Teacher of Students Visual Impairments​/Orientation & Mobility

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The Washington State School for the Blind (WSSB) is a school with a purpose to empower blind and low vision individuals to reach their full potential. We believe in a future where every blind and low vision student in Washington has the supports and services they need to succeed.

Our programs and services are provided across a diverse continuum of service options; including a range of short and long‑term programs that include residential options at our Vancouver campus, outreach services in local schools and communities, access to specialized technology and resources through our Ogden Resource Center, as well as training options for parents, educators, and related service providers through a combination of department efforts.

Our greatest resource at WSSB are our incredible staff. Our valued employees are continuously encouraged to improve the ways that we provide service to our students and the community. WSSB’s core values are as follows: being student‑centered, equity, accessibility, relationships, and continuous improvement.

The Teacher of Blind/Low Vision Learners and Orientation & Mobility Specialist will travel to and cover the regions of Olympia, Thurston County and other regions based on need and contracted services.

• Perform or facilitate necessary learning media assessments: functional vision, technology, and orientation & mobility; provide direct and consultative services as per Individual Education Plans (IEP).
• Provide workshops and in‑services as needed to assist families and school district personnel in understanding the unique needs of the visually impaired learner.
• Assist districts in obtaining necessary alternative format materials and equipment as identified through the IEP process.
• Work collaboratively with families, students and district personnel to develop IEP goals and objectives in the expanded core curriculum. Expanded core curriculum addresses the following areas:
  • Compensatory skills, including braille and literacy
  • Access Technology
  • Independent living
  • Career and vocational education
  • Recreation and leisure skills
  • Social Interaction skills
  • Self-Determination
  • Orientation and Mobility
  • Sensory Efficiency
• Prepare meaningful instruction geared to the learner’s assessed needs, as identified in the IEP.
• Provide consultation to classroom teachers and other involved personnel, and adapt materials as needed to enable the learner to benefit from instruction; and.
• Maintain ongoing communication with all parties involved in the learner’s education, including the parents.

• Constant travel due to providing services to multiple school districts; and,
• Must be able to sit and stand for long periods of time, walk long distances, and have the ability to respond to emergent situations.

• Bachelor’s degree in education or other relevant field of study.
• Current Washington State Teaching Certificate, or ability to obtain one.
• Certification as a Teacher of the Visually Impaired from an accredited and nationally recognized university program.
• Must have Unified English Braille Exam (UEB) certification or Library of Congress certification, or ability to obtain either within one year of hire date.

• Master’s degree in Teacher of Visually Impaired Learner/Orientation & Mobility program.
• Teaching experience as an itinerant teacher of blind/low vision learners.
• Experience working with children with complex needs including blindness; and/or.
• Orientation & Mobility Certification.

• Excellent communication and organizational skills.
• Effective time management skills.
• Ability to set high expectations that support the acquisition of student independence and success.
• Ability to work effectively with diverse groups; and,
• Ability to work independently.

The annual salary for this position is paid in accordance with the Vancouver School District…