2024/25 SY - Teacher Certified of the Deaf - RDSPD - Hays Consolidated Independent School District

Wage/Hour Status:  Exempt

Pay Grade: Teacher Placement Schedule; 187 Days

Primary Purpose:

Provide preschool through high school age students, who are hearing impaired, with learning activities and experiences designed to help them fulfill their potential for intellectual, emotional, physical, and social growth.  Develop or modify curricula and prepare lessons and other instructional materials according to a student’s individual needs, develop or modify curricula and prepare lessons and other instructional materials to match student ability levels. Work in self-contained, team, departmental, or itinerant capacity as assigned.

Qualifications:

Education/Certification:           

Bachelor’s degree from accredited university

Valid Texas teaching certificate with Deaf Education endorsement

TASC certification

Special Knowledge/Skills:

Knowledge of deafness and how it impacts literacy and education

Proficiency in sign language:  Signing Exact English and American Sign Language

Knowledge of needs of students in assigned area

Knowledge of Admission, Review, and Dismissal (ARD) Committee process and IEP goal setting process and implementation

Knowledge of how to adapt curriculum and instruction

Strong behavior management, positive discipline skills

Knowledge of assessment methods and materials for the Deaf

Diagnostic-prescriptive teaching in language development/communication, social/emotional development, vocational education, and academic areas

Ability to read and interpret testing results (for example audiogram)

Consultation skills and collaboration skills

Knowledge of assistive technology (Hearing Assistive Technology systems, cochlear implants, hearing aids)

Experience

Student teaching or approved internship

Experience with Deaf and/or Hard of Hearing (D/HH) students in school setting preferred

Major Responsibilities and Duties:

Instructional Strategies

1. Collaborate with students, parents, and other members of staff to develop IEP through the ARD Committee process for each student assigned.
2. Implement an instructional, therapeutic, or skill development program for assigned students and show written evidence of preparation as required.
3. Conduct assessment of student learning styles. Plan and use appropriate instructional and learning strategies, activities, materials, and equipment that reflect understanding of the learning styles and needs of students assigned.
4. Present subject matter effectively and according to guidelines established by IEP. Employ a variety of instructional techniques and media including technology to meet the needs and capabilities of each student assigned.
5. Work cooperatively with classroom teachers to modify regular curricula as needed and assist special education students in regular classes with assignments.
6. Participate in ARD Committee meetings on a regular basis.
7. Participate in selection of books, equipment, and other instructional media.
8. Complete communication assessment to determine new or continuing eligibility for AI services.

Student Growth and Development

1. Conduct ongoing assessments of student achievement through formal and informal testing.
2. Provide or supervise personal care, medical care, and feeding of students as stated in IEP.
3. Assume responsibility for extracurricular activities as assigned.
4. Encourage independence of the student in interaction with peer groups and teachers encouraging classroom teachers to include students receiving special education services.
5. Consult district and outside resource people regarding education, social, medical, and personal needs of students.

Classroom Management and Organization

1. Create classroom environment conducive to learning and appropriate for the physical, social and emotional development of students.
2. Manage student behavior and administer discipline. This includes intervening in crisis situations and physically restraining students as necessary according to IEP.
3. Consult with classroom teachers regarding management of student behavior according to IEP.
4. Take all necessary and reasonable precautions to protect students, equipment, materials and facilities.
5. Plan and assign the work of teacher aide(s) and volunteer(s) and oversee completion.

Other

1. Establish and maintain open lines of communication by conducting conferences with parents, students, principals and teachers.
2. Maintain professional relationships with parents, students, and colleagues.
3. Troubleshoot and maintain auditory equipment, contacting educational audiologist when problems arise, and train regular classroom teachers regarding their use.
4. Participate in staff development activities to improve job-related skills.
5. Keep informed of and comply with federal, state, district, and school regulations and policies for Special Education/Deaf Education teachers.
6. Compile, maintain, and file all reports, records, and other documents required (including Medicaid).
7. Attend and participate in faculty meetings and serve on staff committees as required.
8. Follow district safety protocols and emergency procedures. 

Supervisory Responsibilities:

Direct the work of instructional aide(s).

Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors

Tools/Equipment Used: Personal computer and peripherals, augmentative communication devices, Hearing Assistive Technology, and other instructional equipment

Posture: Prolonged standing; frequent kneeling/squatting, bending/stooping, pushing/pulling, and twisting

Motion: Frequent walking

Lifting: May require regular heavy lifting (45 pounds or more) and positioning of students with physical disabilities, control behavior through physical restraint, assist nonambulatory students, and lift and move adaptive and other classroom equipment; may work prolonged or irregular hours

Environment: Exposure to biological hazards

Mental Demands: Maintain emotional control under stress

EEOC Statement:
Hays Consolidated I.S.D. will not discriminate against any person in employment or exclude any person from participating in or receiving benefits of any of its activities or programs on any basis prohibited on the bases of race, religion, color, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), sexual orientation, parental status, national origin, age, disability, family medical history or genetic information, political affiliation, military service, or any other non-merit based factor. These protections extend to all management practices and decisions, including recruitment and hiring practices, appraisal systems, promotions, and training and career development programs.

This document describes the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this job and is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties that may be assigned or skills that may be required. Positions are extended annually based upon availability of funding.