JOB DESCRIPTION

Laramie County School District #1

Teacher for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing

PurposeStatement

The job of Teacher for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing is done for the purpose/s of developing and implementing instructional strategies to promote listening skills, facilitate speech production and spoken language, sign language instruction, literacy instruction, academic support for students with hearing loss and cultural awareness of the deaf community.

This job reports to Principal

EssentialFunctions

• Adapts classroom work for the purpose of providing students with instructional materials that address individualized learning plans within established lesson plans.
• Advises parents and/or legal guardians of student progress for the purpose of communicating expectations, student's achievements, and for developing methods of improving and/or reinforcing classroom goals in the home environment.
• Assesses student progress towards objectives, expectations, and/or goals for the purpose of providing feedback to students, parents and administration.
• Assists in curriculum development for the purpose of ensuring deaf and hard of hearing students are receiving the instruction they need to be successful.
• Collaborates with school counselors, vocational rehabilitation counselors and other professionals for the purpose of providing for the present and future needs of students with hearing loss.
• Collaborates with instructional staff and other school personnel to implement instruction inclusive of auditory, speech, language and academics. for the purpose of improving the overall quality of student outcomes, achieving established classroom objectives in support of the school improvement plan.
• Consults with parents, teachers and administrators for the purpose of providing information concerning students who are deaf or hard of hearing.
• Coordinates a center-based program for the purpose of providing services to the deaf and hard of hearing students that have severe language and academic delays as decided by the IEP team and according to student specific needs.
• Monitors student progress toward goals for the purpose of making adjustments that ensure student success.
• Participates in the development of student IEPs and measurable goals and objectives for the purpose of ensuring access to the district curriculum and instruction on the state standards and benchmarks.
• Participates as a member of the multidisciplinary assessment team for the purpose of ensuring deaf and hard of hearing students receive the services they need to be successful.
• Participates in a variety of meetings, workshops, trainings and seminars  for the purpose of conveying and/or gathering information required to perform functions.
• Performs and interprets diagnostic evaluations in the areas of listening, speech, language, and achievement assessments for the purpose of recommending appropriate services.
• Prepares a variety of written materials (e.g. student status records, progress reports, etc.) for the purpose of documenting student progress and meeting mandated requirements.
• Provides instruction of any special skills that meet the needs of children with hearing loss for the purpose of improving their success in academics .
• Provides instruction and monitors its effectiveness through continuous evaluation and annual updating of individual education plans for the purpose of ensuring students are receiving the instruction they need and they are being successful.
• Recommends special equipment and materials required by students with hearing loss for the purpose of ensuring the students have all the equipment they need to be successful in school.
• Reports incidents (e.g. suspected child abuse, suspected substance abuse, etc.) for the purpose of maintaining personal safety of students, providing a positive learning environment and adhering to education code and school policies.
• Responds to emergency situations for the purpose of resolving immediate safety concerns and/or directing to appropriate personnel for resolution.
• Responds to inquires from a variety of sources (e.g. other teachers, parents, administrators, etc.) for the purpose of resolving issues, providing information and/or direction.
• Serves as a case manager for students with hearing loss as the only qualifying disability for the purpose of developing appropriate IEPs.
• Supports classroom teachers for the purpose of assisting them in the implementation of established curriculum and/or individual student plans through direct services, collaboration and consultation.

OtherFunctions

Performs other related duties, as assigned, for the purpose of ensuring the efficient and effective functioning of the work unit.

Job Requirements:  Minimum Qualifications

Skills, Knowledge and Abilities

SKILLS are required to perform multiple, highly complex, technical tasks with a need to periodically upgrade skills in order to meet changing job conditions. Specific skill based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: applying assessment instruments; operating standard office equipment including using pertinent software applications; preparing and maintaining accurate records and the ability to communicate with American Sign Language or Conceptually Accurate Signed English.

KNOWLEDGE is required to perform basic math, including calculations using fractions, percents, and/or ratios; review and interpret highly technical information, write technical materials, and/or speak persuasively to implement desired actions; and analyze situations to define issues and draw conclusions.  Specific knowledge based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: appropriate codes, policies, regulations and/or laws; age appropriate activities; lesson plan requirements; stages of child development; and behavioral management that are related to the unique needs of deaf and hard of hearing students.

ABILITY is required to schedule activities, meetings, and/or events; gather, collate, and/or classify data; and consider a number of factors when using equipment. Flexibility is required to work with others in a wide variety of circumstances; work with data utilizing defined but different processes; and operate equipment using a variety of standardized methods. Ability is also required to work with a diversity of individuals and/or groups; work with a variety of data; and utilize job-related equipment. Problem solving is required to analyze issues and create action plans. Problem solving with data frequently requires independent interpretation of guidelines; and problem solving with equipment is moderate. Specific ability based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: establishing and maintaining constructive relationships; adapting to changing work priorities; maintaining confidentiality; exhibiting tact and patience; working flexible hours and communicating with deaf parents or family members.

Responsibility

Responsibilities include: working under limited supervision using standardized practices and/or methods; leading, guiding, and/or coordinating others; utilization of resources from other work units is often required to perform the job's functions. There is some opportunity to significantly impact the organization’s services.

WorkingEnvironment

The usual and customary methods of performing the job's functions require the following physical demands: occasional lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling, some stooping, kneeling, crouching, and/or crawling and significant fine finger dexterity. Generally the job requires 30% sitting, 35% walking, and 35% standing.  The job is performed under minimal temperature variations and in a generally hazard free environment.

Experience: Job-related experience is required.
Education: Bachelors degree in job-related area.
Equivalency Required Testing
Certificates: Appropriate Wyoming State Department of Education Certificate, endorsement and highly qualified status
Continuing Educ./Training
Clearances: Criminal Justice Fingerprint/Background Clearance
FLSA Status: Exempt                           

Salary : $51,250 - $83,758