Summary

Southern Plains Education Cooperative is hiring a Teacher of the Deaf/Hard of Hearing to provide specialized instruction and support for students birth to age 22. This role ensures access to the general curriculum through individualized services, collaboration with teams, and a strong focus on language, communication, and academic success aligned with each student’s IEP.

Description

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Assessment

Implement necessary accommodations and modifications in educational materials, assistive technology, and the instructional environment to ensure meaningful access for students who are deaf or hard of hearing.
Provide both direct and indirect services to infants and toddlers (birth to age 3) who are deaf or hard of hearing in home-based settings throughout the year.
Deliver direct and indirect services to students ages 3 to 22 during the academic year, aligned with their IEPs.
Offer Extended School Year (ESY) services to eligible students, as determined by the IEP team.
Collect and maintain accurate progress monitoring data; regularly assess student progress and adjust instruction to support academic growth and access to the general curriculum.
Ensure compliance by maintaining detailed documentation of all services provided, in line with state and federal regulations.
Evaluate the need for interpreter support, assist in the selection process, and collaborate with interpreters to ensure effective communication and service delivery.

Educational Planning

Collaborate in developing IEPs for students who are deaf or hard of hearing, participating in meetings and contributing to goal setting and appropriate accommodations.
Communicate with parents, staff, administrators, and outside agencies regarding students' IEPs to coordinate programs between home and school.
Consult with educational staff on teaching techniques, materials, and methodologies to meet student needs and monitor progress.

Consultation and Collaboration

Actively participate in planning meetings and discussions at Southern Plains Education Cooperative.
Work with the Educational Audiologist to select specialized equipment and instructional materials as needed.
Monitor the use of assistive technology and specialized equipment to ensure effective utilization.

Instruction

Contribute to the development and implementation of curriculum and instructional practices as requested.
Support the identification and acquisition of accessible instructional materials tailored to diverse student needs.

Professional Learning

Provide ongoing training and support to educational teams regarding specialized equipment, curriculum materials, and D/HH services.
Lead professional development opportunities for student teams, parents, and other stakeholders as needed.
Actively engage in the regional Deaf/Hard of Hearing Community of Practice (COP) and participate in relevant professional development.

Case Management

Develop, coordinate, implement, and evaluate students’ IEPs.
Facilitate student placement decisions according to eligibility criteria.
Supervise and guide paraprofessionals to help achieve students’ IEP goals.
Schedule and coordinate periodic reviews and meetings as needed.
Maintain special education records to ensure compliance with due process.
Continuously pursue professional development through reading, attending conferences, and participating in committees.
Adhere to school policies and submit necessary reports and data to the Coordinator or Special Education Office.
Demonstrate effective workload management and follow Minnesota Special Education Due Process Standards.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

Ability to collaborate effectively within a multidisciplinary team.
Strong organizational skills to manage multiple responsibilities.
Commitment to professional growth and supporting students with diverse needs.
Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
Flexibility to adapt to evolving student and program requirements.
Proactive problem-solving approach.
Familiarity with state and federal child labor laws.
Ability to gather, analyze, and share data while maintaining confidentiality per FERPA.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Minimum: Bachelor’s Degree in Special Education
Preferred: Master’s Degree in Deaf Education

LICENSES, CERTIFICATES, AND REGISTRATIONS:

Driver’s License
Minimum: MN Teaching Licensure in Special Education or ability to obtain licensure
Preferred: MN Teaching Licensure in Deaf/Hard of Hearing (D/HH); passing score on Sign Language Proficiency Interview

SUPERVISION:

Work is performed under limited direction from the Director.
No supervisory responsibilities.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Work is carried out during the school year with potential additional days in the summer.
May involve lifting up to 50 pounds. Requires walking, standing, and carrying materials. Effective communication skills and visual acuity are essential.
Frequent use of computers, including extended periods of sitting or standing.
Regular travel within and occasionally outside of the SPEC District boundaries.