Secondary Transition and Electives Teacher - School for the Deaf

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES This position reports to the Principal, School for the Deaf, and is responsible for providing standards- based instruction to 6th – 12th grade students who are Deaf/hard of hearing in the areas of transition, college and career readiness, and other electives classes as assigned. Utilizes Colorado State Standards and benchmarks in establishing instructional goals; and provides assessments that measure whether students meet standards, in a safe and civil school environment.
 
JOB FUNCTIONS

• Performs work associated with standards-based student instruction: prepares lesson plans, develops input for and presents daily instructional/learning activities based upon the Individualized Education Program (IEP) and school reform tenets under the direction of the Principal / School for the Deaf, maintains a positive classroom environment utilizing appropriate classroom management, keeps students on task and engaged in learning.
• Demonstrates knowledge / skill in the areas of task analysis, assessment, progress monitoring, behavior management, organization / planning, curriculum development, current technology practices, parent relations and teamwork.
• Utilizes technology to model, teach, and assist students relative to classroom instruction and activities.
• Demonstrates knowledge / skill in the areas of project and technology-based learning.
• Demonstrates knowledge/ skill in the area of Bi-Lingual education.
• Organizes the classroom for collaborative group work.
• Works in co-teaching teams with others.
• Works as part of the education / assessment team responsible for identifying, developing, implementing, monitoring and evaluating individual objectives for assigned students.
• Utilizes appropriate communication skills with a commitment to literacy development in each student.
• Understands and supports students’ social-emotional development.
• Serves as a Case Manager for assigned students to include responsibility for developing, implementing, and progress monitoring Individual Education Plans (IEPs) as well as facilitating IEP meetings.
• Coordinates effectively with other service staff in providing student instruction, supporting school reform efforts, strategic planning, and positively contributing to co-curricular activities.
• Positively serves as a team member in the School for the Deaf, and of the Colorado School for the Deaf and the Blind (CSDB) as a whole; and participates in regular team and departmental meetings, school and instructional meetings as required.
• Provides parent consultation; participates in selected parent-focused activities, etc.
• Seeks opportunities for and participates in activities related to professional development and training/workshops as appropriate.
• Performs other appropriate duties as assigned.

 QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s Degree in Education or closely related field from an accredited college or university.
• Master's Degree in Education or closely related field from an accredited college or university, with specialization in Deaf Education or Special Education, preferred and required within three years of hire.
• Must hold or be eligible for substitute teacher licensure or educator licensure in the State of Colorado upon hire.
• Must hold or be eligible for appropriate educator licensure in the State of Colorado within three years of hire, endorsed as a Special Education Specialist: Deaf/Hard-of-Hearing or Special Education Generalist.
• Experience teaching / working with children (in an educational environment) who are Deaf / hard-of- hearing, or/or who may have multiple disabilities desired.
• Proficiency in American Sign Language (ASL) at the Intermediate (2) skill level as demonstrated through an appropriate assessment tool and according to school policy/procedures upon hire.
• Proficiency in American Sign Language (ASL) at the Advanced (3 ) skill level as demonstrated through an appropriate assessment tool and according to school policy/procedures within 2 years of hire.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES

• Knowledge of and ability to apply current standards-based educational practices associated with students who are Deaf / hard-of-hearing
• Knowledge of and ability to assess and apply technology to perform the requirements of the position; ability to effectively utilize a variety of computer software applications, which may include but is not limited to e-mail, Internet, word processing, electronic calendar, presentation development, spreadsheet, database, etc.; willingness to stay current and develop skills as needed with or without direct support from CSDB
• Knowledge of and ability to effectively adapt and apply teaching skills, classroom management and lesson preparation to a technology rich environment, which may include but is not limited to on-site classroom, telepresence, and multiple distance education technologies and delivery modes; ability to effectively implement technology necessary to model, teach, and assist students relative to classroom instruction and activities
• Ability to establish high standards for what students must know and be able to do
• Ability to communicate effectively with students who are Deaf / hard-of-hearing
• Ability to respond effectively and positively to feedback
• Ability to work cooperatively with others and participate effectively in team setting
• Strong, positive interpersonal skills

 ORGANIZATIONAL RELATIONSHIPS            Reports to and is evaluated by the
Principal, School for the Deaf
 
TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT

• Full-time; scheduled to work the standard number of days in the academic year (as per established School Calendar, currently 195 days, August to June).
• The annual base salary shall be established pursuant to the Teacher Salary Schedule and based upon appropriate education and experience.
• Employment is at-will, with no actual, expressed or implied contract.

WORKING CONDITIONS / PHYSICAL DEMANDS Generally speaking, the work is performed in a typical school office environment and involves sedentary to light physical activity, requiring exertion of up to 20 lbs. of force occasionally and usually requires walking or standing to a significant degree. Typically, workers are required to climb stairs, bend, reach, and handle objects, and use fingers to operate computer and/or typewriter keyboard. Work requires expression or exchange of ideas and the ability to receive detailed information. Work requires ability to compare, compile, analyze, and coordinate data/ information; ability to instruct/train others; and ability to utilize effective interpersonal skills/ behaviors.
 
In addition, work at the elementary school level involves heavy physical activity, requiring exertion of up to 100 lbs. of force occasionally, and routinely requires stooping, kneeling, crouching and crawling. Work at the middle

 school / high school level involves very heavy physical activity, requiring exertion in excess of 100 lbs. of force occasionally. Work with Special Needs students will require exertion of force frequently.