Teacher Visually Impaired; SY- District Wide

Teacher of the Visually Impaired

This position is eligible for a Chapter 21 contract.

Primary

Purpose:

To provide direct/consultative services to students with visual impairments

Qualifications:

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 required to administer and interpret appropriate assessment and evaluation instruments
• Skill in 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 an ability to 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

Major

Responsibilities and Duties:

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.
• Through Self-Advocacy instruction, assist students in gaining knowledge, skills, and confidence to communicate the functional implications of their vision impairments with peers and others.

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 explore issues, view new materials/equipment, and share and exchange information

Problem Solving and Decision Making Skills

• Exhibit initiative in finding and meeting needs and developing new ideas
• Exhibit 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 least on an annual basis based on previously established IEP
• Address expanded core curriculum needs of all assigned students with visual impairment through ongoing evaluations, determination of need, implementation of programming, and record keeping
• Develop an itinerant schedule for providing services
• Provide assistance in the selection, acquisition and use of adaptive/assistive equipment and/or devices
• Assume responsibilities for and maintain confidentiality relative to student records/data
• Maintain records relative to supplementary services for the visually impaired activities and submit such records at times specified. Be responsible for the accuracy of reports and caseload data.

Other Duties

• Participate in team activities
• Perform other duties and functions as required by the Director of Special Education or designee

Equipment Used:

• Computer, adaptive/assistive devices and equipment unique to needs of…