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.