TEACHER OF THE DEAF AND HARD OF HEARING - EARLY CHILDHOOD - for 2025 - 2026 SY

Title…………………………………………….. Teacher of the Deaf & Hard of Hearing - EC
Licensure………………………………………. Professional Educator License (PEL)
Endorsement………………………………….. Teacher of Deaf & Hard of Hearing AND Early Childhood
Classification…………………………………... Certified Licensed – 10 months – 195 days
FLSA Status………………………………….… Exempt
Reports to…………………………………….... Program Administrator
Salary Classification....................................... Per NSSEA Salary Schedule starting at Lane I Step 0 - $48,720/an
Benefits.......................................................... Per NSSEA Collective Bargaining Agreement
Reviewed/Revised.…………………………….. 3/2023

PURPOSE:

Under the direction of the Program Administrator, the Teacher of the Deaf/Hard of Hearing is directly responsible for the instructional program of the early childhood students assigned to his/her classroom or caseload in accordance with NSSEO policies and administrative procedures. The Teacher of the Deaf/Hard Hearing is responsible for planning and preparing an educational program based on best practices and knowledge of each student’s learning needs so that students can be successful in the least restrictive environment. The teacher will coordinate educational and supportive services necessary to implement each student’s Individualized Education Plan (IEP) with integrity while setting instructional outcomes and assessing student growth. The teacher is responsible for creating an environment of respect and rapport, managing classroom procedures and student behavior, engaging students in learning and participating in the professional community.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Actively participate in the development of student Individual Educational Plans (IEPs) according to program guidelines for the purpose of providing a free, appropriate public education.
• Assess student growth through progress monitoring as appropriate in a timely manner including annual state required assessments for the purpose of assessing student academic progress and educational accountability.
• Compile and maintain necessary records, IEPs, and reports for the purpose of maintaining accurate student records.
• Develop IEP goals and benchmarks based on the data related to present levels of student performance for the purpose of setting appropriate student goals based on present levels of performance.
• Develop and implement daily classroom lessons demonstrating student access to general education curriculum, reflecting IEP goals and data driven interventions for the purpose of providing access to the general education curriculum and modifying and/or adapting the curriculum appropriate to meet individual student needs.
• Maintain appropriate student behavior control and participate in the development and implementation of behavior intervention plans with integrity when appropriate for the purpose of classroom management and providing a safe, learning environment for all students.
• Maintain effective communication with students, staff, parents, and administration for the purpose of collaboration and planning.
• Participate in team meetings and IEP meetings to address student needs for the purpose of developing an appropriate IEP.
• Participate in professional growth activities on a yearly basis including recertification for CPI, workshops, in-services, professional reading materials, and/or other available offerings at NSSEO for the purpose of increasing knowledge and ability to implement interventions with integrity and incorporate best practices.
• Participate in building or program activities/committees and meetings as appropriate for the purpose of team building and adherence to NSSEO policies and procedures.
• Plan and conduct parent conferences for each student as necessary for the purpose of communicating to parents about student achievement and growth.
• Plan and supervise the functions of all classroom aides/assistants assigned to the class or case load for the purpose of effectively meeting student goals.
• Proficiently use technology to communicate, collect and analyze data, and compile reports for the purpose of efficiently reporting information and communicating in a timely manner.
• Provide input to administration on classroom aides’ professional goals and evaluations as appropriate for the purpose of evaluating support staff and setting goals.
• Use data-driven decision making to monitor student performance and make instructional/behavioral decisions as appropriate for the purpose of implementing effective interventions to facilitate student progress.
• Utilize research-based, best practices interventions, programs, and strategies to implement NSSEO curriculum for the purpose of providing an appropriate educational program for students.
• Assist students with toileting, feeding, and personal care.
• Demonstrate skills necessary to communicate effectively and to provide a complete English model for DHH children using a Total Communication approach.
• Demonstrate knowledge and ability to implement the following specialized areas: auditor training, speech and speech reading, monitoring amplification, use and maintenance of hearing aids, and the use of interpreter total communication.

OTHER FUNCTIONS:

• Assume appropriate roles as adult model, behavior manager and educator.
• Assume responsibility for continued professional growth.
• Assume other duties and special projects as assigned.
• Support NSSEO policy, NSSEO and governing board goals and objectives, and The School Code of Illinois.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT:

• To perform the physically demanding job functions, strength and/or endurance for lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling are occasionally required.
• To perform the most physically demanding job functions, the physical capabilities of climbing and balancing are seldom required.
• To perform the most physically demanding job functions, the physical body movement of stooping, kneeling, crouching and/or crawling is seldom required.
• To perform the most physically demanding job functions, the upper extremity physical capabilities reaching, handling, and/or fine motor dexterity are constantly required.
• Exposure to temperature extremes is seldom or not present.
• Exposure to hazardous conditions (e.g. mechanical, cuts, burns, infectious disease, high decibel noise, etc.) is seldom or not present.
• Frequency of exposure to injury to self and/or others is seldom or not present.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Valid Professional Educator’s License endorsed for a Teacher of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing AND Early Childhood.
• Participate in twelve (12) hours of Nonviolent Crisis Intervention (NVCI) training and techniques.
• Collaborate effectively with students, parents, and other professionals.

SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS:

Specific skills related to proficient use of technology systems, computers and electronic communication devices and the ability to develop, implement, modify and assess student academic progress. Continued need to attend training and participate in professional development in order to update knowledge and to implement the curriculum and positive behavioral interventions effectively to meet the changing needs of students.
Ability is required to independently problem-solve, schedule daily activities, model good communication and to communicate and work effectively with professional staff and parents. Ability is required to monitor student academic performance and behaviors across setting and to physically position and manipulate students as necessary.
Responsibilities include: completing IEP updates within specified timeframes, working collaboratively with team members, parents, and administration, managing time and schedule efficiently, planning and implementing appropriate lesson plans, managing classroom aides and scheduling appropriate activities, using specialized equipment effectively, maintaining confidentiality, meeting deadlines and schedules and making data-driven decisions for meaningful educational activities.


SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS:

Specific skills related to proficient use of technology systems, computers and electronic communication devices and the ability to develop, implement, modify and assess student academic progress. Continued need to attend training and participate in professional development in order to update knowledge and to implement the curriculum and positive behavioral interventions effectively to meet the changing needs of students.

Ability is required to independently problem-solve, schedule daily activities, model good communication and to communicate and work effectively with professional staff and parents. Ability is required to monitor student academic performance and behaviors across setting and to physically position and manipulate students as necessary.

Responsibilities include: completing IEP updates within specified timeframes, working collaboratively with team members, parents, and administration, managing time and schedule efficiently, planning and implementing appropriate lesson plans, managing classroom aides and scheduling appropriate activities, using specialized equipment effectively, maintaining confidentiality, meeting deadlines and schedules and making data-driven decisions for meaningful educational activities.