DHH Teacher

Northwestern Illinois Association (NIA) is a regional governmental agency dedicated to providing special education support to 68 school districts across Northwestern Illinois. Our mission is to partner with schools to meet the unique needs of students, and we empower our team with professional growth opportunities, comprehensive benefits, and a values‑driven culture.

We are unable to sponsor work visas (H‑1B, J‑1, etc.) or transfer sponsorship. Applicants must currently be authorized to work in the U.S. without sponsorship now or in the future.

This position is for the School Year. The Teacher for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing works 182 days per year for 7 hours per day and earns $55,501.11 – $, depending on experience.

The Teacher of the Deaf/Hard‑of‑Hearing works with students who have a documented hearing loss and attend school in a regular or special education setting, providing direct instruction, consultation, and technical assistance to staff, as well as other instructional and support services as needed.

• Provide direct services to deaf and hard‑of‑hearing students
  :
  Deliver specialized instruction and interventions in accordance with each student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP).
• Collaborate with educational teams
  :
  Work closely with teachers, administrators, and specialists to develop and implement strategies that support the academic and social progress of students with hearing impairments.
• Maintain accurate records
  :
  Document all services, assessments, and interventions provided, ensuring compliance with IEP goals and state regulations.
• Participate in IEP meetings
  :
  Offer expertise in deaf and hard‑of‑hearing accommodations, assistive technology, and instructional modifications to ensure students receive appropriate support.
• Engage in professional development
  :
  Stay current with best practices in deaf and hard‑of‑hearing education, assistive technology, and special education by attending workshops and training sessions.

• Group Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance
  :
  Available for employees working 0.75 FTE or more, with PPO and HSA options.
• Defined‑Benefit Pension Plans
  :
  Eligible employees participate in the Teachers’ Retirement System of Illinois (TRS), providing a stable, defined‑benefit pension that ensures financial security in retirement.
  • Learn more about TRS at the NIA website.
• Additional Retirement Savings Options
  : NIA also offers access to 403(b) and 457 retirement savings plans, which are optional, employee‑funded plans that provide additional opportunities for tax‑advantaged savings.
• Paid Personal Leave and Sick Leave
  :
  Based on the number of days worked.
• Telemedicine
  :
  Access to 1800MD telemedicine services at no cost.
• Summer Work Opportunities
  :
  Opportunities to pick up additional summer work and earn extra pay.
• Summers Off with Year‑Round Pay
• Expert Feedback and Evaluation
  :
  Receive guidance and evaluation from leaders who understand your expertise.
• Ready Access to Equipment and Testing Materials
• Ongoing Professional Development
  :
  Enhance your knowledge and skills for school‑based services.
• Collaborative Environment
  :
  Engage in monthly meetings, roundtable discussions, and collaboration time with colleagues.
• Regular 1:1 Check‑Ins
  :
  Stay connected with your leaders through regular check‑ins and team meetings.
• Mission‑Driven
  :
  We are deeply committed to partnering with schools to meet the unique needs of students, making a real difference in their lives every day.
• Leadership in Education
  :
  Serving 68 school districts across Northern Illinois, NIA is recognized as a leader in providing exceptional special education support.
• Innovation
  :
  We continuously improve our services and embrace new technologies to enhance education and meet the evolving needs of our students.
• Employee‑Focused
  :
  We invest in your growth with professional development opportunities, a supportive work environment, and recognition of your contributions.

Professional Educator's License (PEL) with appropriate endorsement for teaching students with hearing impairments is required.

Proficiency with school‑based technology and office equipment, including computers and specialized software applications such as Microsoft Office and Google Workspace, is required.