TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT

Contract employment 189 working days 

Normal work hours 7:30 AM - 4:00 PM

SUMMARY

Provides classroom instruction to deaf students.  Plans, develops, presents, modifies curricula and prepares lesson plans and other instructional materials to student ability levels and in accordance with student’s Individual Educational Plan (IEP). Evaluates and documents appropriate data to monitor student progress and serves as an advisor/advocate for students in the Admission, Review, and Dismissal (ARD) process. Works in self-contained, team, departmental, or itinerant capacity as assigned. Works under the general supervision of the Middle School principal.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Creates classroom environment conducive to learning and appropriate for the social, physical, intellectual, cultural, and emotional development of students.
• Collaborates and attends meetings with students, parents, and other staff members to develop IEP through the ARD Committee process for each student assigned.
• Plans and uses appropriate instructional and learning strategies, activities, materials, and equipment that reflect understanding of the learning styles and needs of students assigned
• Implements an instructional, therapeutic, and/or skill development program for assigned students and shows written evidence of preparation and implementation as required and determined by the IEP.
• Uses technology for teaching/learning process.
• Communicates effectively, as appropriate, with colleagues, students, parents, families, administrators, supervisors, and public.
• Works cooperatively with instructional team to regularly modify curricula as needed to assist students in their classroom assignments.
• Prepares and submits weekly lesson plans consistent with the established curriculum.
• Conducts assessment of student learning styles and uses results to plan for instructional activities.
• Manages student behavior in accordance with the code of conduct and individual behavior programs.
• Keeps informed of and complies with federal, state, and TSD school regulations and policies for special education teachers.
• Compiles, maintains, and files all reports, records and other documents required.
• Establishes and maintains open lines of communication by conducting conferences with parents, students, principals and other TSD staff
• Keeps parents apprised of student progress through parent teacher conferences, emails and phone contacts.

QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED

• Bachelor’s degree.
• Valid Texas teaching certificate in the subject and level of assignment and appropriate Special Education certification or the ability to obtain a valid Texas certification within prescribed time frame. 
• Sign Language- At hire, the applicant must have sign language skills equivalent to a Sign Language Proficiency Interview (SLPI) level of ADVANCED.  When applying, the applicant must submit documentation that the applicant believes substantiates that the applicant has achieved the proficiency level required at hire.

QUALIFICATIONS DESIRED 

• Proficient signed communications skills
• Master’s degree in special education, deafness, or in a related field
• Texas Deaf Education Certification
• Texas Certification in Science
• Prior work experience in special education, deafness or a related field

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ATTRIBUTES

• Instructional knowledge - knowledge of content, instructional methodologies, classroom management
• Problem solving—the individual identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner and gathers and analyzes information skillfully.
• Effective Communication—the individual must be able to appropriately communicate with colleagues, students, parents, families, administrators, supervisors, and the public.
• Planning/organizing—the individual prioritizes and plans work activities, uses time efficiently, and develops realistic action plans.
• Quality control—the individual demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness and monitors own work to ensure quality.
• Dependability—the individual is consistently at work and on time, follows instructions, responds to management direction and solicits feedback to improve performance.
• Safety and security—the individual actively promotes and personally observes safety and security procedures, and uses equipment and materials properly.
• Interpersonal Skills—the individual maintains confidentiality, remains open to others’ ideas and exhibits willingness to try new things.

SUPERVISOR

Middle School Principal

MILITARY OCCUPATION SPECIALTY (MOS) CODE:

None Equivalent

It is the Texas School for the Deaf’s (TSD) policy to provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, political affiliation or belief, or any other characteristic protected by state, federal, or local law. TSD expressly prohibits any form of workplace discrimination or harassment based on any of these characteristics. Retaliation against individuals who oppose unlawful discrimination or participate in an employment discrimination proceeding is also prohibited. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including hiring, firing, promotions, training, wages, and benefits. In addition to federal law requirements, TSD complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment.