WHAT YOU'LL DO
As a Thrive DHH Teacher you will provide specialized instruction and support to students K–12 who are deaf or hard of hearing within the school setting. You will evaluate auditory and communication access, develop IEP goals targeting language and literacy development, and ensure that students have equitable access to the educational environment. You are a full member of the community.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
EVALUATION & ELIGIBILITY
-
Conduct educational assessments of communication, language, listening, and academic skills for students who are deaf or hard of hearing in collaboration with audiologists and SLPs
-
Evaluate the impact of hearing loss on educational performance and recommend service hours, placement, and accommodations based on functional communication and access needs
-
Write evaluation reports that are educationally relevant, legally defensible, and accessible to IEP team members and families
-
Participate in eligibility determination meetings and audiological review meetings
IEP DEVELOPMENT & DIRECT INSTRUCTION
-
Develop individualized IEP goals targeting spoken language, signed language, listening and spoken language development, literacy, self-advocacy, and use of hearing technology
-
Deliver direct academic instruction and language development support using the student’s primary communication mode (ASL, spoken language, Cued Speech, Total Communication, or simultaneous communication) as appropriate
-
Support cochlear implant and hearing aid users in optimizing device benefit within the educational environment
-
Adapt and modify instructional materials and assessment conditions to ensure equitable access across all academic areas
-
Maintain accurate, timely service logs and progress notes in compliance with state documentation requirements
COLLABORATION & CONSULTATION
-
Consult with general and special education teachers on captioning, CART, FM system use, classroom acoustics, and DHH-specific accommodations
-
Partner with educational interpreters, school SLPs, school psychologists, and special education teachers on integrated IEP teams
-
Train paraprofessionals and classroom staff on supporting students who are deaf or hard of hearing
-
Communicate with families about student hearing-related needs and upcoming IEP decisions — coordinating interpreter services for families who use ASL
QUALIFICATIONS
REQUIRED
-
Bachelor’s or master’s degree in Deaf Education, Special Education with a DHH specialization, or Hearing-Related Communication Disorders
-
State certification or licensure as a Teacher of the Deaf/Hard of Hearing in good standing, or documented initiation of certification transfer prior to start date
-
Knowledge of IDEA, audiological assessment terminology, and the range of communication approaches used with students who are deaf or hard of hearing
-
Proficiency in at least one communication mode used with DHH students (ASL, signed English systems, Cued Speech, or spoken language with visual supports)
PREFERRED
-
1+ years of DHH teaching experience in a school-based setting
-
Fluency in American Sign Language (ASL)
-
Experience working with cochlear implant users and FM/Roger system technology
-
Experience with students who have hearing loss alongside autism, intellectual disability, or other co-occurring disabilities
COMPENSATION STRUCTURE
Compensation is paid over 10 months, aligned to the school-year calendar. All figures below reflect the Greater Chattanooga, TN market.
Base Compensation
W-2 Base Salary
$58,000 – $70,900,based on experience
A salary that reflects the expertise you bring. W-2 employment means full benefits, paid time off, retirement match, disability coverage, and malpractice insurance — all on us. Your total compensation is built to reflect what this work is worth.
1099 Contractor Rate
$43-$53/hr/hr
If flexibility is what fits your life, we built that in. Our 1099 option puts you in control of how you work — with a competitive hourly rate, full professional supports, and your career mobility fully intact.
Additional Earning Potential!
Sign-On Bonus
$6,000 —paid 25% at 30 days,25% at 90 days,50% at 6 months
Our sign-on bonus is a signal: we’re committed to you from the moment you say yes, and we want you to feel that.
Longevity Structure
Up to $2,000 —paid after completing your first full school year
We’re building Thrive around the people who commit to this work and to each other over the long haul — because that’s who our kids and schools depend on. Every year you come back, we reward it. And it grows with you.
CEU Stipend
$750 your first year growing up to $2,000after five years
Your practice is the whole thing. The more you grow as a clinician, the better the care our kids get. We put real dollars behind your continuing education, and it grows with your tenure. Investing in your expertise is investing in our mission.
Performance Bonus
Paid annually afterexceeding performancemetrics
When you go above and beyond for students, we notice. Our performance bonus is how we say we see you, we value what you’re doing, and this work matters.
BENEFITS OFFERINGS
HEALTH COVERAGE — AT NO COST TO YOU (W-2 Employees Only)
-
Medical, dental, and vision insurance — Thrive covers 100% of employee premiums
-
Coverage begins day one
-
Choice of HSA-eligible high-deductible plan or traditional PPO; nationwide PPO network
-
Dependent and family coverage available
-
401(k) with up to 5% company match
-
Optional voluntary benefits: supplemental life, accident, critical illness, hospital indemnity, and FSA
TIME OFF & SCHEDULE (W-2 Employees Only)
-
School-year calendar — school holidays off, amounting to 30+ paid days annually
-
PTO and Sick days
ADDITIONAL PROFESSIONAL SUPPORTS (All Employees)
-
Malpractice and professional liability insurance — fully covered by Thrive; no personal policy required
-
Quarterly professional development led by clinical leadership — school-based, substantive, and paid
-
Paid Summer Intensive — pre-year clinical PD that brings the full Thrive team together annually
-
No non-compete agreement — your professional mobility is yours to keep
-
State DHH certification renewal and professional dues reimbursed annually
