01/26/1991

VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION PRE-VOCATIONAL INSTRUCTOR

A - Driver Education 4536A
B - English 4536B
C - Life Skills 4536C
D - Mathematics 4536D
E - Reading 4536E

DEFINITION: This is professional education work in providing vocational instruction in a pre-vocational subject area, at the Hiram G. Andrews Center, Department of Labor and Industry.

An employee in this class teaches a specific subject area to students with one or more disabilities. Students without disabilities may also be taught. Work involves separating a known subject area into teaching units to provide organized individual and group instruction through the development and use of currently accepted educational materials, such as a course of study and lesson plans including lecture, demonstration, audio-visual and hands-on application techniques. Duties include constant evaluation of student potential working toward established or adjusted Individual Written Rehabilitation Plans/Individual Education Plans and integrating activities with other institutional disciplines to provide complete student service. Work also involves researching, developing, and evaluating methods for adapting machinery, equipment, and techniques to compensate for student disabilities. Duties may include assisting new instructors in the preparation of lesson material and handling special teaching situations. Supervision is received from a Vocational Rehabilitation Instructor Supervisor through observation, directives, meetings, and constant evaluation of program effectiveness.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: Provides in-depth instruction in the specific subject area to students on an individual or group basis.

Provides instruction in classroom theory as well as practical driving experience which prepares students to take the examination leading to a valid Pennsylvania driver's license.

Provides instruction in pre-vocational English as well as related written communication skills to students prior to enrolling in academic and vocational subjects.

Provides basic life skills instruction in the areas of consumer economics, health, occupational knowledge, community resources, government, and legalities to students prior to enrolling in academic and vocational subjects.

Provides instruction in basic mathematical and analytical skills, as well as the use of the calculator and/or related assist devices to students prior to enrolling in academic and vocational subjects.

Provides instruction in individualized, self-paced reading, vocabulary, and comprehension development to students prior to enrolling in academic and vocational subjects.

Researches, develops, and evaluates methods for adapting machinery, equipment, and techniques to make appropriate adaptations to compensate for students with special needs.

Develops curriculum materials and teaching techniques to obtain optimum results with students.

Assists instructors in preparing and adapting instructional activities to meet the needs of special teaching situations.

Maintains records of progress of individual students.

Develops and maintains accurate attendance and other records, and provides administration with information as requested.

Assists the supervisory and administrative staff in program development, evaluation, and implementation.

Participates in interdisciplinary team meetings.

Performs related work, as required.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: Knowledge of the current methods, equipment, and materials used in teaching the specific subject area at the adult level, and an understanding of how these can be adapted to meet the needs of students.

Knowledge of the specific subject area to be taught.

Knowledge of the occupational hazards and safety precautions common to the specialty area taught.

Knowledge of the principles of vocational education common to the specific subject area to be taught.

Knowledge of the principles and practices used in developing comprehensive educational plans.

Ability to design course outlines, lesson plans, and individualized learning plans for students.

Ability to instruct students in the specialty area taught.

Ability to learn to design and develop curricula.

Ability to evaluate the performance and progress of students through work assignments, tests, and observation.

Ability to prepare, administer, and score various specialty area tests.

Ability to complete learning records for students and other reports and forms.

Ability to develop and adapt extraordinary techniques of instruction to meet students special needs.

Ability to organize and promote an office-laboratory-classroom environment, and to maintain discipline and order.

Ability to implement safety precautions in the office-laboratory- classroom environment.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with students, associates, and other institutional personnel.

Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.

Ability to assist in research and development of new course materials and techniques.

Ability to recognize the need for adaptations to machinery, equipment and techniques common to the specific subject area to be taught in order to resolve teaching problems presented by the special needs of students, and to implement better teaching methods.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: A bachelor's degree in Elementary Education or Special Education;

                                                                                                                                                                                                  or

Any equivalent combination of experience and training in the subject area to be taught, including training, or experience, in training or instructing.

FOR DRIVER EDUCATION POSITIONS:

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: Six college level credits in teaching methods, or one year of training or instructing; and successfully passing the qualifying examination for instructorship in a private driver education or training school.

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENT:  Possession of a valid motor vehicle operator's license as issued by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.