Special Education Teacher

The Role

The Special Education Teacher of Overbrook School for the Blind exudes a passion for the school, its students, its employees, and its mission. This position will report directly to the Educational Program Supervisor.

The Mission

The Mission of Overbrook School for the Blind (OSB) is to develop and deliver education that enhances the options available for persons with visual impairments, including those with additional challenges so that they have the greatest opportunity to experience active and fulfilling lives.

Organizational Description

Overbrook School for the Blind serves students who are blind or visually impaired with or without additional disabilities (such as intellectual disability, cerebral palsy, hearing impairment, sensory issues, and includes those who require specialized medical care). The school receives a customized, individualized education based on state educational standards. OSB is more than a school; it is a community where students, families, and staff support one another and come together to build a bright future.

Job Functions

• Demonstrate knowledge of special educational techniques and adapted materials for working with the visually impaired students and students with additional challenges.
• Develop and implement an Individualized Instruction Plan for each student based upon assessment of students’ strengths and needs.
• Provide direct and/or consultative instruction to students with visual impairments based on the Individualized Education Program (IEP).
• Teach core academic subjects using adapted materials and methods aligned with student needs.
• Incorporate Expanded Core Curriculum (ECC) components, including compensatory skills, assistive technology, self-determination, and independent living skills.
• Develop and adapt instructional materials, using tactile, auditory, and visual strategies appropriate for each student.
• Conduct functional vision evaluations (FVE) and learning media assessments (LMA) to determine instructional needs annually.
• Follow age-appropriate curricula and modify to suit individual goals, and provide specially designed instruction on an individual basis when required.
• Train and support educational staff in best practices for working with students who are blind or visually impaired.
• Implement and follow positive behavior plans/goals for students.
• Complete report cards or progress reports as required. Communicates with parents/others about a child's progress.
• Completes the required paperwork necessary for students to register for quota funding available through American Printing House for the Blind annually.
• Work with Specialty Teachers, including Therapists, to develop programs for students and to assist in implementing the programs in the classroom.
• Act as team leader at the yearly IEP meeting.
• Stay current with developments in the field of visual impairment education.
• Participate in in-service training, conferences, and professional learning communities.

Skills

• Maintain a professional attitude at all times and fulfill assigned duties and special activities.
• Contribute as a member of the program team to the long-range planning efforts of the program and the school.
• Demonstrate problem-solving ability and flexibility, and a willingness to work with others to ensure the best program for the children.
• Demonstrate good time management skills.
• Demonstrate good written and spoken communication skills.
• Understand the visual etiologies of the students and design and implement the student program.
• Effectively interact with the parents.
• Handle confidential information appropriately.
• Handle crisis intervention and leadership skills with respect to the classroom and the individual students in his or her charge.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Education in Special Education (working toward a certification in visual impairment or be willing to enroll in a vision studies program upon hire).
• Must have Current PA Special Education PK-12 Teaching Certification.
• Experience working with students with blindness/visual impairments and additional disabilities.
• Must be certified in First Aid and CPR/AED.
• A valid driver’s license is required.

Physical Requirements & Work Environment

Lifting: must be able to lift 50 lbs minimum, with assistance. Participate in 2-person lifts.

Working Environment: Employees are subject to accidents and/or injuries, which may be incurred during the performance of the essential functions of the position. Work is primarily indoors, but some outdoor activities may be required.

Benefits and Pay

OSB offers a competitive salary and benefits package reflective of the applicant’s training and experience, including liberal financial support for the pursuit of advanced degrees. Applications from members of communities traditionally underrepresented in school administrative positions are invited.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Overbrook School for the Blind (OSB) has, and will continue to follow, a policy of recruiting, employing and promoting individuals best qualified for any position by reason of education, training, and experience without regard to race, color, ancestry, genetic information, familial or marital status, domestic or sexual violence victimization, ethnicity, religion, age, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth or a related medical condition), sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or non-job-related disability or the use of a guide or support animal because of blindness, deafness or physical disability. OSB shall not discriminate against an individual who has exercised his/her rights against discrimination in accordance with applicable federal, state, or local laws.