Post Baccalaureate Teacher of the Deaf Apprentice

Job Summary:

The Post Baccalaureate Teacher of the Deaf Apprentice will receive specialized training in the various work experiences listed below, over a period of 24 months, including the Extended School Year (ESY) schedule for the entirety of the apprenticeship (this time may be adjusted depending on the applicant’s educational history). At the commencement of the training, the Post Baccalaureate Special Education Teacher Apprentice candidate will sit for two praxis exams and complete a semester of student teaching. The apprentice will successfully complete and/or maintain:

• 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

Under the direct supervision of an assigned mentor teacher, the apprentice will gradually develop the knowledge and skills necessary to assess, plan, and deliver evidence-based educational services for students who are deaf or hard of hearing across a variety of educational settings. The apprentice will gain experience supporting students in the areas of language and communication, listening skills, amplification and assistive technology, academic instruction, self-advocacy, and social-emotional development while learning applicable state and federal special education regulations and best practices. This position is not eligible for remote work, telecommuting, or off-site work arrangements.

Classified Staff Core Essential Functions: Primary duties and responsibilities an employee must be able to perform, with or without reasonable accommodation, to successfully fulfill the requirements of a position.

Under the supervision of an assigned Teacher of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing who will serve as a mentor, the apprentice will:

• Commit to regular attendance and reliable on-site presence.

• 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.

Supervisory Responsibility: This position does not include direct supervisory responsibilities but may provide guidance, support, and collaboration with colleagues and team members as needed to support departmental and organizational goals.

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.

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. Depending on assignment and student needs, employees may also be required to assist with transitions, mobility support, and instructional or daily living activities. The employee must be able to lift up to 10 pounds frequently and up to 25 pounds occasionally. Certain assignments may require assisting students with mobility or physical support needs that exceed 25 pounds, with appropriate training and support provided in accordance with program expectations and safety procedures. This position requires active supervision of students across various educational settings and the ability to respond appropriately and efficiently to students, classroom, or safety needs. Responsibilities may include implementing approved crisis intervention techniques, supporting students with diverse educational, behavioral, communication, and personal care needs, and maintaining a safe and supportive learning environment. Employees may work in environments with elevated noise levels and varying behavioral or emotional support needs. Specific vision abilities required for this position 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.

Regular attendance, dependable onsite presence, and the ability to perform the essential functions of the position are required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the role.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work: 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.; however, hours may vary based on district assignments, program needs, meetings, training, or organizational priorities. It is also expected this 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 as job duties in demand.

Travel: No regular travel is required for this position. Occasional travel to meetings, trainings, conferences, Bucks IU locations, or other work-related activities may be necessary based on organizational needs.