Itinerant DHH Teacher 26/27 SY

WELCOME TO INDIANAPOLIS PUBLIC SCHOOLS!

At IPS, we believe in the transformative power of education. We work collectively every day to prepare our students for success in the classroom and in life by providing equitable, high-quality educational experiences across our family of schools. IPS is a place to make an impact, grow your career, and ensure every student has access to a high quality education, all while earning a good living in a district on the move. While the work is challenging, it is deeply meaningful and impactful. We seek innovators and trailblazers who bring varying experiences and expertise and share our belief that every child deserves access to an exceptional education. As part of Team IPS, you'll create lasting connections, find a sense of belonging, and feel supported to make a meaningful difference in students' lives.

In return, no matter your role here, we expect a commitment to excellence and accountability. You'll be held to high standards. Resilience and passion are key-you must be adaptable, handling adversity with flexibility while putting students at the heart of everything you do. Ethical conduct, clear communication, and mutual respect are fundamental. Being a dependable, collaborative team player who builds meaningful relationships is essential.

Together, we are Proving What's Possible by building a community where everyone belongs and each student has the opportunity to fulfill their potential.

A TEACHING CAREER IN IPS OFFERS…

Purpose and Impact:

• Students First: Teaching for IPS is a rewarding opportunity to support bright, curious students as they shape their futures. We hold ourselves to the highest expectations of excellence, focusing on students' holistic needs during their educational journey with us.
• Community: Working in a school means it is your home away from home, and you have a school family who supports you and leads with empathy and vision.

Professional and Personal Growth:

• Grow Your Career: We offer professional development and career advancement opportunities, including dedicated mentorship programs for early career teachers.
• Generous Compensation: We're proud to offer the highest teacher starting pay in Indianapolis and one of the most competitive in the state, with teachers starting at $55,600.00 depending on experience, plus a generous benefits package. Our teacher salaries are continually on the rise, as IPS regularly advocates for stronger teacher compensation.
• Access to Financial Benefits: Working in IPS makes it possible to benefit from federal programs such as Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) or Teacher Loan Forgiveness (TLF), helping reduce the financial burden of student loans.

Work-Life Balance and Well-being:

• Comprehensive Health Insurance: Access top-tier health plans covering medical, dental, and vision needs, plus IPS offers a private clinic for staff and their families through our partners at Ascension St. Vincent.
• Flexible Wellness Leave: Take the time you need to care for yourself and your family with our generous leave policies. Teachers receive 70 hours of sick leave in their first year (56 hours annually after) for illness, family, or mental health, plus three personal days, two floating holidays, and school breaks. Unlimited accumulated sick leave adds flexibility, supporting teachers' health and work-life balance.
• Incentivized Discounts through IPS Wellness Program: Opportunities to earn hundreds of dollars off your medical premium by participating in proactive and simple health screenings, plus discounted group fitness classes, health and fitness assessments, personal training, and more.

WHAT WE EXPECT...

Commitment to Excellence:

• High Standards: Strive for the very best in all you do, maintaining high standards for yourself, your students, and your colleagues. Embrace lifelong learning and adapt to new teaching methods and challenges.
• Educational Equity: IPS is deeply committed to breaking down systemic inequities. We do this by "walking the walk" on new policies and practices, building diverse and inclusive classrooms and staff teams, and ensuring our environments are grounded in our values of respect, inclusivity, and educational equity.

Resilience and Passion:

• Dedication to Students: Put students at the heart of your work. Be passionate about their success and well-being.
• Adaptability: Handle adversity with resilience and flexibility. Be prepared for a dynamic work environment.

Professional Integrity:

• Ethical Conduct: Uphold the highest standards of professionalism and integrity. Act responsibly and respectfully toward all individuals, communicate with candor and care.
• Team Player: Be dependable, punctual, and collaborative, contributing positively to our supportive work environment.

JOIN US!

Indianapolis Public Schools is more than a workplace; it's a community where purpose, impact, and belonging come together to help Prove What's Possible - in your career and in your school. If you're ready to embrace challenges, strive for excellence, and make a meaningful impact, IPS is the place for you.

SUMMARY OF ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

The Teacher of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DHH) travels to the students' assigned schools and/or community sites to provide direct and/or consultative special education services relating to hearing loss. These services (academic and social skills using various methods of communication to receive and convey language) enable the students to learn in a variety of settings. The students range in age from 3 through 22 and may have only hearing loss or additional disabilities, including cognitive, other sensory loss, physical, and/or behavioral. This specific position will be housed out of the Ed Center, located at 120 E. Walnut St, but will require travel, as needed, to assigned Indianapolis Public Schools and Non-Public schools located throughout Indianapolis.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide direct instruction, modeling and support of DHH students across educational settings.
• Collaborate with classroom teachers to develop appropriate modifications and accommodations for DHH students in accordance with the IEP.
• Encourage students to participate through their preferred manual sign system or primary mode of communication in classroom learning experiences in order to ensure comprehension of subject manner.
• Plan, teach, support and document the development of effective friendships and social relationships.
• Utilize an assessment system for progress monitoring student achievement toward IEP goals.
• Demonstrate use of scientifically-based research best practice instructional strategies.
• Monitors appropriate use and care of equipment and materials.
• Develop, provide and implement appropriate individual student activity adjustments and assist in the development of behavior intervention plans as needed.
• Communicate regularly with parents regarding their student's progress, including contact with parents by weekly folder, note, e-mail or phone call.
• Maintain confidentiality regarding records and information.
• Conducts case conferences, writes goals and maintain timelines.
• Demonstrates a thorough knowledge of special education law.
• Perform the duties of Teacher of Record as outlined in Article 7.
• Other duties may be assigned.

CORE COMPETENCIES

Critical core competencies for successful performance in this role include:

• Highly developed communication skills (written and verbal)
• Results-oriented
• Unwavering moral compass guided by personal ethics, integrity, tolerance, and trustworthiness
• Ability to successfully navigate within varying degrees of ambiguity in a fast-paced environment
• Willingness to support the classroom teacher and other building staff in a professional and collegial manner

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Teaches elementary school students academic, social and motor skills in the public school setting. Teachers will have excellent organization and communication skills, as well as possess the philosophy that "all children can and will learn."

EDUCATION

EDUCATION: Bachelors Degree required, Masters Degree preferred

LICENSES:

Must hold a valid Indiana license to teach Deaf or Hard of Hearing students in appropriate school setting.

LICENSE: Must hold a valid Indiana State Teachers License in Elementary Education (K-6).

Must be deemed Highly Qualified in accordance with the Indiana Department of Education

PHYSICAREQUIREMENTS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit and use hands to find, handle, or feel. The employee frequently is required to talk or hear. The employee is required to stand; walk; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 20 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to wet and humid conditions and outside weather conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

DISCLAIMER:

The above job description is designed to denote the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications of employees assigned to this job.