Teacher of the Visually Impaired - (Non-Classified)

About the role

CSDB is accepting applications for Teacher of the Visually Impaired (TVI) vacancies for the 2023-2024 school year. Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis for vacancies in all instructional areas, including but not limited to elementary education, English/Language Arts, science, mathematics, and social studies.

Responsibilities

• Performs work associated with standards-based instruction: prepares lesson plans, adapts instructional materials, develops input for and presents daily instructional/learning activities based upon the Individualized Education Program (IEP) and school reform tenets under the direction of the Principal, maintains a positive learning environment utilizing appropriate positive behavior support strategies, keeps learners on task and engaged.
• Demonstrates knowledge/skill in the development and use of accommodations for learners who are visually impaired, and further, in the areas of task analysis, assessment, progress monitoring, daily living skills, behavior management, organization/planning, curriculum development, current technology practices relative to learners who have vision loss, parent relations and teamwork.
• Utilizes technology to model, teach, and assist learners relative to instruction and activities.
• Demonstrates knowledge/skill in the areas of project and technology-based learning.
• Organizes the instructional environment for collaborative group work.
• Works in co-teaching teams with others.
• Works as part of an education/assessment team responsible for identifying, developing, implementing, monitoring and evaluating individual objectives for assigned learners.
• Understands and supports learners' social-emotional development.
• Serves as an Advocate for assigned learners.
• Coordinates effectively with other service staff in facilitating instruction, supporting school reform efforts, strategic planning, and positively contributing to co-curricular activities.
• Positively serves as a team member in the School for the Blind, and of the Colorado School for the Deaf and the Blind (CSDB) as a whole; and participates in regular team and departmental meetings, school and instructional meetings as required.
• Provides parent consultation; participates in selected parent-focused activities, etc.
• Seeks opportunities for and participates in activities related to professional development and training/workshops as appropriate.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's Degree in Education or closely related field from a regionally accredited college or university; specialization in Education for the Visually Impaired preferred
• Must hold or be eligible for appropriate educator licensure in the State of Colorado
• Must hold, be eligible for, or able to obtain within three (3) years from hire, appropriate educator licensure in the State of Colorado endorsed as a Special Education Specialist: Visually Impaired, or comparable endorsement
• Subject area endorsement or specialization
• Experience teaching/working with children (in an educational environment) with visual impairments and/or multiple disabilities desired
• Ability to demonstrate competency in Braille by the end of the first instructional year, as evidenced by possession of a CDE Certificate of Braille Competency
• Knowledge of and ability to apply current standards-based educational practices associated with learners who are visually impaired to a variety of settings
• Knowledge of Expanded Core Curriculum for learners with visual impairments, including those with multiple disabilities
• Knowledge of and ability to assess and apply technology to perform the requirements of the position; ability to effectively utilize a variety of computer software applications, which may include but is not limited to e-mail, Internet, word processing, electronic calendar, presentation development, spreadsheet, database, learning management systems, etc.; willingness to stay current and develop skills as needed with or without direct support from CSDB
• Knowledge of and ability to effectively adapt and apply teaching skills, learning environment management and lesson preparation to a technology rich environment, which may include but is not limited to on-site classroom, telepresence, and multiple distance education technologies and delivery modes; ability to effectively implement technology necessary to model, teach, and assist learners relative to instruction and activities
• Knowledge of and ability to effectively implement current technologies utilized by learners who are blind/visually impaired
• Ability to establish high standards for what learners must know and be able to do
• Ability to demonstrate competency in Braille by the end of the first instructional year, as evidenced by possession of a CDE Certificate of Braille Competency
• Ability to respond effectively and positively to feedback
• Ability to work cooperatively with others and participate effectively in a team setting
• Strong, positive interpersonal skills
• Proficiency or commitment to work toward proficiency in American Sign Language (ASL) at the Novice (0+) skill level as demonstrated through an appropriate assessment tool and according to school policy/procedures

Qualifications

• Full-time; scheduled to work the standard number of days in the academic year (as per established School Calendar, currently 195 days, August to June)
• The annual base salary shall be established pursuant to the Teacher Salary Schedule, based upon appropriate education and experience. Excellent benefits.
• Employment is at-will, with no actual, expressed or implied contract.