Post Baccalaureate Teacher of the Deaf Apprentice

Bucks County Intermediate Unit • Doylestown, PA

5d • Onsite

About The Position

The Post Baccalaureate Teacher of the Deaf Apprentice will receive specialized training over a period of 24 months, including the Extended School Year (ESY) schedule. The apprentice will sit for two praxis exams and complete a semester of student teaching at the commencement of training. The apprentice will also obtain Crisis Prevention and Intervention certification, First Aid/CPR certification, and complete 27-45 graduate credits at Pennsylvania West University to obtain the Special Education – Hearing Impaired PK-12 certification. Under the direct supervision of an assigned mentor teacher, the apprentice will develop the skills to assess, plan, and deliver educational services for students who are deaf or hard of hearing. This includes supporting students in language and communication, listening skills, amplification and assistive technology, academic instruction, self-advocacy, and social-emotional development, while learning applicable special education regulations and best practices. This position is not eligible for remote work.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in any field.
• Citizenship or work authorization to work in the United States.
• Commitment to regular attendance and reliable on-site presence.
• Ability to sit, communicate effectively, use hands for fine motor tasks, and move throughout the work environment.
• Ability to walk, stand, reach, bend, kneel, crouch, and position at student level for extended periods.
• Ability to lift up to 10 pounds frequently and up to 25 pounds occasionally.
• Ability to assist with transitions, mobility support, and instructional or daily living activities (may exceed 25 pounds with training).
• Ability to respond appropriately and efficiently to students, classroom, or safety needs.
• Ability to implement approved crisis intervention techniques.
• Ability to support students with diverse educational, behavioral, communication, and personal care needs.
• Ability to maintain a safe and supportive learning environment.
• Specific vision abilities required: close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
• Ability to hear and interpret sounds within the environment, including student communication, alarms, and other potential safety concerns.
• Regular attendance and dependable onsite presence.

Nice To Haves

• Extended School Year (ESY) schedule participation.
• Completion of a semester of student teaching.
• Crisis Prevention and Intervention certification.
• First Aid/CPR certification.
• Completion of 27-45 graduate credits at Pennsylvania West University.
• Experience supporting students in the areas of language and communication, listening skills, amplification and assistive technology, academic instruction, self-advocacy, and social-emotional development.
• Knowledge of applicable state and federal special education regulations and best practices.
• Experience collaborating with families, multidisciplinary teams, school district personnel, educational audiologists, speech-language pathologists, and other related service providers.
• Experience adapting instructional materials and classroom environments.
• Experience utilizing evidence-based instructional practices.
• Experience maintaining instructional materials, technology, and classroom resources.
• Experience following school-wide positive behavior supports and individualized behavior intervention plans.
• Experience maintaining confidentiality and complying with policies and procedures.
• Occasional evening and/or weekend work may be required.
• Occasional travel to meetings, trainings, conferences, Bucks IU locations, or other work-related activities may be necessary.

Responsibilities

• Commit to regular attendance and reliable on-site presence.
• Observe and participate in the delivery of evidence-based instruction to students who are deaf or hard of hearing in a variety of educational settings.
• Assist with planning and implementing instructional activities aligned with IEP goals and Pennsylvania academic standards.
• Learn to assess student needs through formal and informal assessment measures.
• Collect, organize, and analyze student performance data for progress monitoring.
• Assist with development and implementation of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) in accordance with state and federal regulations.
• Gain experience supporting students' language, communication, listening, academic, social-emotional, and self-advocacy skills.
• Learn the appropriate use of hearing technology, assistive listening devices, classroom accommodations, and communication supports.
• Collaborate with families, multidisciplinary teams, school district personnel, educational audiologists, speech-language pathologists, and other related service providers.
• Learn to serve as a liaison regarding the educational implications of hearing loss and available educational supports.
• Adapt instructional materials and classroom environments to meet the communication and learning needs of students.
• Utilize evidence-based instructional practices appropriate for students who are deaf or hard of hearing.
• Maintain instructional materials, technology, and classroom resources.
• Follow school-wide positive behavior supports and individualized behavior intervention plans.
• Maintain confidentiality and comply with all federal, state, and Bucks IU policies and procedures.
• Ensure the safety and well-being of students throughout the instructional day.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level