JOB DESCRIPTION
Job Title Teacher, Deaf/Hard of Hearing – RDSPD (Special Education)		Evaluation Type T-TESS	Department Assigned Campus
Pay Grade Teacher Salary Schedule	FLSA Exempt	Date Revised November 2024	Supervisor Principal / RDSPD Supervisor

BASIC FUNCTION & RESPONSIBILITY: Provide students who are Deaf and Hard of Hearing with appropriate learning activities and experiences in all academic areas to help them fulfill their potential for communication, intellectual, emotional, physical, and social growth.  Enable Deaf and Hard of Hearing students to develop competencies and skills to function successfully in society.

 

QUALIFICATIONS:

 

Education/Certification:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university


• Valid Texas Teacher Certification with Deaf and Hard of Hearing Endorsement


• ESL Supplement preferred

 

Special Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

• Knowledge of Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) for assigned areas


• Knowledge of curriculum design, implementation, evaluation, and refinement for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Students


• Knowledge of effective instruction and evaluation methodologies for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Students


• Knowledge of and ability to work with students who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing


• Command of English and Signing Exact English and other sign language system(s) and vocabulary utilized by the students and their educational program


• Strong receptive and expressive ASL and SEE skills


• Basic knowledge of hearing loss and its implication for the educational setting


• Knowledge of Admission, Review, and Dismissal (ARD) committee process and Individual Education Plan (IEP) goal setting process and implementation


• Knowledge of continuous improvement processes


• Skill in using technology as a learning tool in all content areas


• Skill in collecting, analyzing, and using data to support student learning


• Ability to maintain confidentiality


• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing


• Ability to engage others in collective inquiry and problem solving


• Ability to collaborate with colleagues to enhance instructional practices


• Ability to promote independent skills and self-advocacy with students


• Ability to organize and prioritize work responsibilities

 

Experience:

• Some experience working with children

 

CHARACTERISTIC DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES: The essential functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the characteristic duties, responsibilities, knowledge, skills, and abilities noted herein; however, this is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and tasks performed by positions found in this job description.

 

Instructional Management:

• Work collaboratively with peer teachers, instructional coaches/specialists, supervisors, and other staff members to determine instructional goals, objectives, and instructional methods according to RDSPD and district guidelines and requirements, as well as recommendations from Admission, Review, and Dismissal (ARD) committee.


• Work closely with all related service personnel and classroom teachers to ensure that services, accommodations, and modifications for the RDSPD students are implemented.


• Develop and implement behavioral intervention plans in accordance with assessment and ARD committee recommendations.


• Develop and deliver lessons according to guideline establish by the Texas Education Agency, RDSPD Handbook, board policies, and administrative guidelines that incorporate accommodations for differences in student learning styles.


• Use appropriate instructional and learning strategies, activities, materials, and equipment that reflect understanding of the learning styles and needs of students who are Deaf and Hard of Hearing.


• Conduct ongoing assessment of student achievement through formal and informal testing, and data collection.


• Use effective Total Communication skills (Sign Language, voicing, gesturing, etc.) to present information accurately and clearly.


• Use technology to strengthen the teaching/learning process for students who are Deaf and Hard of Hearing.


• Help students who are Deaf and Hard of Hearing improve study methods and habits through a variety of methods.


• Support and participate in meeting the objectives of the campus/department improvement plans.


• Implement and instructional, therapeutic, or skill development program for assigned students and show written evidence of preparation as required.


• Work cooperatively with classroom teachers to modify general curricula as needed and assist RDSPD students in general education classes with instructional support.


• Participate in RDSPD ARD committee meetings on a regular basis.

 

Student Management:

• Create a classroom environment conducive to learning and appropriate for the communication, physical, social, and emotional development of students who area Deaf and Hard of Hearing.


• Report student progress according to campus, district, and RDSPD guidelines in a timely manner.


• Take necessary and reasonable precautions to protect students, equipment, materials, and facilities.


• Resolve parent/student issues and concerns in a timely manner.


• Be a positive role model for students.


• Manage student behavior in accordance with Student Code of Conduct and student handbook.


• Provide or supervise accommodations, assistive technology, personal care, medical care, and feeding of students as stated in the IEP.


• Consult with classroom teachers regarding management of student services, accommodations, and behavior according to IEP.


• Manage RDSPD student behavior and administer discipline, intervening in crisis and physically restraining students as necessary according to the student’s IEP.


• Management of administrative, fiscal, and/or facilities functions as assigned.


• Develop and submit lesson plans, including substitute lesson plans as required.


• Work collaboratively with district staff to serve the needs of all student groups according to the guidelines established in district/campus policy.


