Teacher - Visually Impaired

Responsibilities

• Provides vision services in 1:1 sessions and/or groups, push‑in and/or pull‑out based on students’ needs.
• Collects data through interviews with family members, observations in other therapy sessions and/or by conducting annual Functional Vision Learning Media Assessments (FVLMA) to identify adaptations or accommodations for students’ visual needs.
• Creates goals for each assigned student and monitors and documents progress, maintaining student records and preparing FVLMA reports, Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and quarterly progress reports.
• Participates in IEP meetings and team meetings, parent‑teacher and CSE meetings; participates in legal hearings when necessary and appropriate.
• Carefully plans lessons and creates and organizes materials in advance while regularly assessing students’ needs, adjusting lessons, goals, and/or benchmarks accordingly.
• Collaborates with teachers, related service providers and coordinates with the iHOPE Assistive Technology Team within the school setting to ensure a comprehensive educational plan meets the student’s individual needs.
• Demonstrates flexibility in scheduling, working with other service providers and adapting lesson plans and materials as needed, including creation of book boxes, adapted books, brailled materials, and tangible symbols.
• Communicates and collaborates with parents and outside professionals as needed, specifically as they impact the student’s educational plan.
• Provides vision education consultation services to all staff members, as needed.
• Participates in professional development opportunities within iHOPE and beyond.
• Adheres to department and school policies and procedures.
• Performs all other duties, as assigned.

Duties (Senior Teacher of the Visually Impaired)

• Manages or provides assistance to other TVIs on more complex cases by coordinating meetings, identifying resources, and coordinating with iHOPE staff, families, and providers to support students’ needs, including assistive‑technology coordination with the AT department and related service providers.
• Collaborates with outside organizations in the field of Vision Education regarding new programs, technologies, educational materials, or student registrations for services, including APH, NYSCB, and NYDBC.
• Assists with oversight of day‑to‑day department operations in the absence of the Director, attending meetings, answering inquiries, and ensuring compliance with department policies and procedures.
• Serves as a role model and provides ongoing mentorship, support, and encouragement to colleagues; assists in supervising Vision Specialists, graduate students, and/or interns, and helps newly hired staff use systems, shared drives, and training schedules.
• Organizes professional development opportunities, coordinating sessions for vision staff and assisting in planning departmental special events.
• Meets regularly with the Director to assist with departmental initiatives—including new programs, trainings, and staffing—providing feedback, recommendations, and ideas to improve vision‑related services.

Minimum Qualification Requirements

• Master’s Degree.
• Current certification and registration as a Teacher of the Blind and Visually Impaired, issued by the New York State Education Department.
• Well‑organized with superior attention to detail and ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Ability to work with a great degree of independence and focus.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office programs, including experience using PowerPoint to create adapted books.
• Participation in professional development and CTLE to maintain state licensure.
• Advanced knowledge, competence, and skills in assessment, creating individualized lesson plans, and goal setting.
• Advanced knowledge of Cortical Vision Impairment, including CVI Range Assessment, Complexity Framework, and CVI/AAC Matrix.
• For Senior TVI assignment: at least two (2) years of experience in the field of Visual Impairment and Severe and Multiple Disabilities, including experience with Cortical Visual Impairment (CVI) or CVI Range Endorsement.
• Excellent writing and communication skills, including ability to peer‑review documentation (IEPs, FVLMAs, progress reports) and create/facilitate trainings.

Preferred Qualification Requirements

• One (1) or more years of direct experience in the field of Visual Impairment and Severe and Multiple Disabilities.
• Previous experience with CVI or CVI Range Endorsement.

Compensation

$69,500‑$75,000 annually