DeafBlind Teacher

The State of Ohio is a drug-free workplace which prohibits the use of marijuana (recreational marijuana/non-medical cannabis). Please note, this position may be subject to additional restrictions pursuant to the State of Ohio Drug-Free Workplace Policy (HR-39), and as outlined in the posting.

Purpose\: As a part of Related Services, this position will serve DeafBlind students at the Ohio State School for the Blind, Ohio School for the Deaf, Early Learning Services, and through Statewide Services and Outreach in grades PreK-12 and in the post-secondary program up to the age of 22.

Instructs students in well-managed and creative environments (e.g., team-teaching, one-on-one with student) based on research-based principles and student data\:

Delivers and supports the intensive instructional needs of DeafBlind students using a variety of specialized techniques (e.g., tactile, visual, auditory methods) while modifying the curriculum to meet the needs of each student;

Collaborates with teachers at all schools to develop personalized learning plans that align with the specific needs of students who are DeafBlind and the students’ sensory, cognitive, and social-emotional needs;

Uses appropriate alternative communication systems (e.g., tactile sign language, Braille, assistive technology) to support students' ability to express themselves and understand others;

Implements and supports for the expanded skills necessary for success for life for DeafBlind students; The ECC for deafblind students includes seven areas that are not included in in the ECC for students with VI or D/HH ECC for Deafblind students here)

Assess and implements specialized assistive devices and tools (e.g., Braille displays, tactile symbols, communication boards) to support learning and communication;

Works closely with Related Services and other support staff to provide a comprehensive approach to each student's education and to ensure the individual needs of DeafBlind students are met;

Regularly assess student progress, documents their achievements, and reports on their development to parents and school administration and maintains DeafBlind census for all schools and quota data for OSD;

Supports the transition specialist in the specialized needs for transition for DeafBlind students (e.g., makes video resumes to show the skills of the students);

Implements diversified learning strategies to meet the individual needs of students;

Creates a climate that promotes equity and safety, including the physical environment;

Establishes and maintains professional rapport with students, drawing from knowledge about individual student’s background and learning styles.

Uses effective collaboration strategies with colleagues, parents, and LEA representatives\:

Works with Statewide services on the clinic teams as needed for support with deafblind students;

Uses multiple, dependable and positive communication approaches to build rapport with others and to support student learning;

Collaborates with specialists and after school staff to promote consistent application of appropriate strategies;

Conducts parent-teacher conferences in face to face or video/phone conferences that results to promote learning.

Supports the mission of the school\:

Enhances public relations;

Stays current of best practices, new requirements, content areas and research in deaf education/education through professional development;

Participates in extra-curricular activities;

Makes required reports to legal authorities;

Attends faculty meetings, school committee meeting and professional development activities;

Participates in own development through application of principles of Ohio’s teacher evaluation system;

Maintains required records and completes required forms;

Reports unsafe situations immediately;

Assures the careful supervision of students in classrooms, grounds, hallways and on field trips.

Must maintain valid Ohio teaching licensure for grade level, subject area or special class assignment;

Intervention Specialist (K-12) - Visual Impairments and/or Deaf/Hard of hearing, or DeafBlind certificate with K-12 intervention specialist;

Intermediate level on the Sign Language Proficiency Interview (SLPI) within two years of hire.

Job Skills: Education, Educational Support, Adaptability, Developing Others, Emotional Intelligence, Leading Others, Presenting

The State of Ohio is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, national origin (ancestry), military status, disability, age (40 years or older), genetic information, sexual orientation, or caregiver status, in making employment-related decisions about an individual.

The Ohio Deaf and Blind Education Services is committed to providing access and inclusion and reasonable accommodation in its services, activities, programs, and employment opportunities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other applicable laws. To request a reasonable accommodation due to a disability please contact Kimberly Basil at or .

The final candidate selected for the position will be required to submit a urinalysis to test for illegal drug use prior to an appointment. The State will decline to extend a final offer of employment to any applicant with a verified positive test result. Also, an applicant with a positive test result will not be considered for a position with the State of Ohio for a period of one year.

Ohio is a Disability Inclusion State and strives to be a model employer of individuals with disabilities. The State of Ohio is committed to providing access and inclusion and reasonable accommodation in its services, activities, programs and employment opportunities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other applicable laws.

On July 4, 2023, Governor DeWine signed into law Ohio House Bill 33 (H.B. 33), which created the Ohio Deaf Blind Education Services (ODBES) agency. ODBES is one agency with multiple divisions including the Ohio State School for the Blind (OSSB), the Ohio School for the Deaf (OSD), Statewide Services and Outreach (SSO), and the Early Learning Services (ELS). ODBES operates under the control and supervision of the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce (DEW). DEW appoints a superintendent to provide support for deaf and blind education services including supervising the state school for the deaf and the state school for the blind. H.B. 33 abolished the individual superintendent positions for both state schools and transfers their powers and duties to the current superintendent, Dr. Lou Maynus, for ODBES.