Teacher of Students with Visual Impairments

Primary Purpose:

Provide specialized instruction consultation and support services to students with visual impairments to ensure access to the general curriculum and progress toward Individualized Education Program (IEP) goals. Collaborate with families campus staff and related service providers to support the academic functional and developmental needs of students with visual impairments.

Qualifications:

Education and Certification

• Bachelors degree from an accredited college or university
• Masters degree (preferred)
• Valid Texas teaching certificate
• Valid Texas Teacher of Students with Visual Impairments (TSVI) certification

Experience

• Experience working with students with visual impairments (preferred)
• Experience in special education settings (preferred)

Knowledge and Skills

• Comprehensive knowledge of instructional strategies accommodations and supports for students with visual impairments
• Comprehensive knowledge of the Expanded Core Curriculum (ECC) for students with visual impairments
• Working knowledge of special education law Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) Section 504 and Admission Review and Dismissal (ARD) processes
• Ability to conduct functional vision evaluations and learning media assessments
• Ability to interpret assessment data and develop instructional recommendations
• Advanced consultation collaboration and problem-solving skills
• Advanced verbal written and interpersonal communication skills
• Ability to establish and maintain positive working relationships with students parents staff and community partners

Key Responsibilities:

Specialized Instruction & Student Support

• Provide specialized instruction and services to students with visual impairments in accordance with IEP goals and identified educational needs
• Develop and deliver sequential meaningful instruction based on student assessments IEP goals functional performance and learning needs
• Provide instruction in Expanded Core Curriculum (ECC) areas including assistive technology compensatory skills career education independent living recreation and leisure self-determination sensory efficiency social interaction and support of orientation and mobility skills
• Assist classroom teachers in adapting instructional materials activities and classroom environments to support student access and participation
• Ensure instructional materials assistive technology braille resources large-print materials and specialized equipment are available in a timely manner

Assessment & Compliance

• Conduct functional vision evaluations learning media assessments and other assessments as appropriate
• Prepare written assessment reports and instructional recommendations
• Assist assessment teams in determining appropriate testing accommodations and modifications
• Collect student performance data and maintain progress monitoring documentation
• Participate in ARD meetings and contribute to the development implementation and monitoring of IEPs

Consultation & Collaboration

• Consult regularly with general education teachers special education staff related service providers administrators and families to coordinate services and support student success
• Assist campus staff in understanding the educational implications of visual impairments and implementing appropriate accommodations and modifications
• Collaborate with school personnel to identify instructional areas requiring specialized support and intervention

Family & Professional Support

• Maintain ongoing communication with parents and guardians regarding student progress needs and educational planning
• Provide training consultation and resources to school personnel students and families regarding visual impairments instructional strategies accommodations and available services
• Assist families and staff in accessing local state and national resources that support students with visual impairments

Program Management & Professional Responsibilities

• Schedule and manage time effectively to support assessment planning instruction material preparation travel and collaboration activities
• Maintain required records reports and documentation in accordance with district state and federal requirements.
• Participate in professional learning and maintain current knowledge of best practices legal requirements and emerging technologies related to visual impairment services

Additional Responsibilities:

• Adhere to all district policies procedures and expectations as outlined in the employee handbook and administrative regulations.
• Follow district safety protocols and emergency procedures.
• Participate in professional development faculty/department meetings and special events as assigned.
• Perform additional duties as assigned to support the mission and goals of the department and district.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• None

Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors:

Tools/Equipment Used: Personal computer and peripherals; standard instructional equipment

Posture: Prolonged standing; frequent kneeling/squatting bending/stooping pushing/pulling and twisting

Motion: Frequent walking

Lifting: Regular light lifting and carrying (less than 15 pounds); Occasional lifting up to 50 pounds. May require regular heavy lifting (45 pounds or more) and positioning of students with physical disabilities control behavior through physical restraint assist nonambulatory students and lift and move adaptive and other classroom equipment.

Environment: Exposure to biological hazards; work inside may work outside; regular exposure to noise; occasional districtwide and statewide travel

Mental Demands: Maintain emotional control under stress; occasionally work prolonged or irregular hours

This document describes the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this job and is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties that may be assigned or skills that may be required.

Appointment:
The Superintendent of Schools approves the appointment of this position based on the applicants training experience and expertise.

Required Experience:

IC