Teacher of the Deaf/Hard of Hearing Eligibility Application

School District of Philadelphia • Philadelphia, PA

1d • Onsite

About The Position

Provides specialized educational services to students who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing (DHH) with hearing losses ranging from mild to profound. Implements the District's adopted curriculum with fidelity while differentiating instruction to address the unique linguistic and audiological needs of students who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing. Delivers instruction in language development, self-advocacy, auditory training, and communication access. Collaborates with medical, instructional, administrative, and other professional personnel to provide a comprehensive, student-centered educational experience. Provides instruction and support through both classroom-based and itinerant service delivery models across district schools.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
• Demonstrated knowledge of: child growth and development, with emphasis on the impact of hearing loss on language acquisition, literacy, and psychosocial development.
• Demonstrated knowledge of: current methods, principles, and evidence-based practices in elementary and/or secondary education for DHH learners.
• Demonstrated knowledge of: the spectrum of communication approaches used by DHH individuals, including American Sign Language (ASL), spoken language, and Total Communication.
• Demonstrated knowledge of: audiology and the anatomy of the auditory system, including conditions that affect hearing.
• Demonstrated knowledge of: hearing assistive technology and amplification devices, and strategies for supporting students in their use.
• Demonstrated knowledge of: principles and practices of auditory training and language development.
• Demonstrated knowledge of: deaf culture, history, identity, and the linguistic and cultural diversity of Deaf and Hard of Hearing communities.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with students along the communication spectrum via American Sign Language (ASL), Spoken Language, Total Communication, etc., based on students’ communication needs
• Demonstrated ability to provide instruction that maximizes each student's access to language through visual, auditory, and multimodal channels
• Demonstrated ability to design, plan, and deliver effective, differentiated lessons for DHH learners
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain collaborative, respectful working relationships with students, families, and colleagues.
• Possession of a valid Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Certificate in Special Education for teaching students who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing or ability to obtain an emergency permit while working toward full instructional certification.

Responsibilities

• Develops individualized instructional approaches based on each student's personal history, audiological data, and communication profile; establishes standards and goals aligned with the student's unique strengths, needs, and learning profile; and adapts curriculum and instructional materials to meet each learner's diverse needs.
• Plans and implements units of instruction that address content, process, and sequence of learning across elementary and secondary subjects; provides auditory training and supports the development of receptive and expressive language; instructs students in the use of assistive technology and amplification devices, including hearing aids, cochlear implants, FM systems, and other hearing assistive technology (HAT).
• Communicates and collaborates with families to support the social-emotional wellbeing of students; provides guidance regarding community resources and agencies that serve the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community; actively engages in structured family education and partnership opportunities.
• Participates in ongoing professional development and collaborative team meetings to address individual student needs and advances in the field of Deaf education.
• Engages in co-teaching models, curriculum committees, and other academic and extracurricular activities that support student growth and inclusion.
• Maintains accurate attendance, progress monitoring, and other required documentation in compliance with district and state requirements.

What This Job Offers

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