Teacher of the Visually Impaired

About the role

Foundation for Blind Children (FBC) is a high-profile, nationally recognized non-profit agency. Established in 1952, FBC serves over 2,000 individuals who are blind and visually impaired, providing services across three campuses in the Valley. Known for its innovative methods and recent media appearances, FBC aims to transform how society perceives vision loss.

Job Purpose

The role of the Classroom Teacher of the Visually Impaired is to manage a class of learners who are visually impaired, focusing on individual student needs, educational planning, and coordination with support staff.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide direct instruction within a classroom setting in all areas of development
• Coordinate students' individual education plans and the school day with other service providers and family
• Administer assessments and prepare corresponding reports such as FVA, LMA, IEP, developmental checklists, progress notes
• Maintain data collection and students’ records
• Train, supervise, and evaluate para-educators in the classroom
• Communicate effectively with assistant director, therapists, families, and students’ home school districts
• Maintain supplies and materials for the classroom
• Provide specialized instruction as the students’ teacher of the visually impaired
• Collaborate with related service providers
• Coordinate and monitor each student’s daily, routine medical needs including monitoring overall health, monitoring and documenting seizure activity, and providing direction and supervision of para-educators’ attention to these needs

Requirements

• Demonstrate knowledge of the early development of children and the special learning needs of visually impaired children; techniques and procedures of teaching and assessments
• Modify and adapt classroom materials, equipment, and classroom environment
• Work cooperatively with parents, peers, administrators, and school representatives
• Maintain and improve professional competence
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with a variety of people in a multi-cultural, diverse socioeconomic setting
• Maintain confidentiality
• Basic computer skills
• Bachelor’s degree (Master’s degree preferred) from accredited college or university in education of the visually impaired or early childhood with current certification visual impairment
• Valid Arizona Teaching Certificate
• Fingerprint Clearance Card issued by Arizona Department of Public Safety
• CPR/First Aid/AED

Qualifications/Requirements

• Knowledge of early development and special learning needs of visually impaired children
• Ability to modify and adapt classroom materials and environment
• Ability to work collaboratively with professionals and coordinate schedules
• Ability to establish rapport and maintain relationships with children and families
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and confidentiality of sensitive information
• Basic computer skills
• Bachelor’s degree in education of the visually impaired or early childhood with current certification visual impairment
• Valid Arizona Teaching Certificate
• Fingerprint Clearance Card issued by Arizona Department of Public Safety
• CPR/First Aid/AED

Physical Requirements

• Ability to move body in many different ways in order to interact with and position students such as: stooping, bending, kneeling, crouching, pushing and pulling consistently throughout the day and on a daily basis
• Minimum lifting requirement of 25 pounds, occasional lifting up to 50 pounds

Personal Characteristics

• Accountable
• Trustworthy
• Critical thinker
• Collaborative
• Belief that all children can learn
• Strong awareness of self

Direct Reports

Assigned Para-Educators

Working Conditions

Works in a traditional climate-controlled school environment. Will spend time outdoors and offsite for periodic events and field trips.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to move body in many different ways in order to interact with and position students such as: stooping, bending, kneeling, crouching, pushing and pulling consistently throughout the day and on a daily basis
• Minimum lifting requirement of 25 pounds, occasional lifting up to 50 pounds

Article 9

Foundation for Blind Children is an equal employment opportunity/affirmative action employer committed to excellence through diversity. All eligible candidates are invited to apply for position vacancies as appropriate.