PVI Department Chair: Vision-Impaired Education Leader

SOESD - PVI Department Chair for the 2026-27 School Year

• Position Type:
  Special Education Support Services - Licensed
• Date Posted: 5/14/2026
• Location:
  
  Jackson County
• Date Available:
  
  07/01/2026

The Program for the Visually Impaired Coordinator requires regular and ongoing support from a teacher on the team who can assess and communicate team needs to the in order to ensure that work can be carried out effectively and efficiently by all teachers. The Department Chair should possess a strong understanding of Blind and Low Vision Education pedagogy, as well as the linguistic and cultural best practices.

Supporting the onboarding of new teachers to the PVI team through mentoring and technical guidance is also expected. Participation in state-level PLT groups and meetings to serve as a conduit between the Southern Oregon region and state-level work will be an additional role of the Dept. Chair.

Southern Oregon ESD is located in the Rogue Valley, the cultural and economic heart of southern Oregon, home to legendary snow skiing, white-water rafting, kayaking, hiking, and fishing, as well as numerous cultural venues and events such as art galleries, the Britt Music Festivals, the Ashland Independent Film Festival, and the renowned Oregon Shakespeare Festival.

POSITION GOAL:
Assist the department administrator with goal setting, policy, staff development, in-services, communications, staff supervision, and technical assistance.

• Assist in establishing department goals, policies, and procedures.
• Assist in the preparation and conduct of staff in-service meetings.
• Participate in staff selection procedures for position openings.
• Assist in the collection and dissemination of information between staff and administration.
• Provide staff development opportunities and in-service.
• Provide technical assistance concerning special education procedures, evaluation, instruction, and consultation.
• Assist with staff supervision, including goal setting, individual observation, and evaluations.
• Assist in the development of grants and program evaluation.
• Communicate clearly and appropriately and make independent decisions within established policies and procedures.
• Prepare accountability records regarding services provided.
• Comply with local district and ESD rules and policies.
• Perform physical requirements unaided or with the assistance of reasonable accommodation (see reverse).
• Perform job-related tasks as designated by the department administrator.

• Valid Oregon License in the area served by the department issued by the Teachers Standards and Practices Commission or another Oregon State Licensing Board.
• Three consecutive years of successful performance in the area served by the department.
• Master's degree in the area served by the department.

190 days (academic year)

Per Collective Bargaining Agreement:
Department chairs with 0 to 10 bargaining unit members shall annually receive .078 of bargaining unit member base salary for three (3) hours of work per week. If additional hours are needed per week, they shall be compensated at the rate of .026 of the bargaining unit member's base salary for each additional hour of work.

• Southern Oregon ESD contributes up to 2003.00 per month (family coverage) for health, dental, and vision insurance premiums for qualified employees.
• Employer-paid PERS (Public Employee Retirement System), including an additional 6% individual investment account with PERS.
• 9 paid holidays.
• A generous sick, vacation, and discretionary (personal) leave packet is also provided to qualified employees.

• OEBB MODA
• Monthly premium deducted pre-tax

• Health Savings Accounts
• Flexible Spending Accounts – medical, day-care expenses
• Optional Coverage for Additional Life, AD&D, Short Term Disability Insurance through Aflac or American Fidelity
• 403(b) through Carruth Compliance Consulting
• Mercy Flights Membership

• Stand/Walk: 4-6 Hrs./Day
• Sit/Sit on the Floor: 1-4 Hrs./Day
• Drive: 1-4 Hrs./Day
• Bending:
  Occasionally
• Squat:
  Occasionally
• Climb Stairs:
  Occas…