supervise and/or arrange for supervision (via Instructional Assistants) of students as necessary in lunch or playground activities, loading and unloading of students from the bus at school site. Cooperate and coordinate with other support staff as appropriate to meet mandates, directives, and student needs. Participate in inservice education activities to maintain or increase professional competence as provided by the Madera County Office of Education or other self-directed professional growth activities. Maintain all mandated and appropriate records and documentation relevant to student attendance, behavior, performance and maintain confidentiality of records according to law, Board policy, and Administrative Regulations. Complete daily routines and schedules. Complete accident/incident/emergency behavior report forms when necessary and forward to supervisor promptly. Coordinate field trips as appropriate. Teach special skills as determined by student needs to increase academic success and to enable students to acquire language principles; social/personal and conceptual skills; daily living skills; and prevocational skills. Create, with the assistance of Instructional Assistants and available materials, learning centers and visual displays to enhance learning. Evaluate the need for and arrange to provide or develop specialized equipment and materials needed by students, including the use and application of amplification devices for students who are deaf and/or hard of hearing. Provide direct service, consultation, and inservice assistance to teachers, staff, and others involved with students who are deaf and/or hard of hearing. Consult on a regular basis with classroom teachers in planning the instructional program for students who are deaf and/or hard of hearing. Monitor schedule so as to assure continuity and effective delivery of service to participating school(s). OTHER DUTIES: Perform related duties as assigned. KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES: KNOWLEDGE OF: California State Academic Standards. California Content Standards for the Teaching Profession. Legal requirements, state guidelines, regulations, policies, and procedures as they relate to deaf and/or hard of hearing individuals. Individualized Education Plan process. Curriculum and lesson plan development to meet IEP or other educational goals. How to write effective, standards-based student goals and objectives. Appropriate options of delivery methods and services. Appropriate modifications and interventions of classroom curriculum. Basic grading procedures and/or recordkeeping techniques. Basic instructional strategies, methods, and techniques. Child guidance and development principles and practices related to children with special needs. Oral and written communication skills. Interpersonal skills using tact, patience, and courtesy. Operation of a computer and assigned software. Sign language and communication systems used with deaf and/or hard of hearing individuals. ABILITY TO: Provide educational services to deaf and/or hard of hearing students. Organize curriculum and learning materials to instruct students with exceptional needs in individual and/or group educational activities. Conduct tests designed to assess academic, physical, vocational, and/or technology skills. Understand and relate to children with special needs. Coordinate service with the regular education teacher and work with core curriculum. Administer a variety of assessments. Implement curriculum that addresses student goals and objectives. Deliver methods and services to match specific student needs. Develop and implement modifications and intervention strategies. Communicate effectively both orally and in writing. Understand and carry out oral and written directions. Interpret, apply, and explain rules, regulations, policies, and procedures. Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others. Evaluate and analyze complex problems, issues, and concerns and render judgment, make timely and effective decisions, and solve problems efficiently. Operate a computer and assigned office equipment. Analyze situations accurately and adopt an effective course of action. Meet schedules and timelines. Work independently with little direction. Plan and organize work. Develop and utilize appropriate behavior management techniques. Check hearing aid functioning. EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: Any combination equivalent to: Bachelor’s Degree, including all courses to meet credential requirements; prior teaching experience preferred. LICENSES AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS: Possession of a valid California Credential authorizing services to teach children with disabilities of deafness and/or hearing impairment. Possession of a valid California Class C driver’s license. WORKING CONDITIONS: ENVIRONMENT: Indoor and outdoor classroom environment. Driving a vehicle to conduct work. PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions in the work environment. Hearing and speaking to exchange information and provide instruction. Seeing to read a variety of materials and to monitor student activities. Sitting or standing for extended periods of time. Dexterity of hands and fingers to set up specialized equipment and to operate a computer keyboard. Bending at the waist, kneeling, or crouching to assist students. Lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, and moving specialized equipment. Walking over rough or uneven surfaces. Reaching overhead, above the shoulders, and horizontally. Physical agility and stamina to move about the classroom.