Teacher Visually Impaired; SY- District Wide

Overview

IRVING INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT — TEACHER OF THE VISUALLY IMPAIRED

• JOB TITLE:
  
  Teacher of the Visually Impaired
• WAGE/HOUR STATUS:
  Exempt
• REPORTS TO:
  
  Director of Special Education
• PAY GRADE:
  Teacher (187 days)
• DEPARTMENT:
  Special Education
• DATE REVISED:
  June 2020
• Note:
  
  This position is eligible for a Chapter 21 contract.

Primary

Purpose:

To provide direct/consultative services to students with visual impairments

Education/Certifications

• Bachelor’s Degree
• Valid Texas teacher certification
• Valid Texas certification as Educator of the Visually Impaired

Special Knowledge/Skills

• Possess excellent command of UEB Braille and Nemeth code
• Knowledge of braille pedagogy and ability to teach braille to advanced learners
• Knowledge of abacus and electronic devices including braille and other specialized note takers
• Comfort and skill in teaching functional daily living experiences, familiarity with low vision tools, and knowledge of the Expanded Core Curriculum
• Knowledge and skills to administer and interpret appropriate assessment and evaluation instruments
• Interpersonal communication with peers, students, parents, and teachers
• Ability to work with a wide range of students with visual impairments
• Understand human behavior dynamics and interact effectively with educational personnel
• Drive self in own vehicle to multiple school sites and homes in the district to provide services
• Effective use of Microsoft Office, Word, Excel, and email

Instructional Strategies

• For students learning Braille; teach Braille (contracted and uncontracted)
• Early Literacy Code/pre-Braille Skills
• Literary Code
• Nemeth Code
• Abacus Skills
• Prepare sequential and meaningful instruction geared to the student's assessed needs, as determined by the ARD committee with goals and objectives
• Teach students low vision and visual efficiency skills
• Provide instruction in the development and maintenance of appropriate ECC skills
• Work with students to facilitate conversations with their peers to build social skills and relationships
• Self-Advocacy instruction to help students communicate the functional implications of their vision impairments

Technical Assistance

• Serve as a resource and reference point for current information regarding education of the visually impaired and orientation and mobility services
• Help parents, districts, and other agencies related to appropriate services for students with visual impairments including orientation and mobility services
• Assist in planning and preparing materials and presentations for small group trainings
• Provide mentoring to other professionals as assigned

Program Implementation (Regional Planning and Implementation)

• Assist with development and implementation of the IEP
• Assist in the development and updating of strategies for the implementation of regional Supplementary Services for the Visually Impaired (SSVI)
• Assist with implementation of regional Expanded Core Curriculum (ECC) program for students with visual impairments

Communication/Collaboration

• Participate in ARD/IFSP process for specified students with visual impairments
• Participate in IEP development for specified students with visual impairments
• Consult with IISD personnel on appropriate instructional and orientation and mobility strategies, techniques and materials for students with visual impairments
• Participate in periodic meetings with staff to view new materials/equipment and share information

Problem Solving and Decision Making Skills

• Exhibit initiative in meeting needs and developing new ideas
• Exercise good judgment in interactions with all clients
• Identify problems and suggest solutions in a positive manner

Program Expertise (Direct Service Provider)

• Remain abreast of trends and developments in orientation and mobility services
• Provide instructional and consultative orientation and mobility services to eligible students
• Provide direct and consultative services for students with visual impairments
• Administer functional vision evaluation/learning media assessments; prepare computer-generated report of evaluation, proposed IEP/follow-up activities. Document progress and submit six week student progress reports. Prepare a summary of progress at…