• Assist in monitoring all students and creating a safe campus environment by reporting to duty assignments as assigned by campus administrator.


• Attend campus events and extracurricular activities as assigned.


• Assist in selection of books, equipment, and other instructional materials.


• Compile, maintain, and submit reports, records, and other documents as required, in accordance with campus, district, and RDSPD guidelines.


• Plan and supervise assignments of paraprofessionals and volunteers in the classroom, when applicable.


• Follow district, campus, and RDSPD policies and procedures.

 

Organizational Improvement:

• Support the mission and vision of the campus, district, and RDSPD.


• Analyze critical needs in assigned areas and work collaboratively to implement and improve programs.

 

Professional Growth and Development:

• Participate in all professional development that training programs to improve job performance and meet RDSPD program expectations as described in the RDSPD Quality Indicator Handbook guidelines.


• Must take the ESSE sign skills assessment every 3 years to assess sign skill improvement.


• Must attend Signing Exact English Skillshop annually until receiving and maintaining a 4.0 on the ESSE sign skills assessment.


• Complete Sign to Voice ratio at Beginning of Year and End of Year to create and improve upon SEE skills SMART goal.


• Complete program wide S.E.E. sign family of the week and End of Year assessment.


• Uphold district expectations as outlined in the Employee Handbook.


• Exhibit poise, self-control, and accept constructive criticism.


• Exhibit a positive attitude toward others.


• Treat other staff with respect and dignity.


• Interact with others effectively and respond to parents, student, and staff needs in a courteous, respectful manner.


• Maintain confidentiality.


• Participate in faculty meetings and special events as assigned.


• Work collaboratively with Special Programs and Services Department to develop a common vision of excellence and to ensure attainment of team, department, campus, and district goals.


• Proactively manage time to fulfill expectations and requirements of the assigned job.


• Attend and participate in faculty meetings and serve on staff committees as required.

 

Texas Academic Performance Indicators and Campus Performance Objectives:

• Analyze data to determine and address individual student needs.


• Administer state-mandated testing at campuses in compliance with state and federal guidelines.


• Monitor and review campus test data and use findings to assist with planning corrective action for the affected group of students and/or campuses.

 

School/Community Relations:

• Maintain a professional relationship with colleagues, students, parents, and community members.


• Establish and maintain open communication by conducting conferences with parents, students, administrators, and teachers.


• Interface with governmental agencies, business and civic organizations, and the community to provide needed information and to promote the district’s and RDSPD initiatives.

 

Organization Morale:

• Foster positive morale by participating in team building activities and the decision-making process.


• Foster positive morale by supporting, implementing, and maintaining RDSPD program initiatives as laid out in the RDSPD program guidelines.


• Communicate and collaborate with campus/department/RDSPD staff to enhance service delivery, program development, and program initiatives.

 

Other Responsibilities:

• Comply with policies established by federal and state law, including but not limited to State Board of Education and local Board policy.


• Perform other job-related duties as assigned.


• Proactively manages time to fulfill expectations and requirements of the assigned job.

 

SUPERVISION EXERCISED: Provide guidance to Communication Facilitators and Sign Language Interpreters as assigned.

 

MENTAL DEMANDS/PHYSICAL DEMANDS/ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS:

• Tools/Equipment Used: Standard office equipment including computer and peripherals; standard instructional equipment; hearing assistive devices such as: hearing aids, HAT systems, cochlear implants, augmentative communication devices, etc.


• Posture: Standing, stooping, bending, and sitting on a frequent basis


• Motion: Use computer for prolonged periods of time, resulting in repetitive hand motions;


• Lifting: Frequent lifting up to 20 pounds including pushing wheelchairs, using lifts, ramps, and other specialized equipment; move textbooks, media equipment, desks, and other classroom equipment


• Environment: Work inside and outside of the classroom (locations include: classrooms, labs, auditoriums, gyms, playing field, etc. as required; work is performed in both indoor and outdoor environments; work involves moderate to frequent exposure to bacteria, communicable diseases, and unusual elements such as: extreme temperatures, dirt, dust, unpleasant odors, and/or loud noises; work may involve aggressive, physical contact initiated by students


• Mental Demands: Maintain emotional control under stress; work with frequent interruptions; occasional in-district travel in personal automobile; work occasional prolonged or irregular hours

 

DISTRICT OF INNOVATION (DOI): Uncertified applicants can be hired under the District of Innovation at a graduated pay scale of:

• $56,000 (DOI Degreed in ACP)


• $51,500 (DOI Degreed not in ACP)


• $49,000 (DOI Non-Degreed with 90+ hours)


• $45,000 (DOI Non-Degreed with 60-89 hours)

until certification is complete. DOI teachers must fulfill the district DOI plan expectations each year.