TEACHER OF THE DEAFBLIND
1. DESCRIPTION OF DISTRICT LEVEL DELIVERY MODEL
The Itinerant Teacher of the Deafblind works as part of a collaborative team where a variety of unique expertise is represented and shared. Training in special areas (e.g. Deafblindness, developmental disabilities, physical disabilities, multi-disabilities, behaviour management) will be required from time to time.
The Teacher of the Deafblind will need:
a) the ability to cope with ambiguity and rapidly changing demands;
b) to be knowledgeable of current curriculum goals and instructional practices;
c) to participate in on-going professional development/in-service in both regular and inclusive education;
d) to be committed to inclusion.
The Itinerant Teacher of the Deafblind will:
a) participate as members of a collaborative team and consult with school-based, District and outside agency personnel to assist with the integration into regular or special classes of learners who are identified as Deafblind;
b) interpret the learner's Deafblindness and its implications;
c) co-ordinate and prepare Individual Education Plans (IEPs);
d) assess the level of support required;
e) identify and order materials and equipment required for the student's program;
f) provide the classroom teacher with information regarding the role of Education Assistants in the implementation of strategies for students who are Deafblind;
g) provide/arrange in-service regarding Deafblindness;
h) model and provide information regarding inclusive practices;
i) provide consultation for parents of students who are Deafblind;
j) provide curriculum-based instructional support through language development activities for learners requiring direct services;
k) facilitate transitions from preschool to kindergarten, elementary to secondary school and secondary school to adulthood.
2. MINIMUM ACADEMIC QUALIFICATIONS/EXPERIENCE
a) valid B.C. Teaching Certificate;
b) minimum of three years satisfactory teaching experience in either a regular or special setting where inclusion was a significant focus; and
c) a Diploma or Master's Degree in Inclusive Education, or equivalent.
3. PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS/EXPERIENCE
a) satisfactory experience as a Teacher of the Deafblind;
b) a Master's Degree in Deafblindness, or equivalent.
4. REPORTING STRUCTURE
The personnel in this position are accountable in the execution of their assigned duties to a Director of Instruction, Student Support.
