Teacher of the Visually Impaired: Secondary English Language Arts

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES

This position reports to the School for the Blind Administrator(s) and is responsible for providing standards-based instruction to 6-12^th grade students who are visually impaired and who may have other disabilities. Utilizes Colorado State Standards and benchmarks in establishing instructional goals; and provides assessments that measure whether students meet standards in a safe and civil school environment.

JOB FUNCTIONS

Performs work associated with standards-based student instruction: prepares lesson plans adapts instructional materials develops input for and presents daily instructional/learning activities based upon the Individualized Education Plan (IEP) and school reform tenets under the direction of the School for the Blind Administrator(s) maintains a positive classroom environment utilizing appropriate classroom management keeps students on task and engaged in learning.

Demonstrates knowledge / skill in the areas of task analysis progress monitoring daily living skills assessment behavior management organization / planning curriculum development current technology practices relative to students who have vision loss parent relations and teamwork.

Works as part of an education / assessment team responsible for identifying developing implementing monitoring and evaluating individual objectives for assigned students.

Serves as a Student Advocate for assigned students.

Coordinates effectively with other service staff in providing student instruction supporting school reform efforts strategic planning and positively contributing to co-curricular activities.

Positively serves as a team member in the School for the Blind and of the Colorado School for the Deaf and the Blind (CSDB) as a whole; and participates in regular team and departmental meetings school and instructional meetings as required.

Provides parent consultation; participates in selected parent-focused activities etc.

Participates in activities related to professional development and training/workshops as appropriate.

Performs other appropriate duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelors or Masters Degree in Education or closely related field from an accredited college or university; specialization in Education for the Visually Impaired preferred.
• Must hold or be eligible for appropriate educator licensure in the State of Colorado.
• Must hold be eligible for or able to obtain within two years from hire appropriate educator licensure in the State of Colorado endorsed as a Special Education Specialist: Visually Impaired or comparable endorsement.
• Subject area endorsement or specialization (Secondary English Language Arts).
• Experience teaching / working with children (in an educational environment) with visual impairments and/or multiple disabilities.
• Ability to demonstrate competency in Braille by the end of the first instructional year as evidenced by possession of a CDE Certificate of Braille Competency.

KNOWLEDGES SKILLS ABILITIES

• Knowledge of and ability to apply current standards-based educational practices associated with children who are visually impaired to a variety of settings.
• Knowledge of Expanded Core Curriculum for students with visual impairments including those with multiple disabilities.
• Knowledge of and ability to assess and apply technology to perform the requirements of the position; ability to effectively utilize a variety of computer software applications which may include but is not limited to e-mail internet word processing electronic calendar presentation development spreadsheet database etc.; willingness to stay current and develop skills as needed with or without direct support from CSDB.
• Knowledge of and ability to effectively adapt and apply teaching skills classroom management and lesson preparation to a technology rich environment which may include but is not limited to onsite classroom telepresence and multiple distance education technologies and delivery modes; ability to effectively implement technology necessary to model teach and assist students relative to classroom instruction and activities.
• Knowledge of and ability to effectively implement current technologies utilized by children who are blind/visually impaired.
• Ability to demonstrate competency in Braille by the end of the first instructional year as evidenced by possession of a CDE Certificate of Braille Competency.
• Ability to respond effectively and positively to feedback.
• Ability to work cooperatively with others and participate effectively in a team setting.
• Strong positive interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency or commitment to work toward proficiency in American Sign Language (ASL) at the Novice skill level as demonstrated through an appropriate assessment tool and according to school policy.

ORGANIZATIONAL RELATIONSHIPSReports to and is evaluated by the

School for the Blind Administrator(s)

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT

The annual employment contract shall be based on the standard number of working days in the academic year (currently 185 days August to June). The base salary shall be established pursuant to the Teacher Salary Schedule and based on appropriate education and experience.

