Teacher of the Visually Impaired (TVI)

Job Summary

Implement and administer specialized educational services for students with visual impairments in accordance with their Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). Provide direct instruction, assessment, consultation, and technical assistance to students, families, educators, and administrators to ensure equitable access to educational programs, materials, and environments. Promote student independence, academic achievement, and successful post-secondary outcomes through specialized instruction in the Expanded Core Curriculum while ensuring compliance with IDEA, ECEA, and District procedures.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

• Provide direct specialized instruction based on individual student needs in Braille literacy, Nemeth Code, assistive technology, compensatory skills, self-advocacy, independent living, social interaction, career education, sensory efficiency, recreation and leisure, and other Expanded Core Curriculum areas.
• Consult with teachers, related service providers, administrators, and families regarding instructional strategies, accommodations, modifications, and accessibility for students with visual impairments.
• Monitor progress toward IEP goals, maintain service documentation, collect progress-monitoring data, and complete Medicaid documentation when applicable.
• Conduct Functional Vision Assessments, Learning Media Assessments, and other specialized evaluations to support eligibility, instructional planning, and service delivery.
• Coordinate acquisition, implementation, inventory, and maintenance of specialized equipment, assistive technology, and instructional materials.
• Provide professional development and technical assistance to district staff regarding visual impairments, accessibility, accommodations, and evidence-based instructional practices.
• Collaborate with Orientation and Mobility Specialists, Colorado School for the Deaf and the Blind, community agencies, medical professionals, and other service providers to coordinate services.
• Participate in ongoing professional learning to remain current with research, instructional practices, technology, and state and federal regulations related to visual impairment.
• Perform other duties as may assigned by supervisor/administrator.

Qualifications

• Valid Colorado Teaching License with Special Education Specialist - Teacher of the Visually Impaired endorsement or eligibility. The Colorado Teaching License must be held within 30 days of the candidate's start date in this teaching position.
• Master's Degree in Education of the Visually Impaired or related field. Completion of an approved Teacher of the Visually Impaired preparation program, including prescribed field experience requirements.
• Orientation and Mobility certification or experience preferred but not required.
• One to three years of successful experience serving students with visual impairments in a public school setting preferred.
• Knowledge of IDEA, ECEA, visual impairment, Braille, Nemeth Code, Expanded Core Curriculum, Functional Vision Assessment, Learning Media Assessment, assistive technology, accessible educational materials, collaboration, consultation, instructional technology, Microsoft Office, and effective communication and organizational practices.
• Ability to adapt and modify educational materials and resources to meet the unique needs of students with visual impairments.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills to work effectively with students, parents, teachers, and other professionals.
• Understanding of special education laws and regulations related to the provision of services for students with visual impairments.
• Commitment to ongoing professional development and staying current with advances in visually impaired education and research.
• Ability to adapt and be flexible in a school-based environment, collaborating with diverse teams and adjusting to changing student needs.
• Travel and work in multiple school buildings is required.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, including writing, reading, comprehension, and speaking of the English language.
• Knowledge of and ability to use technology (email, internet, etc.) to communicate and obtain information.
• Able to effectively present information in one-on-one and small and large group situations to staff, customers, community, and colleagues.
• Knowledge of State and Federal laws and regulations governing school systems and programs.
• Able to promote and follow Board of Education Coherent Governance Policies, District Policies and department procedures; communicate, interact and work effectively and cooperatively with people from diverse ethnic and education backgrounds; and recognize the importance of safety in the workplace, follow safety rules, practice safe work habits, utilize appropriate safety equipment and report unsafe conditions to the appropriate administrator.
• Transcripts required.
• Valid Colorado Driver's License required.
• Criminal background check and District fingerprinting required.