Teacher I

State of Arkansas•Conway, AR

7d•Onsite

About The Position

The Department of Human Services is a place for people passionate about serving others and changing lives for the better. We care for Arkansans of all ages and ensure places like child care centers and nursing homes are safe. We are the safety net for the most vulnerable Arkansans. Whether you answer the phones, take applications, protect children, or help care for residents or patients at one of our facilities, you make a difference by working at DHS. Plus, working for the State has great perks, including a pension, maternity leave, paid state holidays, and much more. At DHS, we take care of our employees so you can help care for others. The Teacher I is a specialized educator responsible for providing tailored instruction and support to students with visual or hearing impairments. This role involves developing individualized education plans (IEPs), adapting teaching strategies, and using specialized tools and resources in an attempt to ensure that students have access to equitable educational opportunities. The teacher works closely with students, families, and other professionals to foster the students' academic, social, and personal growth.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Education, Special Education, Education of the Visually Impaired, Education of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, or a related field.
Must possess a Teaching License in the State of Arkansas.
Empathy, patience, and the ability to build strong, trusting relationships with students and families.
Strong problem-solving and critical-thinking skills.
Ability to manage multiple responsibilities and maintain a flexible, student-centered approach to teaching.
Proficiency in using educational and assistive technology tools.

Responsibilities

Develop and implement individualized education plans (IEPs) for students with vision or hearing impairments, aligning with their specific needs and educational goals.
Adapt curriculum, teaching methods, and materials to accommodate students' disabilities and ensure access to learning.
Teach specialized skills, such as Braille, orientation and mobility (for students with vision impairment), or American Sign Language (ASL) and auditory training (for students with hearing impairment).
Utilize assistive technologies and tools to support learning, such as screen readers, magnification devices, hearing aids, or frequency modulation systems.
Collaborate with general education teachers, special education staff, and related service providers to ensure an inclusive and supportive learning environment.
Monitor and assess student progress, making necessary adjustments to instructional strategies and goals.
Provide guidance and support to students on self-advocacy, independent living skills, and social interactions.
Serve as a liaison between the school, families, and community resources, offering information and advocacy for students and their families.
Maintain accurate records of student progress, goals, and services in compliance with state and federal regulations.
Stay current with advancements in education for students with disabilities, including assistive technologies and instructional strategies.