EFFECTIVE DATESchool Year 2025-2026

WORKING CONDITIONS / PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Generally speaking the work is performed in a typical school office environment and involves mostly sedentary to light physical activity typically requiring exertion of up to 20 lbs. of force occasionally and usually requires walking or standing to a significant degree. Typically workers are required to climb stairs bend reach and handle objects and use fingers to operate computer and/or typewriter keyboard. Work requires expression or exchange of ideas and the ability to receive detailed information. Work requires ability to compare compile analyze and coordinate data/ information; ability to instruct/train others; and ability to utilize effective interpersonal skills/ behaviors.

In addition work at the elementary school level involves heavy physical activity requiring exertion of up to 100 lbs. of force occasionally and routinely requires stooping kneeling crouching and crawling. Work at the middle school / high school level involves very heavy physical activity requiring exertion in excess of 100 lbs. of force occasionally. Work with Special Needs students will require exertion of force frequently.

How To Apply:
In addition to the submission of a complete on-line application (to include references) please upload the items listed below to your on-line application:

Formal Letter of Interest
Current Resume
Recent Letters of Recommendation with signature
Copies of All Transcripts
Copy of Educator Certification


Toll Free Applicant Technical Support:
If you experience technical difficulty with the NEOGOV system (e.g. uploading or attaching documents to your online application) call NEOGOV technical support at Mon-Fri between 6 am and 6 pm (Pacific Time). Helpful hints: if you are having difficulty uploading or attaching documents to your application first ensure your documents are PDF or Microsoft Word files and second close the document before you attempt upload (attach) it.

Important Information:
Applications are part of the selection process and will be reviewed by a qualified Human Resources Specialist to determine if applicants meet the minimum qualifications for this position. Applications may also be used as a part of the comparative analysis process to rank candidates and identify a top group for interview. Read this job announcement carefully before completing the on-line application. Applications must specifically address/support applicant qualifications as they relate to the requirements listed in Description of Job and Minimum Qualifications Substitutions and Conditions of Employment/Additional Requirements sections. Failure to complete the application properly and include required information and/or documents or if applications do not demonstrate that experience and/or education are consistent with the categories listed on this announcement may result in the applicant not being considered for this position. Also in order to be considered for this position complete applications must be received by the application deadline/closing date. Applicants will be notified of the results of this review.

Please refer to the CO-Jobs State Employment Opportunities website () for the following information:
State Employment FAQs
Address Confidentiality Program
ADA Accommodations
Residency Requirements

Compensation / Benefits:
The State of Colorado and CSDB demonstrate commitment to our employees with a competitive benefits package. The average annual teacher base salary at CSDB is $60175. Although individual benefits will vary in general for every $100 that employees earn the state contributes approximately $25 in additional compensation. For example the State contributes to employee health/dental/vision care coverage life insurance coverage short-term disability insurance coverage retirement and personal leave. For more information about insurance benefits visit the State of Colorado website: State of Colorado believes that equity diversity and inclusion drive our success and we encourage candidates from all identities backgrounds and abilities to apply. The State of Colorado is an equal opportunity employer committed to building inclusive innovative work environments with employees who reflect our communities and enthusiastically serve them. Therefore in all aspects of the employment process we provide employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race color religion sex disability age sexual orientation gender identity or expression pregnancy medical condition related to pregnancy creed ancestry national origin marital status genetic information or military status (with preference given to military veterans) or any other protected status in accordance with applicable law.
The Colorado School for the Deaf and the Blind (CSDB) is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment our agency will assist individuals who have a disability with any reasonable accommodation requests related to employment including completing the application process interviewing completing any pre-employment testing participating in the employee selection process and/or to perform essential job functions where the requested accommodation does not impose an undue hardship. If you have a disability and require reasonable accommodation to ensure you have a positive experience applying or interviewing for this position please direct your inquiries to our ADAAA Coordinator Joseph Bloom / Human Resources Manager at email: or call .