Itinerant Teacher of the Deaf/Hard of Hearing, 0.5 -1.0 FTE

Durango School District is accepting applications for an Itinerant Teacher of the Deaf/Hard of Hearing, to support students at multiple school sites in the District for the 2026/2027 school year. Position is 0.5 FTE - 1.0 FTE (20-40 hrs/week) and begins August 17, 2026.

About the Role

The Itinerant Teacher of the Deaf/Hard of Hearing (TOD) provides specialized instruction, consultation, and support to students who are deaf or hard of hearing across multiple schools and educational settings within the district. The TOD ensures students have equitable access to language, communication, and academic instruction. This position works collaboratively with general education teachers, special education staff, educational interpreters, educational audiologists, related service providers, and families to support students' communication development, language acquisition, academic progress, and independence.

Responsibilities

• Specialized Instruction
  • Provide specially designed instruction to students who are deaf or hard of hearing as outlined in Individualized Education Programs (IEPs).
  • Support development of:
    • Language and communication skills
    • Literacy and academic skills
    • Listening and communication strategies
    • Self-advocacy and independence
  • Deliver instruction in individual or small-group settings based on student needs.
  • Support students in accessing instruction within general education and other educational environments.
• Collaboration and Consultation
  • Collaborate with general education teachers, special education staff, interpreters, paraprofessionals, and related service providers.
  • Provide consultation on instructional strategies, communication access, and classroom accommodations.
  • Support school teams in implementing supports that promote equitable access to instruction and classroom participation.
• Assessment and Progress Monitoring
  • Conduct assessments related to language development, communication skills, functional listening, and academic performance.
  • Monitor student progress toward IEP goals and adjust instruction based on data.
• IEP Development and Compliance
  • Participate as a member of the IEP team.
  • Assist with development of:
    • Present Levels of Academic Achievement and Functional Performance (PLAAFP)
    • IEP goals and objectives
    • Accommodations and modifications
    • Service delivery recommendations
  • Support teams in understanding the educational implications of hearing differences.
• Technology and Auditory Access
  • Support students in the effective use of hearing aids, cochlear implants, and hearing assistive technology.
  • Collaborate with educational audiologists to ensure technology supports access to instruction.
  • Provide guidance to school staff on monitoring and troubleshooting assistive technology.
• Student Advocacy and Independence
  • Teach students skills related to:
    • Self-awareness of hearing differences
    • Self-advocacy
    • Communication repair strategies
    • Effective use of accommodations
  • Encourage student participation in decisions related to their learning and communication needs.
• Family Communication
  • Maintain communication with families regarding student progress and services.
  • Provide information regarding the educational impact of hearing differences and available supports.
• Professional Learning and Staff Support
  • Provide training and support to school staff regarding hearing differences, communication access, classroom accommodations, and assistive technology.
  • Participate in professional learning related to deaf education and language development.
• Service Delivery Model
  • Travel between school sites.
  • Manage a caseload of students across grade levels.
  • Support students with varying communication modalities and technology needs.
  • Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams across school settings.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the supervising administrator.

Requirements

• Must meet CDE and ESSA's requirements for In-Field Teacher by the start date of the position.
• Valid Colorado Teacher of the Deaf License or ability to obtain Teacher of the Deaf License.
• Bachelor's degree in a related subject from an accredited university.
• Colorado Teaching License with endorsements for the levels and subject areas teaching.
• Pass the PLACE or PRAXIS II Test.
• Complete CPI training upon hire.

Qualifications

• Required
  • Deaf/Hard of Hearing Specialist endorsement or eligibility for endorsement.
  • Knowledge of language development and communication for students who are deaf or hard of hearing.
  • Knowledge of IDEA and Colorado Exceptional Children's Educational Act (ECEA) regulations.
  • Ability to collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams.
• Preferred
  • Special Education Generalist endorsement.
  • Knowledge of American Sign Language (ASL) or other visual communication systems.
  • Experience supporting students in inclusive educational environments.
  • Experience working with educational interpreters and assistive listening technology.
  • Experience providing consultation to school teams.

Skills

• Excellent interpersonal relations and oral and written communication skills.
• Effective understanding of the IEP writing process including standards alignment of the IEP.
• Ability to develop and implement appropriate progress monitoring tools to assess student progress toward goals.
• Strong decision making, analytical, and organizational skills.
• Ability to work with students with diverse needs at various levels.
• Ability to develop and implement accommodations and modifications that facilitate student mastery of the Colorado Academic Standards.
• Critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality in all aspects of the job.
• Ability to promote and follow Board and District policies, Superintendent policies, and building/department procedures.
• Ability to communicate, interact, and work effectively and cooperatively in a team setting.
• Ability to recognize the importance of safety in the workplace, follow safety rules, practice safe work habits, utilize appropriate safety equipment, and report unsafe conditions.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to travel between school sites within the district.
• Ability to perform duties associated with classroom instruction and student support.

Benefits

• For the 2026/2027 school year, this position includes a $900-$1800 one-time bonus (pro-rated for late start and FTE).
• Durango School District workforce housing options available starting in the 2026/2027 school year.

Schedule

• Typical work year: 10 months.
• Position begins August 17, 2026.

Technical Skills

• Microcomputers and general office equipment.
• IEP software.
• Microsoft Office applications.
• Student Information Systems.