Hearing-Impaired Itinerant Teacher

JOB GOAL:

The Hearing-Impaired Itinerant Teacher provides specialized educational services and support to students who are deaf or hard of hearing and are served across multiple school sites. The position travels between assigned schools to provide direct and indirect instructional services consultation assessment assistive technology support and collaboration with students families educators administrators and related service providers.

The Hearing-Impaired Itinerant Teacher supports students in accessing and participating successfully in the general education curriculum and school environment. The teacher assists in developing communication language academic social-emotional and self-advocacy skills while ensuring that appropriate accommodations and services identified through the students Individualized Education Program (IEP) Section 504 Plan or other applicable educational plans are implemented.

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT:

This position is Nine and one-fourth (9.25) month teaching contract (190 days) plus a benefits package.NOTE:Precise placement within the salary range will be determined based on experience and LRSDs salary placement guidelines.FLSA: EXEMPT.

QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Bachelors or Masters degree in Deaf Education or Special Education with a focus on hearing impairments.
2. Valid Arkansas teaching license/certificate appropriate for the position.
3. Appropriate Arkansas endorsement or certification in Deaf Education Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DHH) Hearing Impaired or equivalent area as required by the Arkansas Division of Elementary and Secondary Education. Maintains all required licensure and professional development requirements.
4. Proficiency in communication methods (such as American Sign Language or oral/auditory-verbal strategies) working knowledge of educational audiology and a valid drivers license for traveling between school sites.
5. Evidence of strong writing and organizational skills.
6. Evidence of ability to implement Individual Education Plans.
7. Experience working with students who are deaf or hard of hearing preferred.
8. Experience providing itinerant educational services or working in inclusive/general education settings preferred.

Such alternatives and additions to the above qualifications may be deemed appropriate by the Superintendent. Such alternatives to the above qualifications as the Board may require.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

The following statements of duties and responsibilities are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this position. These statements are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities required of all personnel within this position.

Specialized Instruction

• Provides direct specialized instruction to students who are deaf or hard of hearing based on individual educational needs.
• Provides instruction in communication language development self-advocacy communication repair strategies specialized vocabulary and other skills necessary for educational access.
• Utilizes appropriate communication methodologies including American Sign Language (ASL) oral/auditory-verbal strategies signed communication tactile communication or other appropriate approaches based on student needs and educational plans.
• Adapts instruction materials and instructional strategies to address the unique educational needs associated with hearing loss.
• Supports students in developing independence and effective self-advocacy skills.

Assistive Technology and Equipment Management

• Monitors maintains and supports the appropriate use of assistive listening and communication technology.
• Assists students and school personnel with hearing aids cochlear implants FM/DM systems remote microphones and other assistive technology used to support educational access.
• Conducts routine equipment checks and identifies equipment concerns that may interfere with student access to instruction.
• Troubleshoots equipment issues within the scope of professional training and refers complex technical or audiological concerns to appropriate personnel.
• Maintains appropriate documentation regarding assistive technology and equipment.

Staff and School Consultation

• Consults with general education teachers special education teachers administrators paraprofessionals and other school personnel regarding the educational impact of hearing loss.
• Provides training and guidance regarding accommodations communication access classroom strategies assistive technology and environmental considerations.
• Assists school personnel in implementing accommodations and services identified in IEPs Section 504 Plans and other applicable educational plans.
• Promotes awareness of the academic communication social and functional needs of students who are deaf or hard of hearing.
• Provides recommendations for improving students access to classroom instruction school activities and other educational opportunities.

Assessment and Educational Planning

• Conducts and/or assists with formal and informal assessments related to communication language educational performance and functional needs associated with hearing loss.
• Reviews assessment information and other relevant student data to determine instructional needs and appropriate supports.
• Monitors student progress and maintains accurate records and documentation.
• Participates in IEP and Section 504 meetings and provides information regarding the students hearing-related educational needs.
• Assists in developing measurable goals accommodations modifications and services appropriate to the students individual needs.
• Maintains documentation in accordance with District state and federal requirements.

Collaboration and Communication

• Maintains regular communication with parents and guardians regarding student progress educational needs communication strategies and available resources.
• Collaborates with audiologists speech-language pathologists special education personnel school administrators teachers counselors and other professionals.
• Coordinates services across multiple school locations to promote consistency and continuity of educational support.
• Participates in multidisciplinary meetings and problem-solving activities as appropriate.
• Serves as an educational resource to families and school personnel regarding the impact of hearing loss on educational performance.

Student Advocacy and Educational Access

• Advocates for equitable access to instruction communication technology extracurricular activities and other educational opportunities.
• Teaches students strategies for communicating their needs and requesting appropriate accommodations.
• Supports students in developing independence and preparing for transitions between educational settings and when appropriate postsecondary environments.
• Promotes an inclusive educational environment that recognizes and addresses the individual needs of students who are deaf or hard of hearing.

Compliance and Professional Responsibilities

• Complies with all applicable District policies and procedures and federal and state laws governing special education and services for students with disabilities.
• Maintains confidentiality of student records and information.
• Completes required reports documentation and other records accurately and within established timelines.
• Participates in professional development activities to maintain current knowledge and skills in deaf education assistive technology educational audiology communication methodologies and evidence-based instructional practices.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Requirements are representative of minimum levels of knowledge skills and/or abilities. To perform this job successfully the incumbent will possess the abilities or aptitudes to perform each duty successfully. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Mental Functions Physical Requirements and Working Conditions:

While performing the duties of this job the employee is regularly required to sit stand walk go up and down stairs operate foot and hand controls use a telephone and write. Occasionally the employee must lift and/or move up to twenty (20) or more pounds. This position requires accurate perception of sound near and far vision depth perception handling and working with educational materials and/or objects and providing oral information. Must have the ability to work for the duration of the daily contracted time period and to be physically present and at assigned work with only infrequent unexcused absences during the contract year. Additional technical skills knowledge and abilities may be recommended by the immediate supervisor and approved by the Human Resources Director.

Required Experience:

IC