Teacher Visually Impaired​/Special Education Teacher

Teacher for the Visually Impaired

Provide specialized instruction utilizing methods, curriculum, and instructional strategies appropriate for students with visual impairments and other disabilities as needed.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree in Education
• Master's degree or certification in special education
• Teaching certificate or eligibility to receive a teaching certificate for teaching students with visual impairments issued by the Maryland State Department of Education or another state department of education
• Excellent written and verbal skills
• Outstanding organizational and interpersonal skills
• Proficiency in a variety of technologies and applications related to visual impairments
• Ability to interpret, explain, present, and use data
• Successful management of confidential information and materials
• History of initiative, discretion, leadership, and independent judgment
• Demonstrated understanding of and attention to detail, especially as it relates to student safety and well-being
• History of professionalism and strong work ethic
• Ability to problem-solve, work independently and as part of a team, and function without distractions
• Ability to serve as a positive role model for students, staff, and other stakeholders
• Self-motivated with the ability to prioritize and execute tasks in a high-pressured environment
• Ability to maintain emotional control while addressing stressful situations
• Ability to multi-task
• Ability to stand, sit, walk, feel, climb, balance, kneel, stoop, crouch, crawl, bend, push, pull, and carry
• Good hearing, vision, depth perception, and peripheral vision
• Ability to lift and transport heavy to moderately heavy objects averaging 50-75 lbs.
• Ability to lift and assist students with special healthcare needs
• Significant dexterity of hands and fingers
• Regular and predictable attendance

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's Degree or higher in applicable special education field
• Three (3) years of teaching students with visual impairments
• Orientation and Mobility Certification
• CPR and First Aid certification

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Assist the student, parents, special and regular education personnel, and the student's sighted peers in understanding the unique educational needs and learning characteristics of visually impaired students
• Become aware of the services and support available from local programs for visually impaired students
• Acquire information regarding local, state, and national resources for the education of students with visual impairments
• Develop daily lesson plans that reflect the IEP goals and grade-level curriculum
• Consult regularly with classroom teachers, other school personnel, parents, and others to coordinate programs and services for students with visual impairments
• Assist the schools in making environmental adjustments for students with visual impairments
• Read and produce Braille
• Knowledge of assistive technology related to visual impairments
• Develop and implement the IEPs for all assigned students and coordinate the IEPs for their academic and related service areas within the school
• Develop and maintain summaries to reflect student progress and prepare sequential and meaningful instruction geared to the student's assessed needs and IEP goals and objectives
• Collect and disseminate student information necessary to assist students in successful mainstreaming to the regular school environment
• Provide assistance to the classroom teacher in academic subjects and activities of the classroom that, as a direct result of the student's visual impairment, require adaptation for the student
• Provide in-service training for school personnel regarding adaptations, programs, and services to students with visual impairments
• Maintain open communication with school and appropriate service agencies while, at the same time, respecting the need for student confidentiality
• Provide ongoing communication and contact with parents/guardians and agency representatives to enhance student progress
• Attend all staff, IEP, and other related meetings to review and plan goals and strategies, as well as update student progress status
• Maintain and update special education files and IEPs, as well as all forms and records…