Teacher of the Visually Impaired

Location: Phoenix, AZ Employment Type: Full-Time Salary: Competitive Job Description About Foundation for Blind Children: Foundation for Blind Children (FBC) is a high profile, nationally recognized non-profit agency recently featured on FOX News, NBC’s “Today” Show, and in Arizona Highways magazine, USA Today and the Arizona Republic. Established in 1952, FBC serves over 2,000 individuals who are blind and visually impaired of all ages, from birth to 100+ years old on three campuses in the Valley. Our preschool program for children who are blind and visually impaired is one of the largest in Arizona and we are the leader in the blind community for new and innovative methods. The vision of the Foundation for Blind Children is a world where vision loss is a diagnosis, not a disability. Job Purpose The role of the Classroom Teacher of the Visually Impaired is to manage a class of learners who are visually impaired in a manner that meets the individual needs of each student in the class. This includes promoting learning and supplementing activities, coordinating and collaborating with support staff, using a variety of teaching approaches, and adapting instruction to include all students. The classroom teacher is responsible for the implementation each student's overall functional and academic program. Essential Duties And Responsibilities Provide direct instruction within a classroom setting in all areas of developmentProvide education and support to the students’ familiesCoordinate students’ individual education plan and the school day with other service providers and familyAdminister assessments and prepare corresponding report such as but not limited to FVA, LMA, IEP, developmental checklists, progress notesMaintain data collection and students’ recordsTrain, supervise and evaluate para-educators in the classroomCommunicate effectively with assistant director, therapists, families, and students’ home school districtsMaintain supplies and materials for the classroomProvide specialized instruction as the students’ teacher of the visually impairedCollaborate with related service providersCoordinate and monitor each student’s daily, routine medical needs including monitoring overall health, monitoring and documenting seizure activity, and provide direction and supervision of para-educators’ attention to these needs Requirements Qualifications/Requirements Demonstrate knowledge of the early development of children and the special learning needs of visually impaired children; techniques and procedures of teaching and assessmentsAbility to modify and adapt classroom materials, equipment, and classroom environmentAbility to work with a group of professionals and coordinate classroom schedule to best meet students’ needsAbility to establish rapport and maintain effective relationships with children and their familiesWork cooperatively with parents, peers, administrators and school representativesMaintain and improve professional competenceAbility to establish and maintain effective working relationships with a variety of people in a multi-cultural, diverse socioeconomic settingAbility to maintain confidentialityBasic computer skillsBachelor’s degree (Master’s degree preferred) from accredited college or university in education of the visually impaired or early childhood with current certification visual impairmentValid Arizona Teaching CertificateFingerprint Clearance Card issued by Arizona Department of Public SafetyCPR/First Aid/AEDArticle 9 Working conditions Works in a traditional climate controlled school environmentWill spend time outdoors and offsite for periodic events and fieldtrips 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 basisRequired to routinely lift a minimum of 25 pounds and occasionally up to 50 pounds Personal Characteristics AccountableTrustworthyCritical thinkerCollaborativeBelief that all children can learnCelebrates progressStrong awareness of self Direct reports Assigned Para-Educators Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of all activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice. 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.