Special Education Teacher-Hearing Impaired

Kershaw County School District JOB DESCRIPTION JOB TITLE: Special Education Teacher - Hearing Impairment (Teacher of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing) GENERAL STATEMENT OF JOB Under general supervision, the Special Education Teacher-Hearing Impairment provides specialized instruction and support to students who are deaf or hard of hearing in order to promote academic achievement, communication development, social-emotional growth, independence, and access to the general education curriculum. The teacher collaborates with families, educators, related service providers, and community agencies to ensure students receive a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) in the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) in accordance with the Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), South Carolina Department of Education regulations, and District policies. The teacher reports to the school principal, the Director of Special Services, and/or designee. SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS Plans, develops, and implements individualized instructional programs designed to meet the educational, communication, and functional needs of students with hearing impairments. Provides direct instruction in academic subjects using appropriate accommodations, modifications, and specialized instructional strategies. Implements Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and ensures compliance with all federal, state, and district special education requirements. Participates in eligibility meetings, IEP meetings, reevaluation conferences, manifestation determination meetings, and other required meetings. Conducts ongoing assessments of student performance and uses assessment data to monitor progress toward IEP goals and instructional planning. Collaborates with general education teachers to ensure students have meaningful access to the general education curriculum. Works collaboratively with speech-language professionals, audiologists, interpreters, school psychologists, occupational therapists, physical therapists, and other related service providers. Assists in implementing accommodations for classroom instruction, district assessments, and state assessments. Promotes communication skills through the appropriate use of spoken language, sign language, assistive listening devices, cochlear implant accommodations, FM systems, captioning, or other communication methods identified in each student's IEP. Maintains accurate and timely documentation of student progress, IEP implementation, Medicaid documentation (when applicable), progress reports, and required compliance records. Maintains confidentiality of student information in accordance with FERPA, IDEA, HIPAA, and district policies. Develops positive relationships with parents and guardians through regular communication regarding student progress and educational programming. Provides consultation and support to school personnel regarding instructional strategies, classroom accommodations, behavior supports, and communication needs of students with hearing impairments. Maintains instructional materials, adaptive equipment, assistive technology, and classroom resources. Monitor and support student use of hearing aids, cochlear implants, FM/DM systems, and classroom amplification equipment. Collaborate with educational audiologists regarding hearing technology and classroom accommodations. Consult and collaborate with educational interpreters. Report equipment concerns promptly and assist students in developing independence with hearing technology. Participates in Professional Learning Communities (PLCs), faculty meetings, district professional development, and special education training. Stays current on best practices, instructional methodologies, state regulations, and emerging technologies related to educating students with hearing impairments. Assists students in developing self-advocacy, independence, transition, and post- secondary readiness skills. Performs all other duties as assigned by the principal or district administration. ADDITIONAL JOB FUNCTIONS Performs related duties as assigned. MINIMUM TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE Requires a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Special Education, Deaf Education, Hearing Impairments, or a closely related field. Master's degree preferred. Experience working with students who are deaf or hard of hearing is preferred, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities. SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS Must possess or be eligible for a valid South Carolina teaching certificate in Special Education with appropriate certification for Hearing Impairments (or meet all South Carolina Department of Education certification requirements). Knowledge of IDEA, Section 504, FERPA, state special education regulations, and district procedures. Knowledge of communication methods used by students with hearing impairments. Ability to collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams. Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills. Demonstrated ability to establish positive relationships with students, families, and staff. Ability to collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams. Ability to integrate assistive technology and instructional accommodations into daily instruction. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS OR STANDARDS REQUIRED TO PERFORM ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS Physical Requirements Must be physically able to perform classroom instructional duties, supervise students, operate computers, instructional technology, adaptive equipment, and standard office equipment. Some lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, bending, standing, and walking may be required. Data Conception Requires the ability to analyze educational data, assessment results, IEP information, and student performance to make instructional decisions. Interpersonal Communication Requires the ability to communicate effectively with students, parents, administrators, teachers, interpreters, related service providers, and community agencies. Language Ability Requires the ability to prepare reports, maintain educational records, develop instructional materials, write IEPs, and communicate effectively both orally and in writing. Intelligence Requires the ability to analyze educational needs, solve instructional problems, make sound decisions, and implement evidence-based instructional practices. Verbal Aptitude Requires the ability to explain instructional concepts, facilitate meetings, communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders, and provide clear written documentation. Numeric Aptitude Requires basic mathematical skills necessary to interpret assessment data and monitor student progress. Motor Coordination Requires sufficient coordination to utilize instructional technology, adaptive equipment, and classroom materials. Manual Dexterity Requires the ability to operate classroom technology, office equipment, and adaptive instructional devices. Interpersonal Temperament Requires patience, flexibility, professionalism, and the ability to work effectively under changing circumstances while maintaining positive relationships. Physical Communication Requires the ability to communicate effectively through speech, sign language (when appropriate), visual supports, written communication, or other communication methods necessary to meet student needs. PERFORMANCE INDICATORS The employee shall demonstrate: Thorough knowledge of special education laws, regulations, and district procedures. Knowledge of evidence-based instructional practices for students with hearing impairments. Effective implementation of IEPs and specially designed instruction. Strong collaboration with school personnel, families, and related service providers. Professionalism, confidentiality, and ethical conduct. Effective classroom management and positive student engagement. Accurate recordkeeping and timely completion of required documentation. Commitment to continuous professional learning and instructional improvement. Dependability, attendance, initiative, cooperation, and effective communication. Ability to maintain a safe, inclusive, and supportive learning environment. DISCLAIMER This job description is not an employment agreement or contract. Management reserves the exclusive right to modify this job description at any time without notice.