Teacher of Students with Visual Impairments/Orientation & Mobility

About the role

The Washington State School for the Blind (WSSB) is dedicated to empowering blind and low vision individuals to reach their full potential. Services include residential programs, outreach services, specialized technology, and training for parents, educators, and service providers.

Responsibilities

• Travel to and cover regions of Olympia, Thurston County, and other areas as needed.
• Perform or facilitate necessary learning media assessments: functional vision, technology, and orientation & mobility.
• Provide direct and consultative services as per Individual Education Plans (IEP).
• Facilitate workshops and in-services to assist families and school district personnel.
• Assist districts in obtaining necessary alternative format materials and equipment as identified through the IEP process.
• Collaborate with families, students, and district personnel to develop IEP goals and objectives in the expanded core curriculum.
• Develop meaningful instruction tailored to the learner’s assessed needs, as identified in the IEP.
• Consult with classroom teachers and other involved personnel, and adapt materials as needed to enable the learner to benefit from instruction.
• Maintain ongoing communication with all parties involved in the learner’s education, including the parents.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in education or other relevant field of study.
• Current Washington State Teaching Certificate, or can obtain one.
• Certification as a Teacher of the Visually Impaired from an accredited and nationally recognized university program.
• Unified English Braille Exam (UEB) certification or Library of Congress certification, or be able to obtain either within one year of hire date.

Desirable Qualifications

• Master's degree in Teacher of Visually Impaired Learners/Orientation & Mobility program.
• Teaching experience as an itinerant teacher of blind/low vision learners.
• Experience working with children with complex needs including blindness.
• Orientation & Mobility Certification.

Key Competencies

• Excellent communication and organizational skills.
• Effective time management skills.
• Ability to set high expectations that support the acquisition of student's independence and success.
• Ability to work effectively with diverse groups.
• Ability to work independently.

Pay

The annual salary for this position is paid in accordance with the Vancouver School District salary schedule and is therefore based on education and experience for 180 days per school calendar year. The VSD salary schedule is potentially subject to change in the fall for the 2026/2027 school year.

Schedule

Constant travel due to providing services to multiple school districts; and, Must be able to sit and stand for long periods of time, walk long distances, and have the ability to respond to emergent situations.

Benefits

Insurance Benefits: Medical (including vision), dental, and basic life insurance; medical flexible spending account; basic life and long-term disability insurance; dependent care assistance; auto, boat, home, and renter insurance through payroll deduction; Washington Wellness program; Public Service Loan Forgiveness; holidays (paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year).

Union Inclusion

This position is included in a bargaining unit represented by the Washington Public Employees Association (WPEA).

Opportunity for All

The Washington State School for the Blind celebrates our differences and we are committed to a workplace that supports equal opportunity employment and inclusion regardless of race, creed, color, national origin, citizenship or immigration status, marital status, families with children (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sex, sexual orientation, gender identity diversity, age, status as a protected veteran, honorably discharged veteran or military status, status as an individual with the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with disabilities or other applicable legally protected characteristics.