Chattanooga Metro - Deaf and Hard of Hearing Teacher

Key Responsibilities

• Evaluate auditory and communication access, develop IEP goals targeting language and literacy development, and ensure equitable access to the educational environment.
• Educational assessments of communication, language, listening, and academic skills for students who are deaf or hard of hearing in collaboration with audiologists and SLPs.
• Recommend service hours, placement, and accommodations based on functional communication and access needs.
• Write evaluation reports that are educationally relevant, legally defensible, and accessible to IEP team members and families.
• Participate in eligibility determination meetings and audiological review meetings.
• Develop individualized IEP goals targeting spoken language, signed language, listening and spoken language development, literacy, self-advocacy, and use of hearing technology.
• Deliver direct academic instruction and language development support using the student’s primary communication mode (ASL, spoken language, Cued Speech, Total Communication, or simultaneous communication).
• Support cochlear implant and hearing aid users in optimizing device benefit within the educational environment.
• Adapt and modify instructional materials and assessment conditions to ensure equitable access across all academic areas.
• Maintain accurate, timely service logs and progress notes in compliance with state documentation requirements.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in Deaf Education, Special Education with a DHH specialization, or Hearing-Related Communication Disorders.
• State certification or licensure as a Teacher of the Deaf/Hard of Hearing in good standing, or documented initiation of certification transfer prior to start date.
• Knowledge of IDEA, audiological assessment terminology, and the range of communication approaches used with students who are deaf or hard of hearing.
• Proficiency in at least one communication mode used with DHH students (ASL, signed English systems, Cued Speech, or spoken language with visual supports).

Prior Experience

• 1+ years of DHH teaching experience in a school-based setting.
• Fluency in American Sign Language (ASL).
• Experience working with cochlear implant users and FM/Roger system technology.
• Experience with students who have hearing loss alongside autism, intellectual disability, or other co-occurring disabilities.

Compensation

• Compensation is paid over 10 months, aligned to the school-year calendar.
• Base Compensation: W-2 Base Salary $58,000 – $70,900, based on experience.
• A salary that reflects the expertise you bring.
• Additional Earning Potential: Sign-On Bonus $6,000 — paid 25% at 30 days, 25% at 90 days, 50% at 6 months.
• Longevity Structure: Up to $2,000 — paid after completing your first full school year.
• CEU Stipend: $750 your first year → growing up to $2,000 after five years.
• Performance Bonus: Paid annually after exceeding performance metrics.

Benefits

• Health Coverage: At no cost to you (W-2 Employees Only), medical, dental, and vision insurance, Thrive covers 100% of employee premiums.
• Time Off & Schedule: School-year calendar — school holidays off, amounting to 30+ paid days annually, PTO and Sick days.
• Professional Development: Quarterly professional development led by clinical leadership — school-based, substantive, and paid, Paid Summer Intensive — pre-year clinical PD that brings the full Thrive team together annually.
• No Non-Compete Agreement: Your professional mobility is yours to keep.
• State DHH certification renewal and professional dues reimbursed annually.