ASL Teacher of the Deaf

About the role

The Maine Educational Center for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing and the Governor Baxter School for the Deaf (MECDHH/GBSD) is seeking a highly motivated, experienced ASL Teacher of Students who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing to work in the MECDHH/GBSD programs.

Primary Responsibilities

• Serve students in homes, daycares, preschools, or public school settings in person and/or virtually with goals for ASL development
• Provide individual Family or Parent Training as requested by IFSP or IEP team per referral
• Provide Special Instruction, Specially Designed Instruction, or Consultation as requested by IFSP or IEP team per referral
• Collect and document data on IFSP and IEP goals
• Participate in the IFSP/IEP processes, prepare present levels of ASL performance, and plan goals and objectives
• Provide American Sign Language classes for students and families in person and/or virtually
• Work with the ASL Team to develop and revise the ASL Curriculum for MECDHH/GBSD
• Utilize video and online technology and platforms to create ASL materials for instruction and sharing
• Act in the role of Deaf Mentor for the Parent Infant Playgroups, Regional Peer Support Programs, and “Kids Like Me” programs for elementary students and for mid-high school students
• Provide itinerant specially designed instruction to deaf and hard of hearing students communicating in American Sign Language in mainstream settings
• Offer ongoing educational consultation and technical assistance to professionals working with children who are deaf or hard of hearing communicating via American Sign Language in public and private schools throughout designated areas in Maine
• Participate at IEP meetings and provide input into IEPs for students on the ASL Specialist’s caseload
• Conduct a summary meeting for staff and parents at the conclusion of the student’s observation
• Provide comprehensive and individualized written reports after on-site observations
• Provide in-service training to professionals related to American Sign Language and/or Deaf Culture
• Write in-depth and timely evaluation reports at the conclusion of ASL evaluation
• Aid teachers and support staff in developing appropriate instructional environments to support students access to ASL
• Act as a resource to instructional staff related to language use, variation, technical signs, communication strategies
• Participate in periodic programs sponsored family activities in the role of Deaf Mentor/ASL Specialist
• Communicate regularly and document on-going family and school communication
• Work with the Statewide Education and Family Services team to develop educational webinars
• Present student awareness programs for the student and their classmates customized to the student’s age and grade, using interactive hands-on materials
• Provide current ASL materials (e.g., articles, hand-outs) to the SEFS team, case manager, classroom teacher, and/or parents on topics relevant to that child’s needs
• Communicate regularly with a broad variety of professionals
• Work collaboratively with parents and professionals to develop positive and successful educational programs for students
• Attend and present at Deaf Culture Festival and other conferences or events as requested by Director
• Maintain professional digital calendar of all services and meetings
• Document communication and service provision in CINC database or google file
• Report monthly activities as requested by Coordinator or Director

Minimum Skills And Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree (Masters preferred)
• A minimum of 5 years of experience in Deaf/Special Education
• ASL PI score of 4 or higher (preferred)
• Current Criminal History Records Check (CHRC)
• Certification requirements variable depending on background: State of Maine Certification 292 Teacher of the Deaf or related certification/licensure

Other Duties

• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions
• The employee is regularly required to sit, drive, as well as use hands to manipulate, handle, or feel
• The employee is frequently required to reach with hands and arms
• The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, bend, stoop, kneel, or crouch
• The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus

Benefits

A competitive salary and benefits package, including medical/dental insurance, Maine State Retirement, tuition reimbursement, generous paid time off, and federal public loan forgiveness program eligibility, is offered.