Teacher of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing

REPORTS TO: Executive Director & Education Coordinator

PAY: $74,880-$108,879 annually depending on experience.

POSITION SUMMARY: Under the general supervision of the Executive Director and Education Coordinator, the teacher is responsible for planning and facilitating the development of children's speech, language, listening, self-advocacy, academic, and social skills, with a focus on maximizing listening and spoken language abilities.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

The duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Develop and implement academic curricula based on California Content. Standards and thematic units appropriate for early childhood learning and/or grade level.
• Adapt lessons and teaching techniques to meet the individual needs and responses of each child.
• Integrate auditory skill development into daily activities.
• Establish and manage classroom routines, including individualized behavior management programs.
• Evaluate and document children's cognitive, motor, and social-emotional development.
• Collaborate with speech-language pathologists to assess and document children's speech production and reception levels.
• Evaluate children's existing world knowledge before introducing new concepts, ensuring activities are aligned with their developmental levels.
• Educate parents on their child's overall development.
• Plan daily activities tailored to each child's current performance level in areas such as speech production, reception, audition, cognition, communication, and social development.
• Collaborate with speech-language pathologists to select language targets and design activities to elicit these targets.
• Ensure the optimal functioning of sensory devices, including cochlear implants, hearing aids, and HAT systems.
• Participate in school-wide and grade-level activities and committees as appropriate.
• Collaborate as part of a multidisciplinary team, attending staff meetings, in-service days, and parent education events.
• Prepare reports and collect data to monitor progress and maintain the student database.
• Attend IEP/IFSP meetings to represent the program and report on children's progress.
• Integrate test results and behavioral observations to develop diagnostic impressions, goal and objectives and recommendations.
• Participate in teletherapy opportunities, if available.
• Co-treat with audiologists during hearing aid evaluations and implant programming
• Document sessions and progress thoroughly to comply with all relevant local, state, and federal laws.
• Complete continuing education requirements as mandated by the AG Bell Academy.
• Adhere to the codes of conduct established by the organization, the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing, and the AG Bell Academy.
• Stay informed of developments in the field and serve as a resource for other personnel.
• Perform other tasks and assume additional responsibilities as assigned by the administration.

MANAGEMENT AND INTERACTION SKILLS:

• Comply with administrative and policy requirements, including report generation and statistical requests.
• Supervise instructional aides as needed.
• Communicate effectively, considering the cultural values and communication needs of children, families, caregivers, and professionals.
• Provide counseling and guidance to families and caregivers regarding children's communication disorders.

PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITIES:

• Participate in community service activities, including screenings, health fairs, school in-services, public education, and lectures when scheduling allows.
• Plan and deliver informational presentations at professional meetings.
• Engage in research studies on speech and language development in children using amplification devices or cochlear implants.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS:

• Master’s degree in special education.
• Listening and Spoken Language Certification from the Alexander Graham Bell Academy (LSLS Cert. AVT ED)
• Education Specialist Credential from the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Bilingual (Spanish English) preferred.
• Professional, family-focused approach with the ability to collaborate effectively with diverse populations and build strong rapport with children.
• Strong interest in and commitment to parent education in therapy.
• Experience working flexibly within various service delivery models in a multidisciplinary environment.
• Strong report writing and data collection skills, with a commitment to evidence- based practice.
• Proficiency in using iPads and new technologies, with intermediate skills in Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Excellent time management and organizational skills.
• Highly motivated with strong interpersonal and communication skills, able to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Experience in aural rehabilitation preferred.
• Knowledge of developmentally appropriate practices for children birth through age 10, including awareness of developmental milestones in speech, language, audition, gross and fine motor skills, self-help skills, and play/socialization.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• Master’s degree required.
• Minimum of one (1) year of relevant work experience.
• Strong communication skills, both written and oral.
• Ability to interact with diverse audiences.
• Regular attendance is required.
• Any combination of relevant education, experience, and certifications may be considered.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Ability to work for extended periods in sitting or standing positions.
• Ability to kneel and lift to 35 pounds.
• Ability to stand and bend over student desks for extended periods.
• Ability to write for long periods using a pen or computer.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• Office/classroom environment with moderate noise levels.

Legal Compliance:

This job description is intended to be in full compliance with all applicable California labor laws and regulations, including but not limited to the California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA), the California Labor Code, and the regulations enforced by the California Department of Industrial Relations.