Summary

Responsible for instruction in assigned content area/grade level. Plans learning experiences that motivate students and meet their individual needs. Prepares and utilizes instructional materials that support overall curricular goals, adhering to state standards and curriculum resources available at NMSD. Uses formative assessment to inform instructional planning. Integrates critical thinking skills and literacy/signacy into lesson plans. Supports NMSD's progressive vision and mission.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities (Other duties may be assigned)

• Prepares and implements state mandated standards (Early Learning Guidelines for preschool age children) for assigned age group/area, Course Objectives, Instructional Units and Lesson Plans.
• Follows established schedules and utilizes NMSD curriculum guidelines and requirements.
• Plans learning experiences that motivate students and meet their individual needs. Assigns lessons and corrects homework if appropriate.
• Prepares and utilizes instructional materials that support overall curricular goals.
• Develops and utilizes formative assessment to inform instructional planning. Administers summative assessment to evaluate student progress.
• Prepares records and reports on students' progress as required. Keeps attendance records.
• Ensures student safety at all times.
• Maintains discipline in the classroom and ensures safety of students at all times.
• Meets with principal to discuss student progress and develop plans to address issues that may come up.
• Completes duties related to Individual Education Plans or Individual Family Service plans (for preschool teachers), including assessment, writing present levels of performance and goals and/or benchmarks for individual students.
• Differentiates instruction using targeted focus on each student's individual needs and progress based on IEPs/IFSPs and assessment data.
• Attends required meetings and trainings.
• Participates in in-service activities provided by the school, and in self-selected professional growth activities.
• Works productively with colleagues, parents, and community members.
• Serves as a Primary Contact Teacher for students as assigned, contacting parents with updates about their child, and supporting students as needed.
• Serves on faculty committees and curricular work groups as required.
• Maintains current licensure as required by New Mexico regulations.
• Regular attendance during school hours is required.

Competencies

• Organization- Must be organized and detail-oriented. Must be able to complete work within deadlines. Must be able to plan and carry out lesson plans/units efficiently, utilizing the entire class period.
• Analytical- Utilize and apply state standards and curriculum materials to develop appropriate learning activities/units and assessments for individual students.  Incorporate individual students' IEP goals in planning and assessment.
• Continuous Learning - Seeks feedback to improve performance; pursues training and development opportunities; strives to continuously build knowledge and skills; attends weekly in-service training sessions and incorporates new information into teaching practices/planning.
• Job Knowledge - Competent in required job skills and knowledge, with emphasis on content of subject area, and teaching methodology; 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.
• Classroom Management - Able to develop positive teacher-student relationships, managing student behavior and involvement effectively; follow school-wide rules and expectations; consistent in approach to behavior and responses, utilizing NMSD's Positive Discipline approach.  Student safety is NMSD's highest priority.
• Use of Technology - Adapts to new technologies; troubleshoots technological problems; uses technology to increase productivity; utilizes technology and software to enhance student learning.
• Problem Solving - Gathers and analyzes information skillfully; develops alternative solutions; works well in group problem solving situations; works well with supervisors and other specialists.
• Cooperation - Establishes and maintains effective relations with students, parents, and colleagues/administrators; exhibits tact and consideration; offers assistance and support to co-workers and students; 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. Certain teaching positions require collaboration with numerous support staff members. It is critical that staff work professionally and appropriately with all staff members for the benefit of students.
• Written Communication - Writes clearly and informatively; varies writing style to meet needs. Ensures that communication with parents and students is clearly presented and grammatically correct.
• Diversity - Shows respect and sensitivity for cultural differences; educates others on the value of diversity; incorporates multi-cultural viewpoints into instruction and materials.
• Ethics - Treats people with respect; keeps commitments; inspires the trust of others; works with integrity and principles; upholds organizational values.
• Organizational Support - Follows policies and procedures; completes tasks correctly and on time; supports organization's goals and values.
• Adaptability - Manages competing demands. Able to teach diverse types of students with different learning, language, and communication skills within one class or throughout the school day
• Personal Appearance - Dresses appropriately for position; keeps self well groomed; is mindful of students' visual learning needs when selecting clothing/accessories.
• Attendance/Punctuality - Is consistently at work and on time; ensures work responsibilities are covered when absent; plans and sends substitute plans to appropriate people as needed. Regular attendance is an essential function of this job.
• Dependability - Follows instructions, responds to management direction; takes responsibility for own actions.
• Initiative - Seeks increased responsibilities; asks for and offers help when needed; creative in development of strategies and lessons to match individual students' needs; incorporates hands-on or experiential learning activities as appropriate.
• 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; manages classroom environment for safety and security.

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

Possession of Bachelor's and/or Master's Degree in Deaf Education, Special Education, or related areas. Highly qualified in assigned content area, or commitment towards attaining Highly Qualified status. Possession of, or eligible for, New Mexico teacher licensure. Strong academic background in assigned content area and age/grade group, including methods of teaching.

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 25 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.

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 of 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.