Teacher of persons visual impairment

Teacher of Persons with a Visual Impairment

Renfrew Educational Services is a not‑for‑profit, registered charity operating as an independent school. We have been an acknowledged leader in program development for students with disabilities for 52 years, offering a wide range of programs and services to children and youth from Calgary and surrounding areas.

We are currently accepting applications for a permanent part‑time and/or full‑time Teacher of persons with a visual impairment for the school year to support school programs in Calgary and surrounding areas. Must be willing to travel in Calgary and surrounding areas.

• Competitive salary and benefits package, including RRSP matching.
• Professional development and growth opportunities.
• Safe, supportive and collaborative work environment.
• Excellent mentorship and leadership.
• Opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the lives of children and youth with disabilities and their families.

• Provides services as a resource in the ongoing development of specialised curriculum (all braille codes, adaptive technology, social skills, keyboarding, etc.) for students with visual impairments. Serves as a resource providing guidance and support to teachers in the design and implementation of instructional strategies, resources, practices and/or transition plans.
• Develops, monitors and evaluates special projects and courses for students with visual impairments.
• Accesses and interprets ophthalmology and/or optometric results and conducts functional vision assessments to determine educational implications and needs.
• Screen new students who have visual impairments to determine educational and resource needs. Assesses students and interprets and uses unique assessment data for instructional planning with students who are visually impaired (academic, social, compensatory and life skills).
• Provides instruction and direct student support unique to students with visual impairments including pre‑braille, braille reading and writing, optical and non‑optical devices, adaptive equipment, computer technology, social skills, listening and transition planning.
• Assists in the development of IPPs and Student Learning Plans.
• Provides school‑based, district/agency‑wide qualified learning activities that support teaching and learning for students with visual impairments.
• Consults with school staff regarding environmental adaptations to meet the needs of the student (seating location, adaptation for board work, etc.).
• Collaborates with school staff in integrating students with visual impairments. Assists in maintaining adaptive equipment including setting‑up, troubleshooting and repairing.
• Develops and maintains a high level of knowledge and awareness of current theory and practice related to meeting the learning, behavioural and social‑emotional needs of students with visual impairments.
• Maintains contact with community services and agencies to develop a coordinated programme of services to assist schools and families to access appropriate resources.
• Provides support, consultation and specialised training to educational assistants in braille and adaptive technology as required.
• Engages with parents and guardians as members of the student learning teams.

• Valid Alberta Teaching Certificate.
• Master’s degree in Vision Education preferred.
• Training in Unified English Braille (UEB).
• Successful teaching experience with students with a visual impairment.
• An equivalent combination of directly related education and experience may be considered.
• Knowledge and understanding of Alberta Education’s Program of Studies, Standards for Special Education and Expanded Core Curriculum for Blind and Visually Impaired.
• Ability to support professional learning.
• Ability to build effective relationships, establish rapport and influence various stakeholders.
• Ability to contribute towards an environment of creativity, diversity and innovation.
• Ability to encourage initiative and informed risk‑taking in others.
• Ability to respect and value all individuals, combined with sensitivity to diversity.
• Ability to work as a member of an educational team.
• Trustworthiness, reliability and integrity.
• A…