Post Baccalaureate Teacher of the Deaf Apprentice

About the role

The Post Baccalaureate Teacher of the Deaf Apprentice will receive specialized training over 24 months, including the Extended School Year (ESY) schedule for the entirety of the apprenticeship. Time may be adjusted depending on the applicant’s educational history. At the commencement of the training, the candidate will sit for two praxis exams and complete a semester of student teaching.

Training and certification

• Crisis Prevention and Intervention certification
• First Aid/CPR certification
• Graduate credits (27–45) at Pennsylvania West University, as required to obtain the Special Education – Hearing Impaired PK-12 certification from the Pennsylvania Department of Education

Responsibilities

• 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

Work environment

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Physical demands

This position requires regular on-site presence and includes a combination of sedentary and active physical duties. Employees are regularly required to sit, communicate effectively, use hands for fine motor tasks, and move throughout the work environment. Frequent activities may include walking, standing, reaching, bending, kneeling, crouching, and positioning at student level for extended periods of time. The employee must be able to lift up to 10 pounds frequently and up to 25 pounds occasionally. Employees may work in environments with elevated noise levels and varying behavioral or emotional support needs. Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. Employees must also be able to hear and interpret sounds within the environment, including student communication, alarms, and other potential safety concerns.

Schedule

This is a full-time, 193-day calendar position. Days and hours of work are generally Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; hours may vary based on district assignments, program needs, meetings, training, or organizational priorities. The position works the Extended School Year (ESY) summer program and attends two days of Apprenticeship Orientation. ESY hours will follow the ESY schedule. Occasional evening and/or weekend work may be required.

Travel

No regular travel is required. Occasional travel to meetings, trainings, conferences, Bucks IU locations, or other work-related activities may be necessary.

Education and experience

• Bachelor’s degree in any field required
• Citizenship or work authorization to work in the United States required