TEACHER I

Job Summary

The Teacher I is a specialized educator responsible for providing tailored instruction and support to students with visual or hearing impairments. This role involves developing individualized education plans (IEPs), adapting teaching strategies, and using specialized tools and resources in an attempt to ensure that students have access to equitable educational opportunities. The teacher works closely with students, families, and other professionals to foster the students' academic, social, and personal growth.

Primary Responsibilities

• Develop and implement individualized education plans (IEPs) for students with vision or hearing impairments, aligning with their specific needs and educational goals.
• Adapt curriculum, teaching methods, and materials to accommodate students' disabilities and ensure access to learning.
• Teach specialized skills, such as Braille, orientation and mobility (for students with vision impairment), or American Sign Language (ASL) and auditory training (for students with hearing impairment).
• Utilize assistive technologies and tools to support learning, such as screen readers, magnification devices, hearing aids, or frequency modulation systems.
• Collaborate with general education teachers, special education staff, and related service providers to ensure an inclusive and supportive learning environment.
• Maintain accurate records of student progress, goals, and services in compliance with state and federal regulations.
• Stay current with advancements in education for students with disabilities, including assistive technologies and instructional strategies.

Knowledge And Skills

• Empathy, patience, and the ability to build strong, trusting relationships with students and families.
• Strong problem-solving and critical-thinking skills.
• Ability to manage multiple responsibilities and maintain a flexible, student-centered approach to teaching.
• Proficiency in using educational and assistive technology tools.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Education, Special Education, Education of the Visually Impaired, Education of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, or a related field.
• Certification or licensure in teaching students with vision impairment or hearing impairment.
• Knowledge of specialized instructional strategies, assistive technologies, and resources for students with disabilities.
• Proficiency in Braille, orientation and mobility (for teachers of the visually impaired), or ASL and auditory training (for teachers of the hearing impaired).
• Strong communication, organizational, and collaboration skills.
• Familiarity with state and federal laws related to special education, such as the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
• Commitment to ongoing professional development and staying current with best practices in special education.

Other Job Related Education and/or Experience

May be substituted for all or part of these basic requirements, except for certification or license requirements, upon approval of the qualifications review committee.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The State of Arkansas is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, age, disability, citizenship, national origin, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other status or characteristic protected by law.