Classroom Teacher / Special Education Special Education - Autism Expansion Program

# Job Description

Note from Administrator This position is part of a classroom model of one teacher with 6 students within the classroom with one-to-one staff members assigned to each student for the full school day throughout the day. Students in the Autism Expansion Program are often working on very foundational skills ranging from matching and early alphabet or number learning to building classroom readiness skills such as staying seated, attending, communicating needs, and participating in routines. Middle/high school classrooms typically access the community about three times per week while elementary classrooms are generally more campus-based. Teachers also work closely with a primary clinician who helps support behavior, home-school communication, and student needs across settings. The role is structured so teachers can focus on teaching; special education testing is completed by the school psychologist. Administrators typically take the lead on PPT meetings. Teachers have a duty-free lunch and two prep periods each day, and they are not assigned student arrival or dismissal responsibilities.

About the School The American School for the Deaf (ASD) is the oldest school for the deaf, founded in 1817 by Thomas Hopkins Gallaudet and Laurent Clerc. The American School for the Deaf is committed to serving deaf and hard of hearing infants, youth, and their families in the development of intellect and the enhancement of quality of life, utilizing specially designed instruction through an American Sign Language and English Bilingual Approach, empowering them to become educated and self-directed life-long learners.

ASD is located in West Hartford, a town recognized as one of the top ten towns for raising families. West Hartford residents value education, evidenced by the high quality of public and private schools. There are historic sites to visit as well. If shopping is on the list, then Blue Back Square, located in the center of town, offers many retail stores and a variety of restaurants to satisfy everyone.

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## Position Details

| Field | Information | | :--- | :--- | | Position | Teacher | | Department | Core PACE | | Supervisor | Principal | | Description | 10 months - Benefits eligible | | Union Status | Collective Bargaining Unit (Union SCOPE) |

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## Scope of Duties Under the supervision of the departmental principal, instructs Deaf and Hard of Hearing students.

### Primary Duties

• Provides specially designed instruction to students.
• Teaches a variety of academic subjects.
• Prepares appropriate materials and lesson plans.
• Writes report cards, progress reports, and other documents as needed.
• Assists in developing and implementing IEPs and participates in PPT and team meetings.
• Evaluates and reports on student performance using evidence-based assessments.
• Participates in school curriculum development.
• Implements behavior intervention plans.
• Participates in staff development.
• Directs the work of Teacher Aides and/or Residential Counselors in the classroom.
• Instructs students using an ASL/English Bilingual approach.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

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## Required Skills and Abilities

• Ability to work in a collaborative team setting.
• Proficient with planning and preparing effective lesson plans and integrated units.
• Ability to differentiate instructional methods and assessments for students.
• Ability to ensure a safe and supportive place to learn with clear routines and expectations.
• Ability to manage student behavior; ability to anticipate potential issues and redirect or de-escalate behavior.
• Education: Masters Degree in Education of the Deaf or Special Education and appropriate State of CT Teacher Certification (057 and/or 065) preferred.
• Language: Ability or willingness to learn to communicate effectively using American Sign Language (ASL). ASLPI rated preferred.

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## Salary and Benefits

• Compensation: Range is based on experience and available upon request.
• Benefits Package: Outstanding benefits including Retirement (403b) with generous school matching, group health insurance, and other fringe benefits.
• Bonus: $1,000 sign-on bonus after one year of service.