Teacher, Deaf/Hard of Hearing

Job Title :   Teacher, Deaf / Hard of Hearing

Reports to (Title) :   Director, Special Services

Terms of Employment :

Hours per day : 8

Days per year :  190

Type of position : Full-time

FLSA Status : Exempt

General Summary :

Under general supervision, is responsible for developing language acquisition and communication skills to facilitate the personal, social, and intellectual development of students who have hearing loss. Works closely with the staff and administration of the school to respond to the individual needs and abilities of students. Must meet the definition of a qualified interpreter as set forth in the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The ADA defines a “qualified interpreter” as one “who is able to interpret effectively, accurately, and impartially both receptively and expressively, using any necessary specialized vocabulary” (28 C.F.R. § 35.104). Assists in other school and district programs as assigned.

Essential Functions :

• Supports and upholds the mission, vision and strategic goals of Lexington County School District One.
• Effectively interacts, communicates and collaborates with students, parents, colleagues and other stakeholders to foster student learning.
• Establishes a safe, supportive, positive and productive learning environment for all students.
• Demonstrates a variety of 21st Century teaching skills to foster independent, creative, critical thinkers and problem solvers.
• Designs and facilitates engaging, high level, sophisticated learning experiences and applications appropriate to prepare students for a 21st century global, knowledge-based society.
• The primary role is as an interpreter. While engaged in interpreting, the individual should not be asked to interrupt this interpreting in order to perform other tasks.
• Provides direct services in academic areas and language and auditory skills to deaf and hard of hearing students as determined in each student’s individualized education program (IEP).
• Interpret all spoken messages and signed messages accurately —including the subtlety and nuances that the speaker conveys—without censorship;
• Convey students’ questions or replies to questions to the teacher and the class in the language level used by the student;
• Adhere to the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID) and the Educational Interpreter Performance Assessment (EIPA) Codes of Professional Conduct;
• Acknowledge that each class has its own procedures and technical language; understand material; and interpret the subject (e.g., health education class, school counseling services) without personal bias or emotion; Develop appropriate IEPs based on data and the educational needs of the deaf and hard of hearing student.
• Records student progress and other data as required per IEPs and district monitoring procedures.
• Modify curriculum and materials according to the individual needs of the student.
• Instruct the student and staff on the use and care of hearing aids and hearing equipment.
• Use appropriate amplification devices effectively with deaf and hard of hearing students.
• Assist in developing communication and self-advocacy skills for deaf and hard of hearing students.
• Demonstrates and evaluates the effectiveness of both formative and summative assessments; analyzes assessment data in relation to student learning and develops instructional strategies to close the learning and performance gap; evaluates contributions in group projects.
• Meets with teachers, parents, administrators and school counselors as needed to discuss student performance, activities, etc.; issues reports in accordance with school board policy to inform parents of students’ progress.
• Prepares various records and forms such as lesson plans, daily and weekly activity plans, assessments, material requisitions, competency forms, discipline reports, etc.
• Participates in faculty and professional meetings, educational conferences, and teacher training workshops.
• Selects, requests, and maintains an inventory of instructional aides, technology tools, equipment, and supplies needed for daily activities; provides for safe storage and proper use of all materials, equipment and tools.
• Effectively uses personal computing devices and software applications for the management of student records, instructional efficiency, and professional development.
• Performs other related duties as required.

Minimum Education / Work Experience :

Knowledge / Skills :

Knowledge of the policies, procedures and activities of the school district which pertain to the specific duties and responsibilities of the position. Knowledge of and ability to implement methods for developing lesson plans, materials and classroom activities which stimulate learning and provide for personalization. Knowledge of and ability to implement state standards. Knowledge of and ability to implement training methods used in teaching students who are deaf / hard of hearing concepts and skills. Ability to provide instruction to students using 21st century teaching techniques and / or supervised practice. Knowledge required to provide quality instruction to mainstream learners, while also possessing the additional mandatory qualifications and expertise in teaching deaf learners. Knowledge of student services available and referral procedures. Ability to identify student adjustment and / or academic problems. Ability to provide counseling and / or recommend appropriate remedial action. Ability to supervise students and maintain order in various classroom and instructional situations. Ability to demonstrate high level application of technology devices in the performance of daily activities. Ability to demonstrate organizational and time management skills. Knowledge of the records, forms and reports which must be prepared and maintained. Knowledge of and ability to demonstrate proper maintenance, safe operation and utilization of equipment, materials and supplies used in daily activities. Ability to interact and communicate effectively with administrators, students, parents, colleagues and all other stakeholders involved in the activities of the job.

Working Conditions :

Conducts duties in a classroom or office environment with no significant exposure to adverse environmental factors. Physical demands are restricted to work requiring occasional lifting / moving of items up to twenty-five pounds. Travel may be required to serve students at different schools.

Responsibility :

Supervises students in classrooms and other instructional settings. Responsible for materials and supplies. Responsible for maintenance and inventory of equipment; responsible for reporting equipment malfunctions.

Evaluation :

Performance of this job will be evaluated annually in accordance with provisions of the school board’s policy on evaluation of certified personnel.

Disclaimer Statement :

This job description is not intended as a complete listing of job duties. The incumbent is responsible for the performance of other related duties as assigned / required.