Teacher- Visually Impaired

Key/Essential Functions & Responsibilities

• Provides vision services in 1:1 sessions and/or groups, push-in and/or pull-out based on students’ needs.
• Collections 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 (IEP’s) 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 MSA Assistive Technology Team within the school setting to ensure that a comprehensive educational plan is in place to meet the student’s individual educational needs.
• Demonstrates flexibility in scheduling, working with other service providers and adapting lesson plans and materials, as needed including the 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 MSA and beyond.
• Adheres to department and school policies and procedures.
• Performs all other duties, as assigned.

Senior Teacher of the Visually Impaired

• Manages or provides assistance to other TVIs on more complex cases by coordinating meetings, identifying resources and/or coordinating with other MSA staff, family and/or providers to support students’ needs including coordination for assistive technology with AT department and related service providers.
• Collaborates with outside organizations within the field of Vision Education regarding new programs, technologies, educational materials or student registrations for services including APH, NYSCB, NYDBC.
• Aids in overseeing 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 for and provides ongoing mentorship, support and encouragement to colleagues in the Department and assists in providing supervision to Vision Specialists, graduate students, and/or interns; assists newly hired staff in using systems, share drives and assigning training schedules.
• Organizes professional development opportunities, coordinating sessions for vision staff and assists in organizing and planning departmental special events.
• Meets regularly with Director to assist with departmental initiatives including new programs, trainings and/or staffing, providing honest feedback and proactively making recommendations and presenting ideas to increase the success of the department as a whole, including improvements to vision-related services.

Minimum Qualification Requirements

• Master’s Degree; and 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 able to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Able to work with a great degree of independence and focus.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Programs, including experience using PowerPoint for the creation of adapted books.
• Participates in professional development and CTLE in order to maintain state licensure.
• Demonstrates advanced knowledge, competence and skills in assessment, creating individualized lesson plans and goal setting.
• Demonstrates advanced knowledge of Cortical Vision Impairment including CVI Range Assessment, Complexity Framework and CVI/AAC Matrix.
• For assignment to Senior TVI, must also meet the following additional requirements: 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 appropriate documentation (IEPs, FVLMAs and Progress Reports), create and facilitate trainings.

Preferred Qualification Requirements

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