Teacher of the Deaf

Job Description

Job Description

The Teacher of the Deaf  at Overbrook School for the Blind exudes a passion for the school, its students, its employees, and its mission. This position will report directly to the Educational Program Supervisor.

The Mission of Overbrook School for the Blind (OSB) is to develop and deliver education that enhances the options available for persons with visual impairments, including those with additional challenges so that they have the greatest opportunity to experience active and fulfilling lives.

Organizational Description: Overbrook School for the Blind serves students who are blind or visually impaired with or without additional disabilities (such as intellectual disability, cerebral palsy, hearing impairment, sensory issues, and including those who require specialized medical care) receive a customized, individualized education based on state educational standards. OSB is more than a school, it is a community where students, families, and staff support one another and come together to build a bright future. 

Job Functions: 

The teacher will demonstrate knowledge of special educational techniques and adapted materials for working with students who are deaf, hard of hearing, deafblind and students with additional challenges. These include but are not limited to ncorporating appropriate communication systems, including but not limited to sign language, tactile sign, object symbols, tactile symbols, augmentative and alternative communication (AAC), gestures, visual communication systems, social skills, assessment and curricula for enhancing communication skills, and collaborating with classroom teachers/TVIs and staff to ensure that instruction is accessible through appropriate auditory, visual, tactile, and multisensory approaches.

The teacher will continue his or her professional development through attendance at in-service training provided by the school and through seeking additional training pertinent to the children in his or her care. This would include obtaining certification in visual impairment, if not already obtained, and eventually obtaining Level II Certification.

• Develop and implement an Individualized Instruction Plan for each student based upon assessment of students’ strengths and needs. 
• Develop classroom goals and objectives that reflect the IEP. 
• Provide direct and/or consultative instruction to students who are  based on the Individualized Education Program (IEP).
• Maintain current knowledge of best practices in deaf education, deafblind education, communication, assistive technology, and related areas.
• Consult in the CVI clinic when requested.
• Provide initial and ongoing training for interveners regarding deafblind educational practices, communication, sensory access, environmental information, and student-specific instructional needs.
• Provide coaching and observation to interveners and offer constructive feedback regarding implementation of student programs.
• Collaborate with classroom teachers and TVIs to ensure that interveners understand and appropriately implement IEP goals, accommodations, communication systems, and instructional strategies.
• Serve as an active member of the DeafBlind Resource Team, contributing specialized expertise to school-wide programming and student support. 
• Work with Specialty Teachers, including Therapists, to develop programs for students and to assist in implementing the programs in the classroom. 
• Participate in the yearly IEP meeting.
• Stay current with developments in the field of deaf education.
• Participate in in-service training, conferences, and professional learning communities.
• Maintain certifications and licensure as required by the state or jurisdiction.
• Maintains a safe and age-appropriate environment for students. 
• Use school equipment and facilities properly. 
• Follow the OSB Handbook and guidelines.

Expected Skill Set:

• The teacher will maintain a professional attitude at all times and will fulfill assigned duties and special activities. 
• The teacher will contribute as a member of the program team to the long-range planning efforts of the program and the school.
• The teacher will demonstrate problem-solving ability and flexibility, and a willingness to work with others to ensure the best program for the children. 
• The teacher will demonstrate good time management skills.
• The teacher will demonstrate good written and spoken communication skills.
• The teacher will demonstrate competence in understanding the visual etiologies of the students. This information will be used to design and implement the student program.
• The teacher will demonstrate skills in effectively interacting with the parents.
• The teacher will demonstrate the ability to handle confidential information appropriately.
• The teacher will demonstrate crisis intervention skills and leadership skills with respect to the classroom and the individual students in his or her charge.

Minimum Education and Experience Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Deaf Education, Education of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, Special Education (working toward a Teacher of the Deaf degree); master's degree preferred.
• Must have Current PA Teacher Certification. 
• Experience working with students with blindness/visual impairments and additional disabilities. 
• Must be certified in First Aid and CPR/AED.  
• A valid driver’s license is required.

Physical Requirements & Work Environment:

• Lifting: must be able to lift 50 lbs minimum. Participate in 2-person lifts. 
• Working Environment: Employees are subject to accidents and/or injuries, which may be incurred during the performance of the essential functions of the position. Work is primarily indoors, but some outdoor activities may be required.
• Physical Requirement: The employee must be able to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation. The position may require frequent movement throughout the school environment, including classrooms, therapy areas, residential areas, vocational settings, and community-based instructional environments. Duties may include assisting students with positioning, mobility, communication, instructional materials, and other educational activities consistent with the employee's role and training.

Benefits and Pay:

OSB offers a competitive salary and benefits package reflective of the applicant’s training and experience, including liberal financial support for the pursuit of advanced degrees.  Applications from members of communities traditionally underrepresented in school administrative positions are invited.

Overbrook School for the Blind Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

Overbrook School for the Blind (OSB) has, and will continue to follow, a policy of recruiting, employing and promoting individuals best qualified for any position by reason of education, training, and experience without regard to race, color, ancestry, genetic information, familial or marital status, domestic or sexual violence victimization, ethnicity, religion, age, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth or a related medical condition), sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or non-job-related disability or the use of a guide or support animal because of blindness, deafness or physical disability.  OSB shall not discriminate against an individual who has exercised his/her rights against discrimination in accordance with applicable federal, state, or local laws.

Overbrook School for the Blind offers a competitive salary and benefits package reflective of the applicant’s training and experience. 

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