THE PENNSYLVANIASCHOOL FOR THE DEAF

100 WEST SCHOOL HOUSE LANE

PHILADELPHIA, PA 19144

JOB DESCRIPTION

Title:Classroom Teacher (Pre-School)

Reports to:Director of Early Childhood Education

Employment Information: A Full-Time 10-month Bargaining Unit position.

Qualifications:

  1. Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college/university in Deaf Education or a related field required. Master’s Degree preferred.
  1. Possession of or eligibility for appropriate certification from the Pennsylvania Department of Education.
  1. Level 3 ASL competence as measured by the SLPI preferred.
  1. Experience working with Deaf children of the age range to be served is preferred (Early Childhood, Elementary or Secondary).
  1. Understanding and acceptance of communication principles which emphasize full accessibility to all communication in the school environment, the importance of self-expression and respect for each individual’s communication needs. (See statement of PSD’s Communication Philosophy and Principles.)
  1. Understanding of and support for an exploratory, experiential approach to teaching and learning. Experience with an interdisciplinary curriculum.
  1. Understanding and knowledge of normal child growth and development.
  1. Understanding of and experience with a culturally diverse population.
  1. Experience working as a member of an instructional team is preferred.

Professional Profile:

It is expected that teachers at PSD are up to date with current research and literature not only in Deaf education but in education in general. They should exhibit a desire to learn, grow and experiment. Teachers should be willing to put in the time necessary to appropriately plan/prepare for instruction as well as attend professional workshops and seminars.

Job Description (Classroom Teacher)

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Duties:

Classroom teachers serve a student population ranging Early Childhood through Secondary. Classes are arranged according to age, ability, and achievement levels. Teamwork is essential, as each teacher is involved with other teachers and aides in curriculum planning and the implementation of instructional units. In addition, teachers work with other support personnel (e.g., therapists, curriculum and behavior support staff, communication specialists, etc.) to provide an integrated and well-rounded instructional program for each student.

Classroom teachers are responsible for the development and implementation of IEPs with the involvement of parents and school districts, and for implementing instructional activities consistent with the educational mission and philosophy of the school. This approach requires unit planning and experience-based instruction, emphasizes a multicultural orientation involving the Deaf community and Deaf role models and the natural acquisition of language according to the principles of normal child growth and development. For more information, see the PSD Mission Statement.

Physical Demands:

This position may require the following physical demands:

  • Occasionally lift up to 15 lbs.
  • Generally work in standard office conditions and climate
  • Work in a stressful environment dealing with a wide variety of challenges, deadlines and a varied diverse array of contacts.
  • Regularly walk, sit, stand, kneel, crouch, stoop and reach with hands and arms
  • Manual dexterity to efficiently operate a computer keyboard and other business machines
  • Near vision sufficient to read written communications and computer display screen
  • Sensitive to a child-friendly atmosphere

3/06