Teacher of the Visually Impaired Itinerant - to create a candidate pipeline

About the role

Plans and provides appropriate learning experiences for students with visual impairments under the direction of the school principal and team leader for the visually impaired. Instructs and supervises students in various school-related settings. Monitors and evaluates student outcomes.

Responsibilities

• Provides instructional and consultative services on an itinerant basis to students with visual impairments from birth through twenty-one.
• Collaborates and consults with school staff, families, and administrators in instructional, behavioral, and environmental modifications and accommodations related to the students' visual impairments.
• Maintains a safe and orderly learning environment.
• Plays a key role in planning and implementing instructional programs that adhere to the students' Individualized Education Program (IEP), Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP), 504 Plans, and Service Plans.
• Prepares appropriate lesson plans, based upon adopted curricula, to teach instructional objectives.
• Maintains documentation of student progress, including data, in accordance with the Office of Special Education, Related Services procedures.
• Communicates standards, achievements, and deficiencies to classroom teachers, students, and parents, by means of progress notes, email, phone calls, and/or conferences.
• Oversees the appropriate use and care of textbooks, instructional materials, facilities, and equipment.
• Collaborates with school administrators, other teachers, paraeducators, parents, and community members in the education of students.
• Serves on various committees.
• Attends staff meetings.

Qualifications

• Education, Training, And Experience: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor’s degree in an applicable field. Completion of course work in orientation and mobility preferred.
• Licenses And Certificates: Possession of a Maryland Educator Certificate appropriate to the area of assignment. OR Possession of, or eligibility for, a Maryland Educator License appropriate to the area of assignment.

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• Knowledge of the principles and practices of special education including IEP, IFSP, Service Plan, 504 Plans.
• Knowledge of Expanded Core Curriculum (ECC) for the visually impaired.
• Knowledge of effective instructional techniques, instructional materials, equipment, and assistive technology for the visually impaired.
• Knowledge of and skill in the use of database, internet, spreadsheet, word processing, and related applications.
• Knowledge of and skill in the use of assistive technology for students who are visually impaired or blind.
• Skill in preparing and implementing lesson plans and modifying curriculum for special-needs students.
• Able to incorporate the principles and strategies of universal design for learning (UDL) into lessons.
• Skill in classroom behavior management.
• Skill in communicating with students, their parents, administrators, team leader, and others.
• Able to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• Able to maintain confidential information.

Physical And Environmental Conditions

• The work of an itinerant teacher of the visually impaired is performed in multiple school-based environments, as well as community-based settings.
• Work requires the ability to move between schools and classrooms on a daily basis.
• Work includes the operation of office equipment, including personal computers and assistive technology devices.
• Requires travel throughout the county to offices, schools, and community settings.

Grade Citizenship, residency or work VISA in United States required

Other Compensations

• Position may be eligible for relocation bonus, extra duty activities pay, or other student activities pay as defined in the applicable Bargaining Unit Agreement.
• Retirement: Eligible for membership in the Maryland State Retirement System.
• Benefits: BCPS offers a comprehensive benefits program for eligible employees including options for medical plans, dental plans, vision, life insurance, flexible spending accounts, disability coverage, and 403(b)/457 plans.

Application Instructions

• Please read and carefully follow the instructions provided below.
• Applicants are required to have a completed application on file for employment with Baltimore County Public Schools (BCPS).
• Information on your resume and application must match.
• This information is necessary for salary determination should you receive an offer of employment.
• Professional references must be submitted to complete your application.
• Examples of professional references include current and former principals, supervisors, managers, mentor teachers and university/college supervisors.
• Personal references from colleagues, friends, community members, etc. will not be accepted.
• Be sure to account for all periods of employment and unemployment.
• Failure to complete all fields of the "Work Experience" section of the application may result in your application not being considered.
• You MUST attach your unofficial transcript(s) or license(s) to your application if you are applying for a position as a teacher or position which requires Licensure/Certification.
• Proof Of Licenses, Certifications And Education: Applicants are required to submit proof of licenses, certifications and education beyond high school to meet the required and preferred qualifications of the position.
• Diplomas or transcripts must show the applicant's major field of study.
• Copies and unofficial transcripts are acceptable only at the application stage.
• Official transcripts must be provided only after you have accepted a contingent offer.
• Failure to submit proof of Licenses, Certifications and Education may result in your application not being considered.
• Proof of licenses, certifications, and/or education must be submitted with your application.
• Proof Of Degree Equivalency: Applicants who have obtained a degree from outside the United States are required to submit degree equivalence documentation from a MSDE approved Foreign Transcript Evaluation Agency.

About Us

Baltimore County Public Schools (BCPS) is the 22nd largest school district in the nation and the 3rd largest in Maryland with over 21,000 employees supporting over 111,000 students. BCPS has 26 Maryland Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence and 23 National Blue Ribbon schools, 32 magnet schools and 116 magnet programs. BCPS works to embrace all stakeholders, engage them in authentic collaboration and empower them to be a part of positive change, so our students, staff, and system will excel. We hope you will join our dynamic community!