Braille Instructor

About the role

We are seeking a dedicated and knowledgeable Braille Instructor to teach Braille reading and writing to individuals who are blind or visually impaired. The ideal candidate will have a strong command of Braille literacy, a passion for accessible education, and the ability to adapt teaching methods to accommodate diverse learning needs. This can be in the forms of in-person or online teaching. All employees within Braille Institute are expected to support the organization's mission, vision and values, work cooperatively with others, contribute to the positive morale of the department/center and be a respected representative of the organization.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide individualized and group instruction in Braille (both contracted and uncontracted formats).
• Assess students' Braille literacy levels and develop personalized instructional plans.
• Teach the use of Braille-related tools and technology, such as Braillers, slates and styluses, and screen reading software.
• Collaborate with other educators, staff, and families to support students' overall educational goals.
• Attend PWG's as a part of the learning process for applying new skills in the classroom.
• Maintain accurate records of student progress and provide regular updates to stakeholders.
• Prepare teaching materials, including tactile graphics and accessible documents.
• Stay up-to-date with current standards, methods, and tools in Braille instruction and visual impairment education.
• Research subject matter and, in collaboration with the Educational Programs Manager develops curricula for classroom instruction.
• Works in collaboration with the Educational Programs Manager and educators across Braille Institute of America centers to provide continuity in departmental instruction.
• Prepare lesson plans as needed.
• Gathers supplies, adaptive devices and materials needed to teach students.
• Assures in-person and online classrooms are set up each day with supplies, tools, equipment and materials needed for an effective and safe learning environment.
• Prepares and maintains appropriate forms and documentation for each class as required, such as attendance and student progress.
• May design and conduct seminars, workshops and training sessions throughout an assigned region to educate families, caregivers, and professionals on issues related to the visually impaired, as well as to promote the organizations programs and services within the community.
• May participate in planning and/or preparation for special events to benefit the visually impaired.
• Acquires knowledge of research and advancements in the subject matter taught, as well as the organization's programs and services and other resources for the visually impaired.
• Makes use of professional development workshops and resources.
• May train and direct the work of volunteers assisting in classrooms.
• Performs other duties as assigned. As the organization continues to evolve, duties or tasks may change without impacting the overall Job Description.

Knowledge and Education

• A Bachelor's degree in a designated field of expertise is required (or may be substituted with one year of teaching experience).
• Strong knowledge of the subject matter taught is required.
• Previous online teaching experience is desirable.
• Knowledge of Unified English Braille (UEB).
• Excellent communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
• Patience, creativity, and sensitivity to learners' individual needs.

Skills and Abilities

• The position requires good communication, training, interpersonal, assessment, research, computer, presentation, organizational, and time management skills.
• The ability to effectively teach visually impaired students in a particular field of expertise is essential.

Experience

• At least one to two years of experience teaching in a designated field of expertise is desirable.
• Some work experience with the visually impaired is desirable.
• Knowledge of the accented characters and punctuation symbols in Spanish braille (preferred).

Work Environment

Position works in a classroom environment. Classroom environment(s) may include (1) in-person, traditional classroom setting, (2) hybrid in-person and online classroom, and/or (3) exclusively online classroom. May also work in the field.

Physical Requirements

Position operates standard office equipment, adaptive tools/equipment, and materials needed to teach designated subjects. Frequent standing, walking and some lifting may be required. Some travel within an assigned region may also be needed.

Pay

Job Type: Full-time Hourly. Salary Range: $28.00 to $32.00.