What are the responsibilities and job description for the Teacher Aide position at American School for the Deaf?
THE AMERICAN SCHOOL FOR THE DEAF
ANNOUNCES AN OPENING FOR
TEACHER AIDE
CLOSING DATE: Until filled
REV: 7/7/2023
POST: 7/7/2023
The American School for the Deaf (ASD) is the oldest permanent school for the deaf, founded in 1817 by Thomas Hopkins Gallaudet and Laurent Clerc. At the American School for the Deaf, students and families are surrounded by inspiring peers, guided by dedicated and committed staff, and supported by robust technology. We foster a language-rich communication environment that maximizes each student’s potential, empowering them to become educated and self-directed lifelong learners. ASD is accredited through the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC), as well as the Conference of Educational Administrators of School Programs for the Deaf (CEASD).
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 is also much to do in West Hartford. There is a wide array of parks and recreation. There are pools and hiking trails. 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.
SCOPE OF DUTIES:
Under the supervision of the Coordinator of Student Support Services, a classroom teacher and/or building principal, provides direct and indirect services to deaf and hard of hearing children with mandated IEP support.
PRIMARY DUTIES:
- Assists classroom teacher with the implementation of daily instructional, supervisory, behavior and physical management activities.
- Tutors individual and small groups of students.
- Under the direction of the teacher, prepares learning activities and makes materials.
- May assist the nurse with routine medication or medical assistance on field trips or during school time, recess, lunch duties.
- May change diapers, assist with feeding, and clean food spills.
- Must lift child and be able to physically transport reasonable distances. Must be able to implement specialized lifting and walking strategies (follow up on OT/PT strategies).
- Tactile communication.
- Assist with the implementation of the IEP across all settings.
- Assist with general supervision for non-academic activities.
- For PMT purposes must be able to lift 50 LB.
- Serves as a lead TA that carries out the above duties but will rotate among the mandated students within the class under the direction of a supervisor and/or teachers.
- Attend required workshops.
- Performs other related duties as assigned.
REQUIRED SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
- Ability to work in a collaborative team setting.
- 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
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
- Applicants must possess a High School Diploma or equivalent certificate.
- General knowledge of deafness and deaf culture.
- Previous experience in a residential or day program for deaf children is highly desirable.
- Ability or willingness to learn to communicate effectively using American Sign Language (ASL). ASLPI rated preferred.
SALARY AND BENEFITS:
- Salary based on Collective Bargaining salary schedule
- This is an Non-Exempt, 10-Month position following the ASD academic calendar
- Group Health Insurance, Retirement and other fringe benefits are available.
- $1000 sign on bonus after one year of service for newly hired employees
The American School for the Deaf does not discriminate on the basis of an individual's age, ancestry, color, genetic information, learning disability, marital status, past or present history of mental disability, intellectual disability, national origin, physical disability, race, religious creed, sex (including pregnancy, transgender status, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, or civil union status) work place hazards to reproductive systems, and criminal record (in state employment and licensing).
