The Maine Educational Center for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing/Governor Baxter School for the Deaf (MECDHH/GBSD) with early intervention programs and offices on Mackworth Island (located outside of Portland ME) is charged with the provision of statewide services to individuals who are Deaf and hard of hearing from birth through age twenty.
We are seeking a site based Teacher of the Deaf with a can do attitude. This position interacts with many in our organization so the willingness to be part of a collaborative team is essential. This is a full time, school year position, 183 days.
Primary Responsibilities
- Participate in initial and on-going assessments designed for DHH students
- Participate in the IEP processes, preparing present levels of performance, and planning goals and objectives for students on caseload
- Provide instruction and/or support to DHH students in the development and maintenance of skills specified in the student’s IEP
- Evaluate and assess student progress against instructional objectives
- Provide assistance and support to classroom teachers to ensure effective access to instruction for DHH students
- Work as a member of a trans-disciplinary team for planning, assessing, and developing appropriate IEP goals
- Establish and maintain effective and cooperative working relationships with students, teachers, staff, parents, and other support staff and agencies
- Provide in-service/training to students and staff regarding hearing levels and its implications, along with the use of hearing assistive technology
- Assist in identifying, developing, and implementing appropriate use of resources for instructional application specifically for students who are DHH
- Monitor academic, communication, and language skill development through a variety of strategies and assessments
- Complete peer awareness activities in student’s classrooms
- Write timely and comprehensive progress reports
- Write timely and comprehensive consultative and observation reports
- Facilitate the writing of a communication and language plan for students
- Explain the student’s language and access needs to educational teams
- Explain the student’s hearing levels, hearing assistive technology, including hearing aids (both air and bone conduction), cochlear implants, remote microphone systems, sound field systems, etc. to families and professionals
- Troubleshoot hearing assistive technology with families and professionals
- Establish and maintain open, frequent communication with parents, classroom teachers, and service providers
- Maintain and update student’s paper and/or Google file
- Maintain accuracy of child-specific records in MECDHH database systems
- Report monthly activities as requested or required by Coordinator or Director
- Attend family events as requested by the Director
- Provide case-management services to students on caseload
- Abide by all policies and procedures of MECDHH/GBSD and Federal/State regulations
- Perform other related duties as assigned
Minimum Skills and Qualifications
- Bachelor’s Degree (Masters preferred)
- A minimum of 3 years of experience in Deaf/Special Education (preferred)
- Certification requirements variable depending on background:
- State of Maine Certification 292 Teacher of the Deaf
- Such alternatives to the qualifications listed above as the Board may find appropriate and acceptable
- Current Criminal History Records Check (CHRC) Certificate
- Academic content (K-12) as related to assignment
- Extensive knowledge of principles of deaf education
- Ability to implement bilingual techniques (English and ASL)
- Fluency in American Sign Language or willingness to learn
- Ability to work collaboratively with a team of professionals
- Ability to supervise educational support staff and ensure program fidelity
- Knowledge of various communication approaches for expressive and receptive language and/or modalities utilized by individuals who are DHH
- Understanding of Deaf culture
- Knowledge of hearing assistive technology (e.g., hearing aids, RM systems, cochlear implants)
- Knowledge of Special Education Laws and Maine Regulations
- Proven skills in the areas of organization, facilitation, program management, data management, and written English communication
- Ability to deal effectively with a wide range of people in a helpful, positive and constructive way
- Ability to work independently, establish priorities, and work collaboratively as a member of a diverse community of professionals
- High level of professionalism, strong organizational, expressive communication and writing skills
- Openness and unbiased approach to various communication modes for expressive and receptive language utilized by individuals who are D/deaf or hard of hearing.
- Sensitivity to cultural diversity, race, gender, and other individual differences in the workforce; recognize the value of diverse perspectives and experiences; and foster a work environment reflective of the community at large
Work Environment
This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets, fax machines, and teleconferencing equipment. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
Physical Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, as well as use hands to manipulate, handle, or feel. The employee is frequently required to reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, bend, stoop, kneel or crouch. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
Specific vision abilities required by this job include: close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus. In the work environment, the employee is regularly exposed to video display and regularly works in typical interior/office environmental conditions.
Benefits
A competitive salary and benefits package, including medical/dental/vision insurance, tuition reimbursement, Maine Public Employees Retirement System, paid sick/personal/vacation time, and federal public loan forgiveness program, is offered.
If interested in applying for this position please click the APPLY link next to the Site Based Teacher of the Deaf listing on our Career Opportunities website page. https://www.mecdhh.org/professionals/career-opportunities
PLEASE NOTE: Employment CANNOT be finalized until the applicant has completed requirements for complete background checks and fingerprinting as required by Maine state statute.
We strongly encourage women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans to apply to all of our job openings.