Teacher of the Visually Impaired (CDEB)

About the role

This position is responsible for providing diagnostic, consultative, prescriptive and instructional services for children with visual impairments. The goal of the VI Teacher is to provide direct and/or consultative special education services designed to provide students with visual impairments access to a school and other appropriate educational environments (i.e. community).

Responsibilities

• Evaluate students suspected of having VI needs.
• Develop a written educational evaluation on each student referred and evaluated as having suspected VI needs.
• Develop an Individual Educational Plan (IEP) on each student enrolled in the VI program.
• Meet with student's parents annually to review the IEP.
• Recommend appropriate specialized evaluations and assessments, such as for low vision, orientation and mobility, psychosocial, and adaptive physical education.
• Schedule instructional time that is appropriate to meet student's educational needs.
• Provide instructional services necessary to achieve the goals and objectives listed in student's IEP's.
• Provide materials, resources and techniques to the regular classroom teachers, parents and other concerned parties whenever necessary to meet student's special education needs outside of the VI program.
• Provide assessment, instruction, and consultation to other educational team members on issues related to assistive technology, especially computer-based assistive technology as related to visual impairment instruction and/or modifications.
• Assist in determining need for and procuring classroom equipment and materials necessary for students with visual impairments to learn (braille, low-vision devices, assistive technology, computer, etc.) including ensuring necessary room modifications and lighting changes.
• Provide team members with information regarding specialized strategies needed for success with each VI student.
• Consult with other educational team members, including parents and adult service providers to provide information necessary to maximize incorporation of the expanded core curriculum into the entire instructional setting.
• Provide modified materials to team members (braille, recorded/enlarged materials, and tactile symbols as appropriate for each child).
• Upon request, provide in-services about children with visual impairments and his/her services to parents, classroom teachers and other concerned parties.
• Meet with parents whenever appropriate to discuss student progress.
• Case manage students with Visual Impairments as directed.
• Aid in integrating the student back into the district classroom when indicated and continue supportive contact with the student and the classroom teacher until transition is completed.
• Aid in completing state and federal reporting requirements as necessary.

Qualifications

• Must possess a Bachelor’s degree in Special Education.
• Must be eligible for a Wisconsin Teaching License #1825 – Visually Impaired.