Visually Impaired Resource Teacher

Position Purpose

Teaches compensatory skills which will enable students to be successful in the regular classroom or other education placement. These skills include Braille reading and writing, use of assistive technology devices, keyboarding, listening skills, and orientation and mobility.

Essential Performance Responsibilities

• Collaborates with other supports (general education, special education, physical and occupational therapist) to meet the student needs.
• Positively fosters students’ self-esteem.
• Plans for and guides the learning process to help students achieve their visually impaired resource program objectives.
• Selects and uses effective instructional methods and learning materials.
• Support the ongoing curriculum development of the program.
• Continues to acquire professional knowledge and learn of current developments in the educational field by attending seminars, workshops or professional meetings, or by conducting research.
• Organizes and maintains a system for accurate and complete record-keeping and lesson planning and student progress toward IEP goals as required by district procedures and applicable laws.
• Maintains compliance with all special education regulations (IEP, MDT, Progress Reports, FBA/BIPs).
• Maintains open lines of communications with parents, guardians and staff.
• Works with and understands a diverse student population.
• Exhibits skills pertinent to foster positive human relationships and the ability to work effectively with students, staff, parents and the community.
• Skill in organization, time management, communication, and positive interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrates a demonstrated philosophy that all students can and will learn.
• Able to understand the individual needs of each student.
• Able to effectively use Microsoft Outlook and the student information system.
• Displays a significant degree of professionalism and confidentiality.
• Able to conform to proper standards of professional dress and appearance.

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• Bachelor’s Degree, required.
• Obtain and maintain a valid Nebraska Teaching License with endorsement in Visual Impairment.
• Completion of the Orientation & Mobility Specialist program is preferred.
• Knowledge of current teaching methods and educational pedagogy.
• Knowledge of applicable federal and state laws regarding education and special education students.
• Excellent attendance record.
• Professional verification of successful classroom teacher performance and/or student teaching experience.
• Evidence of the willingness and ability to comply with standards for ethical and professional performance established by the State Board of Education.

Additional Duties

Performs other related tasks as assigned by the Building or Central Office Administrators as designated by the Superintendent.

Equipment

This position may require the ability to use assistive technology in addition to basic office equipment such as computers, copiers, scanners, and fax machine. Must always comply with OPS’s guidelines for equipment use.

Travel

Travel will be required between schools and teacher administrative center.

Physical And Mental Demands, Work Hazards

• Must be able to respond rapidly in emergency situations.
• Must have organization, time management, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Work in school building environments.
• Contact with personnel within the district and with customers and vendors.
• Will be working under the direct supervision of the department supervisor in order to complete day to day tasks.
• Will be working with a diverse population requiring the ability to handle all situations with tact and diplomacy.
• Must understand and respond appropriately to customer needs and maintain a positive attitude with all customers and colleagues.
• Expected to interact with all internal and external customers in a friendly, professional manner and provide quick, responsive customer service.

Employee Punctuality and Appearance

In order for schools to operate effectively, employees are expected to perform all assigned duties and work all scheduled hours during each designated workday, unless the employee has received approved leave. Any deviation from assigned hours must have prior approval from the employee’s supervisor or building administrator. All employees are required to report to work dressed in a manner that reflects a positive image of Omaha Public Schools and is appropriate for their position.

Terms Of Employment

• This position is treated as a full-time exempt certified position.
• The terms of your employment will be governed by applicable state laws regulating employment or teaching in a Nebraska public school and Board of Education policies, as those laws and policies may change from time to time, and the Teacher Contract.
• If your position is represented by a collective bargaining representative, then your employment will also be governed by a negotiated agreement between OPS and that collective bargaining representative.

Terms Of Employment Are Contingent Upon

• Verification of a valid Nebraska Teaching License or other required license.
• A background check which demonstrates background is acceptable for the position sought and working with or around students.
• Verification of U.S. Citizenship or legal authorization to work in the United States.
• Successful completion of a tuberculosis skin test (if required by federal law for your position).
• Execution and delivery to OPS of a Teacher Contract presented by OPS.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The Omaha Public School District is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its services, programs, activities, education and employment for individuals with disabilities. To request disability accommodation in the application process please contact the human resources department at 531-299-0240.