The Virginia School for the Deaf and the Blind at Staunton is seeking Teacher Assistants to provide instructional assistance and program support for classroom teachers and dormitory staff serving children who are deaf, hard of hearing, visually impaired or blind and who may also have significant cognitive and physical disabilities. These are 10-month positions with normal hours from 6:15am – 3:15pm. Hours differ depending on bus schedule and special assignments. These positions are for Academic Year 2008 – 2009 beginning August 2008. As with all school positions, funding is contingent upon final approval of the budget by the Governor and General Assembly.
Responsibilities include:
- Serve as a member of the educational team to provide direct support to students with deaf-blindness as indicated in the students’ Individualized Educational Program.
- Work effectively in close physical proximity to students who are primarily tactile learners and may require touch to communicate.
- Provide auditory, visual and tactile stimulation for the child and support development of interactive behaviors.
- Become proficient in the assigned student’s communication methods and strategies.
- Assist staff in teaching academics, daily living, and social skills.
- Accompany and support the student during community-based instruction.
- Create activities and experiences to complement instructional program and Individualized Education Program goals.
- Provide student supervision and assistance in the dormitory and classroom.
- Handle behavior problems in accordance with students’ behavior management plans.
- Provide instructional assistance and program support for assigned teachers.
- Substitute in the absence of the classroom teacher by implementing lesson plans.
- Assist teacher in assessment activities and recordkeeping.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Associate’s (or higher) Degree or completion of two years of undergraduate study. A high school diploma or General Educational Development (GED) Certificate, and successful completion of the ParaPro Assessment offered through the Educational Testing Service (ETS) may substitute for the educational requirement.
- Current CPR and First Aid certification required or must be obtained in accordance with school policies.
- Sufficient life and work experience to maintain a positive learning environment for children in the age range for which the employee will be responsible; some experience working with disabled children in a classroom setting is preferred.
- Experience with and/or desire to work with students with sensory impairments. Must be willing to participate in ongoing training in the area of deaf-blindness.
- Ability to assist students with deaf-blindness to actively participate in activities and provide a supportive and effective environment in which the student can learn.
- Ability to carry out instructional, personal care and support tasks, and implement lesson plans and activities for students with sensory impairment and moderate to severe mental retardation or severe disabilities.
- Skill in behavior management or willingness to attend training to acquire these techniques.
- Ability to assist with the implementation of the Aligned Standards of Learning (ASOL).
- Ability to interact with students in a patient, positive and sensitive manner in order to provide for their direct care and development
- Ability to work independently and follow school policies and procedures.
- Appropriate proficiency level in American Sign Language as measured by the Sign Communication Proficiency Interview or agreement to acquire the specified level within three years (Advanced for those assigned to the Deaf department and Survival for those assigned to the Blind Department).
Physical Requirements:
- Ability to interact on a physical level with children and assist with the transportation of children via buses
Note: A criminal history check will be required for final candidates.
Applications must be completed on-line at http://jobs.agencies.virginia.gov. For assistance call TDD (540) 332-9069, FAX (540) 332-9042, or visit our website at www.vsdbs.virginia.gov.
EEO/AA