Summary

Responsible for supporting instruction in various content area(s) and age/grade level(s). Supports learning experiences that motivate students and meet their individual needs. Works with teacher in utilizing instructional materials that support overall curricular goals. Integrates critical thinking skills and literacy/signacy into work with students. Utilizes approved classroom management strategies as needed. Supports NMSD's progressive vision and mission. . It is anticipated and expected that all functions of this position will be performed in a positive and receptive manner, while helping to advance the mission and vision of New Mexico School for the Deaf.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities (Other duties may be assigned)

• Follow the specific instructional objectives of a learning experience/activity as outlined by the certified teacher.
• Assist certified teacher with classroom and behavior management.
• Provide individual academic/communication support as assigned by the teacher.
• Escort students between classes, monitor children during recess, lunch, and other breaks.
• Make, photocopy, collate, and/or laminate classroom materials.
• Drive students to off-campus locations for class activities and/or work experiences; Assist on transportation runs.
• Provide coverage for class or individual students in absence of certified teacher by following substitute lesson plan.
• Knows and supports emergency/lockdown procedures and reviews health plans and behavior plans for each student as necessary.
• Supports Individualized Education Plans tailored to the unique needs of each student.
• Serve as a job coach (responsibilities include: follow training and supervision cycle as established by teacher and employer for students, complete reports about student performance to certified teacher).
• Attend required in-service training.
• Provide tutoring services with certain students.
• Support feeding, toileting, and mobility needs for specific students (could include physically transferring students in/out of wheelchair).
• Duties may include lifting items up to 35 pounds.
• Adheres to NMSD's Vision, Mission and Belief statements.
• Highly trained and versatile instructional staff member who serves as a full-time substitute teacher.
• Follows substitute plans as developed by teachers.
• In the absence of a valid substitute plan, plans alternate activity based on subject, ability and age levels of students.
• Knows and supports emergency/lockdown procedures and reviews health information for each student as necessary.
• Uses a variety of instructional strategies and resources to motivate and meet the individual needs of students. 
• Grades assignments and classwork as appropriate; implements and utilizes assessment materials to provide assessment of students' abilities and potential.

Competencies: To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:

• Organization- Must be organized and detail-oriented.
• Analytical- collects and aggregates data for program maintenance and improvement.
• Continuous Learning- Seeks feedback to improve performance; pursues training and development opportunities; strives to continuously build knowledge and skills.
• Job Knowledge- Competent in required job skills and knowledge; exhibits ability to learn and apply new skills; keeps abreast of current developments; requires minimal supervision; displays understanding of how job relates to others; uses resources effectively.
• Use of Technology- Adapts to new technologies; troubleshoots technological problems; uses technology to increase productivity.
• Problem Solving- Gathers and analyzes information skillfully; develops alternative solutions; works in group problem solving situations.
• Cooperation- Establishes and maintains effective relations; exhibits tact and consideration; offers assistance and support to co-workers; works cooperatively in group situations; works actively to resolve conflicts.
• Teamwork- Balances team and individual responsibilities; exhibits objectivity and openness to others' views; gives and welcomes feedback; contributes to building a positive team spirit; supports everyone's efforts to succeed.
• Written Communication- Writes clearly and informatively; varies writing style to meet needs.
• State and Federal IDEA Compliance- exhibits knowledge of and adherence to all legal requirements related to early intervention.
• Diversity- Shows respect and sensitivity for cultural differences; educates others on the value of diversity; builds a diverse workforce.
• Ethics- Treats people with respect; keeps commitments; inspires the trust of others; works with integrity and principles; upholds organization values.
• Organizational Support- Follows policies and procedures; completes tasks correctly and on time; supports organization's goals and values.
• Adaptability- Manages competing demands.
• Personal Appearance- Dresses appropriately for position; keeps self well groomed.
• Attendance/Punctuality- Is consistently at work and on time; ensures work responsibilities are covered when absent.
• Dependability- Follows instructions, responds to management direction; takes responsibility for own actions.
• Initiative- Seeks increased responsibilities; asks for and offers help when needed.
• Quality- Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness; looks for ways to improve and promote quality.
• Safety and Security- Observes safety and security procedures; determines appropriate action beyond guidelines; reports potentially unsafe conditions.

Qualifications: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education and/or Experience: Associate or Bachelor degree preferred. Bachelor's degree required for degreed assistants' designation. Experience in working with children preferred.

Certificates and Licenses: Must possess a New Mexico Teachers License with the New Mexico Public Education Department or be eligible to obtain one. Applicant has one year from hire date to obtain licensure.

Language Skills: Proficiency in expressive and receptive American Sign Language and written English. Ability to read, analyze, and interpret content in assigned area/grade level. Ability to explain foundations/advanced concepts in American Sign Language in order to support student learning. Ability to write reports, correspondence, and Individual Education Plans. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from students and parents.

American Sign Language: Advanced American Sign Language skills at hire are required. The applicant must be proficient in receptive and expressive American Sign Language and able to adjust communication to match students' language and communication needs. Applicants who do not possess advanced American Sign Language skills will not be considered for this position.

Mathematical Skills: Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. Ability to compute grades with category weights, following an established grading system.

Reasoning Ability: Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions and situations.

Computer Skills: To perform this job successfully, an individual should have working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications among other programs. Ability to utilize Smart Boards, iPads, laptops, and document readers in classroom situations. Able to utilize web-based resources to supplement instructional materials.

Physical Demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is required to stand; walk and sit for more than 6 hours a day while teaching classes, and use hands to sign, handle papers, and write on the board. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 35 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision and peripheral vision.

Work Environment: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee will work within an assigned classroom and be provided with appropriate furniture, technology, and storage space in order to complete assigned duties.

New-Employment Drug Test: New Mexico School for the Deaf requires successful applicants to complete a new-employment drug test and maintains a substance abuse policy that includes random drug testing. Although New Mexico and other states have legalized the use of marijuana, use and possession of marijuana remain illegal under federal law. A positive drug test for marijuana, or any drug, will result in termination of employment, even if the use was pre-offer.

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NMSD conforms to all the laws, statutes, and regulations concerning equal employment opportunities and affirmative action. We strongly encourage women, minorities, individuals with disabilities and veterans to apply to all our job openings. We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin, age, disability status, Genetic Information & Testing, Family & Medical Leave, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.