(Detailed Position Description provided upon request)
The role of the Elementary Teacher is to teach deaf and hard-of-hearing children in an accessible and inclusive learning environment.
Instructional Activities:
● Teach deaf and hard-of-hearing students, including those with moderate to severe disabilities, at the appropriate level by using state, local, district, curriculum, and classroom assessments; plan and provide student instruction following state and school-approved standards and curriculum.
● Direct, assess, and monitor student progress in mastering curriculum goals and in attaining IEP goals.
● Plan, prepare, and deliver lessons according to the student’s abilities and educational needs; differentiate instruction as needed; use the best and most effective teaching practices.
● Establish and communicate clear objectives for learning activities; follow school improvement goals and plans.
● Begin and end class promptly; create a positive and safe classroom environment for students to learn in, use appropriate classroom management strategies to make the best use of instructional time, and invoke approved disciplinary procedures; maintain classroom control.
● Evaluate student work, provide timely feedback, and maintain grade books; contribute to students’ personal growth, including future goals, career options, Deaf culture, socio-emotional well-being, and soft skills.
● Collaborate with staff, parent(s)/legal guardian(s), and external agencies to ensure appropriate services are provided.
● Supervise students inside and outside of the classroom, including but not limited to the lobby, cafeteria, hallway, before and after school, recess and outdoor areas, and other duties as assigned.
● Attend bilingual education training and implement bilingual methodologies.
● Complete and turn in all student evaluation reports, lesson plans, sub plans, IEP, comprehensive evaluations, grade cards, and other written reports as assigned, to the designated individual, by the due date, to maintain current and accurate school records as mandated by the State.
● Provide instructional direction to paraprofessional support staff, including but not limited to assigning activities, providing guidance, and instructional oversight.
Communication:
● Use appropriate ASL/English communication skills with students and their parent(s)/legal guardian(s), staff, and the public to effectively communicate with all D/HH individuals.
● Use appropriate, professional terms when discussing students, their strengths, and areas of concern or opportunities for growth.
● Maintain confidentiality per the employee handbook and all applicable local, state, and federal laws.
● Promote a positive work environment by having appropriate on and off-campus interactions with students and their parent(s)/legal guardian(s).
● Work with Bilingual Specialist to improve skills to an appropriate level in the assigned area.
● Conform to school communication policies.
● All other duties as assigned.
Attend all required meetings; use appropriate communication skills.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS: Bachelor’s degree in Education; Endorsement in Deaf Education and/or Hard of Hearing (PreK-12), Bilingual Education (as applicable), Physical Education; Kansas Certification by KSDE in assigned level and teaching area; Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI) Fluency in manual communication; ability to understand and use ASL and English in appropriate modes (ASL and English skills will be assessed); ability to make oral/signed and written reports; knowledge of basic human physiological needs, bilingual methodology, ability to apply principles of learning theories and child development; ability to make proper responses to safety/health concerns; ability to use behavior management techniques; ability to listen to and be empathetic to children; ability to be a positive role model.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: All offers of employment from Kansas School for the Deaf (KSD) are contingent upon background check results and any applicable workplace references. Background checks are completed via the KS Bureau of Investigation, Backgrounds Plus consents, Kansas Department of Children and Family Services, and Dru Sjodin National Sexual Offender Registry. KSD may contact previous employers for workplace references. Within 30 days of employment, a tuberculosis test (and any applicable treatment), as well as a health certificate must be completed by a medical provider at the cost of the employee.
