26-27 Visual Impairment Teacher (Itinerant)

About the role

The Teacher of the Visually Impaired provides itinerant-based direct service to students with visual impairments based on their individual IEP goals, consultation to district staff, and family support. This includes Braille and Nemeth instruction, teaching of Assistive Technology, providing instruction in the use of low vision aids, adaptation of materials and curriculum, consultation to teaching and district staff, and involving parents in the educational setting. Basic computer skills are required. The successful candidate will have the ability to plan and prepare high-level, creative learning environments that are engaging, relevant, address student needs, and are based on best practices in instruction and students with special education needs.

Responsibilities

• Carry out vision-related assessments and evaluations, including initial assessments and re-evaluations. Provide written reports that document assessment outcomes and identify needs. Set goals and objectives, and recommend the amount and level of service needed for students to achieve IEP goals.
• Provide vision-related instruction and services required to meet the individualized educational needs of students in all school and other appropriate environments.
• Ensure consistent communication, collaboration, and consultation with stakeholders including but not limited to:
• Assisting students, parents, and special and regular education personnel in supporting the unique educational needs and learning characteristics of students who are blind or visually impaired;
• Consulting regularly with the classroom teacher, other regular and special education personnel, parents, and others to coordinate programs and services for students;
• Attending planning and IEP meetings for students;
• Maintaining regular communication with educational assistants, when appropriate, to ensure proper reinforcement of skills and material adaptation/modification, as set forth by the TVI, in accordance with the IEP;
• Providing in-service training for school personnel regarding the individual needs of students who have visual impairments, and the need for adaptations, and services.
• In collaboration with school staff, ensure that accessible materials, adaptations, modifications, and equipment needed by the students, and the classroom teacher, are provided in a timely manner to ensure the student's maximum participation in all classroom activities. Appropriate educational materials may be prepared or adapted by the TVI, or they may be obtained from educational, clerical, or transcriber services.
• Conduct functional vision assessments to determine how students with visual impairments functionally use their vision to perform classroom tasks.
• Consult with teachers, parents, and school staff, regarding the students' needs and the accommodations that are necessary for the student to participate in his or her educational setting.
• Provide training and resources to school staff and parents regarding adaptive equipment, and teaching techniques specific for students with a visual impairment.
• Provide information to teachers, parents, and school staff about the impact of a vision loss on classroom learning.
• Interpret information obtained in eye reports and consults with optometrists and ophthalmologists to clarify medical information.
• Participate in Individual Education Planning meetings for students with visual impairments and assist the educational team in program placement decisions. Maintain ongoing contact with parents to dialogue about child's abilities, progress, and future goals.
• Potentially provide orientation and mobility (O&M) instruction to individuals with visual impairments in the use of their remaining senses to maintain orientation and travel safely in all environments. Instruction may include the use of a long cane, concept and motor development, sensory development, sighted guide techniques, street crossing and route planning, use of public transportation and travel within a variety of communities.
• Potentially consult with, and provide training to, school staff and families of students with visual impairments as to how they can help encourage independent travel skills and make the student more independent at school in the community, and in the home environment.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree that included instruction in functional vision evaluations, an understanding of the implications of the visual impairment on education and curricular needs of the child.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Blind/Visual Impairment.

Skills

• Basic computer skills.

Benefits

• N/A

Pay

Teacher's Salary Schedule: 37.5 hours per week/188 Contract Days, Full Time.

Schedule

Full Time.