Job Title: Teacher of Deaf/Hard of Hearing (External Funded)  

Wage/Hour Status: Exempt 

Reports to: Director of Special Education

Dept. /School: Special Education/Assigned Campus(es)              

Date Revised: April 2021

Primary Purpose 

Provide special education students who are deaf or /hard of hearing with learning activities and experiences designed to help them fulfill their potential for intellectual, emotional, physical, and social growth; with emphasis in the area of language acquisition, communication, and self-advocacy.  Develop or modify curriculum and prepare lessons and other instructional materials based on student ability levels and family centered programs.  Work as part of an interagency and interdisciplinary team as assigned.  

Qualifications 

 Education/Certification 

 Bachelor’s Degree  

 Valid Texas Deaf and Hard- of- Hearing Certification  

 Valid Texas Driver License  

 Special Knowledge/Skills 

• Knowledge of Admission, Review, and Dismissal (ARD) Committee process and Individualized Education Program (IEP) goal setting process and implementation 
• Knowledge of working with students who are deaf/hard of hearing 
• Ability to read and interpret testing results 
• Ability to read and administer communication assessments  
• Knowledge of sign systems such as American Sign Language (ASL) and/or Signed Exact English (SEE)  
• Knowledge of oral/aural strategies for listening and spoken language 
• Knowledge of assistive technology (including FM systems, cochlear implants, bone anchored hearing aid (baha), hearing aids) 
• Knowledge of  instructional strategies which support students who are deaf or hard of hearing who may have individual special learning needs 
• Well-developed organizational, communication, public relations and interpersonal skills 

 Experience 

 One (1) year experience as student teacher or approved internship   

Additional Information

This position is funded with external funds (State Allotment and/or Federal). Continuation of this position is contingent upon continued receipt of the external funding. All duties/responsibilities comply with the respective fund source activities and requirements.  

Major Responsibilities and Duties

Instructional Strategies 

1. Collaborate with students, parents, and other members of staff to develop IEPs through the ARD committee process for each student assigned. Present subject matter according to guidelines established by IEP, using effective communication skills to present information accurately and clearly. 
2. Implement an instructional, therapeutic, or skill development program for assigned students and show written evidence of preparation as required. 
3. Plan and use appropriate instructional and learning strategies, activities, materials, and equipment that reflects understanding of the learning styles and needs of students assigned. Employ a variety of instructional techniques and media to meet the needs and capabilities of each student. 
4. Participate in all ARD Committee meetings on all students assigned.  
5. Assess student-learning styles and use results to plan for instructional activities. 
6. Prepare activities according to guidelines established by IEP goals. 
7. Collaborate with campus personnel to reinforce deficits in students learning and achievement  
8. Use technology in teaching/learning process. 
9. Incorporate state standards into lessons. 
10. Maintain all necessary equipment and materials in addition to keeping inventory and offering the equipment to ensure an appropriate education for student who are deaf/hard of hearing. 

Student Growth and Development 

1. Provide students with techniques specific to their sensory impairment and assists them with understanding the nature and degree of the impairment as well as the impact on development   
2. Act as a positive role model 

Classroom Management and Organization 

1. Create an environment that is conducive to learning and appropriate for the physical, social, and emotional development of students. 
2. Manage student behavior and redirects challenging behavior  
3. Maintain organization and confidentiality of student records and sensitive materials 

Communication 

1. Establish and maintain open lines of communication by conducting conferences with parents, students, principals, and teachers. 
2. Maintain a professional relationship with colleagues, students, parents, and community members. 
3. Use effective communication skills to present information accurately and clearly. 
4. Assist district personnel in the training, use, and maintenance of hearing aids, assistive listening technology and other equipment associated with students who are deaf/hard of hearing. 

Other 

1. Participate in staff development activities to improve job-related skills to include PLC’s. 
2. Keep informed of and complies with federal, state, district, and school regulations and policies for special education teachers. 
3. Compile, maintain, and file all reports, records, and other documents required. 
4. Attend and participate in staff development, faculty meetings and serve on staff committees as required. 
5. Assist in the coordination and interpretation of otological and audiological evaluations. 
6. Collaborate with school personnel and other agencies such as the Early Childhood Intervention and Region 20 Education Service Center to access services for students who are deaf/hard of hearing. 

Supervisory Responsibilities   Supervise assigned personnel. 

Physical and Mental Job Requirements 

Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors 

Maintain emotional control under stress.  Frequent standing, stooping, bending, kneeling, pushing, and pulling.  Move small stacks of textbooks, media equipment, desks, and other classroom or adaptive equipment. May be required to lift and position students with physical disabilities; control behavior through physical restraint; and assists non-ambulatory students.  Exposed to biological hazards.