Teacher for the Visually Impaired/Special Education Teacher

About the role

The position requires traveling to other schools in the county to provide specialized instruction to students with visual impairments and other disabilities.

Responsibilities

• Provide specialized instruction utilizing methods, curriculum, and instructional strategies appropriate for students with visual impairments and other disabilities as needed.
• Avoids the unique educational needs and learning characteristics of visually impaired students.
• Understand the services and support available from local programs for visually impaired students.
• Acquire information regarding local, state, and national resources for the education of students with visual impairments.
• Develop and implement the IEPs for all assigned students and coordinate the IEPs for their academic and related service areas within the school.
• Assist the schools in making environmental adjustments for students with visual impairments.
• Read and produce Braille.
• Develop and maintain summaries to reflect student progress and prepare sequential and meaningful instruction geared to the student's assessed needs and IEP goals and objectives.
• Collect and disseminate student information necessary to assist students in successful mainstreaming to the regular school environment.
• Provide assistance to the classroom teacher in academic subjects and activities of the classroom that, as a direct result of the student's visual impairment, require adaptation for the student.
• Provide in-service training for school personnel regarding adaptations, programs, and services to students with visual impairments.
• Maintain open communication with school and appropriate service agencies while, at the same time, respecting the need for student confidentiality.
• Provide ongoing communication and contact with parents/guardians and agency representatives to enhance student progress.
• Attend all staff, IEP, and other related meetings to review and plan goals and strategies, as well as update student progress status.
• Maintain and update special education files and IEPs, as well as all forms and records required by school policy and procedures and state and federal reporting requirements.
• Serve as a positive role model for students, staff, and other stakeholders.
• Assist students with mobility needs (e.g., lifting, positioning, loading and unloading, bathrooming, etc.), as needed.
• Supervise students (e.g., classroom, hallway, restroom, cafeteria, field trips, etc.).
• Lift, move, and operate adaptive equipment, as necessary.
• Monitor appropriate use and care of equipment, textbooks, materials, and facilities.
• Account for and order classroom and program equipment and supplies, as necessary.
• Attend and actively participate in staff/faculty meetings and appropriate job-related professional development.
• Present a courteous and professional demeanor at all times.
• Demonstrate proficiency, flexibility, self-motivation, accountability, ownership, and positive demeanor.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor's Degree in Education, Master's degree or certification in special education, Teaching certificate or eligibility to receive a teaching certificate for teaching students with visual impairments issued by the Maryland State Department of Education or another state department of education, Excellent written and verbal skills, Outstanding organizational and interpersonal skills, Ability to interpret, explain, present, and use data, Ability to understand complex, multi-step written and oral instructions, Successful management of confidential information and materials, History of initiative, discretion, leadership, and independent judgment, Demonstrated understanding of and attention to detail, Especially as it relates to student safety and well-being, History of professionalism and strong work ethic, Ability to problem-solve, work independently and as part of a team, and function without distractions, Ability to serve as a positive role model for students, staff, and other stakeholders, Self-motivated with the ability to prioritize and execute tasks in a high-pressured environment, Ability to maintain emotional control while addressing stressful situations, Ability to multi-task, Ability to stand, sit, walk, feel, climb, balance, kneel, stoop, crouch, crawl, bend, push, pull, and carry, Good hearing, vision, depth perception, and peripheral vision, Ability to lift and transport heavy to moderately heavy objects averaging 50-75 lbs., Ability to lift and assist students with special healthcare needs, Significant dexterity of hands and fingers, Regular and predictable attendance, Ability to perform the essential functions of the job either with or without reasonable accommodations.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's Degree or higher in applicable special education field,
• Three (3) years of teaching students with visual impairments,
• Orientation and Mobility Certification,
• CPR and First Aid certification.