COLORADOSCHOOL FOR THE DEAF AND THE BLIND

POSITIONTransition Teacher

DEPARTMENT Employability CenterPOSITION NO.21506

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES

This position reports to the Supervisor of the Employability Center, and is responsible for providing standards-based instruction to high school and transition-aged students who are Deaf/hard-of-hearing, blind/visually-impaired, and who may have other disabilities. Utilizes Colorado State Standards and benchmarks in establishing transition instructional goals; and provides assessments that measure whether students meet standards, in a safe and civil school environment.Works with community employers to provide hands-on transition instruction within a variety of work sites.

JOB FUNCTIONS

  • Provides services to high school and transition students in the area of on and off campus job placements, vocational exploration activities, portfolio development, career counseling, college enrollment, and the development of transition plans, resumes and biographies.
  • Utilizes appropriate communication skills with a commitment to life skills and career development in each student.
  • Serves as liaison between the Colorado School for the Deaf and the Blind (CSDB) and other agencies/educational programs as needed; e.g., Pikes Peak Community College (PPCC), Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, Goodwill, AspenPointe, and local school districts.
  • Provides support to elementary and middle school teachers in the provision of Transition Services curricula and related activities.
  • Develops and maintains relationships with community job sites utilized for student employment.
  • Performs work associated with standards-based student instruction: prepares lesson plans, adapts instructional materials, develops input for and presents daily instructional/learning activities based upon the Individualized Education Program (IEP) and school reform tenets under the direction of the Supervisor of the Employability Center, maintains a positive classroom environment utilizing appropriate classroom management, keeps students on task and engaged in learning.
  • Demonstrates knowledge / skill in the areas of task analysis, assessment, progress monitoring, daily living skills, behavior management, organization / planning, curriculum development, current technology practices relative to students served, parent relations and teamwork.
  • Utilizes technology to model, teach, and assist students relative to classroom instruction and work activities.
  • Serves as a Student Advocate for assigned students.
  • Coordinates effectively with other program service staff in providing student instruction, supporting school reform efforts, strategic planning, and positively contributing to co-curricular activities.
  • Positively serves as a team member in the EmployabilityCenter, and of the ColoradoSchool for the Deaf and the Blind (CSDB) as a whole; and participates in regular team and departmental meetings, school and instructional meetings as required.
  • Provides parent consultation; participates in selected parent-focused activities, etc.
  • Participates in activities related to professional development and training/workshops as appropriate.
  • Performs other appropriate duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

  • Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Education or closely related field from an accredited college or university, with specialization in Special Education, Deaf Education, or Education of the Visually Impaired.
  • Must hold or be eligible for appropriate educator licensure in the State of Colorado, endorsed as a Special Education Generalist or Special Education Specialist: Deaf / Hard-of-Hearing or Visually Impaired, and/or Secondary Colorado Career and Technical Education (CTE) Specialist.
  • Experience teaching / working with young adults who are special needs, Deaf/Hard-of-Hearing and/or Blind/visually impaired in an educational or vocational environment.
  • If assigned as a Teacher of the Visually Impaired (TVI) … ability to demonstrate competency in Braille by the end of the first instructional year, as evidenced by possession of a CDE Certificate of Braille Competency.
  • Proficiency in American Sign Language (ASL) at a required skill level as demonstrated through an appropriate assessment tool and per school policy / procedure. Required level is based upon assignment; i.e., Advanced (3+) if assigned with students who are Deaf/HH, Novice (0+) if assigned with students who are blind/visually impaired.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES

  • Knowledge of and ability to apply current standards-based educational practices associated with high school and transition-aged students who are Deaf/hard-of-hearing and/or blind/visually impaired within a variety of settings
  • As appropriate … Knowledge of Expanded Core Curriculum for students with visual impairments, including those with multiple disabilities
  • Knowledge of and ability to assess and apply technology to perform the requirements of the position; ability to effectively utilize a variety of computer software applications, which may include but is not limited to e-mail, Internet, word processing, electronic calendar, presentation development, spreadsheet, database, etc.; willingness to stay current and develop skills as needed with or without direct support from CSDB
  • Knowledge of and ability to effectively adapt and apply teaching skills, classroom management and lesson preparation to a technology rich environment, which may include but is not limited to on-site classroom, telepresence, and multiple distance education technologies and delivery modes; ability to effectively implement technology necessary to model, teach, and assist students relative to classroom instruction and activities
  • Ability to communicate effectively with students who are Deaf/hard-of-hearing
  • Ability to communicate effectively with employers at community job sites
  • Ability to organize and coordinate all documentation necessary to the operations of the Employability Center using appropriate computer technology
  • Ability and willingness to travel to and from off-campus job sites, which may require travel in adverse weather conditions, and/or to and from students’ home area to provide transition services
  • Ability to respond effectively and positively to feedback
  • Ability to work cooperatively with others and participate effectively in a team setting
  • Strong, positive interpersonal skills

ORGANIZATIONAL RELATIONSHIPS

Reports to and is evaluated by the Principal / Employability Center

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT

  • Full-time; scheduled to work the standard number of days in the academic year (as per established School Calendar, currently 195 days, August to June).
  • The annual base salary shall be established pursuant to the Teacher Salary Schedule, and based upon appropriate education and experience.
  • Employment is at-will, with no actual, expressed or implied contract.

EFFECTIVE DATESchool Year 2017-2018

WORKING CONDITIONS / PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Generally speaking, the work is performed in a typical school office environment or in a variety of off-campus job sites, and involves mostly sedentary to light physical activity, typically requiring exertion of up to 20 lbs. of force occasionally and usually requires walking or standing to a significant degree. Typically, workers are required to climb stairs, bend, reach, and handle objects, and use fingers to operate computer and/or typewriter keyboard. Work requires expression or exchange of ideas and the ability to receive detailed information. Work requires ability to compare, compile, analyze, and coordinate data/ information; ability to instruct/train others; and ability to utilize effective interpersonal skills/ behaviors.

Working conditions relative to off-campus job sites vary; i.e., dependent upon the job sites which may include a store, office, auto junk yard, welding shop, etc.

FLSA STATUSExempt

CERTIFICATION Carol A. Hilty, Superintendent/Date

Supervisor/Date

Employee Signature/Date