Teacher of Visually Impaired

Job Title:         Teacher of the Visually Impaired             

Wage/Hour Status:       Exempt

Reports to:       Special Education Coordinator               

Pay Grade:       Teacher Salary         

Dept./School:   Assigned Campus                                 

Primary Purpose:

Teacher for students with visual impairments travels to the students’ schools to provide direct and/or consultative services relating to vision loss. 

Qualifications:

A Bachelor’s Degree from a college or university

Teacher Certification for teachers of students with visual impairments

Major Responsibilities and Duties:

I.                     Assessment and Evaluation

a.       Conduct functional visual and learning media assessments.

b.       Conduct a screening of assistive technology needs.

c.       Recommend appropriate specialized evaluations including, but not

limited to low vision, orientation, and mobility, comprehensive

assistive technology, and adaptive physical education.

d.       Offer recommendations for instructional programming, literacy media

needs, and assistive technology needs based on the results of the

specialized assessments.

e.       Obtain modified standardized testing materials (ex. TAKS, TPRI, SAT)

and administer or assist in the administration of the test as needed.

f.         Participate in team assessments for students with multiple disabilities.

g.       Participate in the multi-disciplinary team to develop Individualized Family

Service Plans, Individualized Education Programs, and other similar

documents.

II.                   Appropriate Learning Environments

a.       Recommend seating and other environmental modifications that maximize

students’ use of visual information and facilitate movement in the classroom.

b.       Provide materials to make the regular curriculum accessible to students

(ordering Braille/large print textbooks or helping plan adaptations for

activities).

c.       Assure that the student is trained in the use of, and has available, all

devices and technological apparatus necessary for learning.

d.       Provide the classroom teacher with specialized strategies needed to

teach a student with a visual impairment.

III.                  Direct Instruction in the Unique Curriculum

a.       Ensure that students develop concepts and participate in early literacy

experiences.

b.       Teach efficient use of visual skills.

c.       Teach students to use optical and no optical low vision devices.

d.       Provide instruction in Braille reading and writing and Nemeth.

e.       Structure learning experiences to improve daily living/self-help skills.

f.         Help the student be a self-advocate.

g.       Provide instruction in use and care of adaptive devices (ex. Computers,

note takers, tape recorders, Braille labeled keyboards, abacus, and other

technology).

h.       Instruction in leisure and recreation skills.

i.         Teach students a variety of organizational and study skills.

j.         Provide instruction in the expanded core curriculum.

k.       Instruct students in listening skills.

l.         Assess vocational strengths and weaknesses.

m.     Collaborate with team members on instruction of appropriate communication

system.

n.       Provide instruction in tactual skills in a variety of environments.

IV.                Administrative/Record Keeping Duties

a.       Provide annual pupil data (VI registration, deaf blind census, and textbook

projections).

b.       Submit requests for instructional materials, conferences, and reference

materials.

c.       Provide input into students’ schedules, and planning for special services.

d.       Maintain adequate records on all assessments, IEPs/IFSPs, progress

reports, and signed parental consent forms for permission to travel off

campus.

e.       Prepare paperwork and attend ARD and IFSP meetings on students with

visual impairments.

f.         Distribute information to parents concerning workshops and conferences.

g.       Inventory and keep track of equipment.

h.       Develop and maintain a working knowledge of ECI standards, regulations,

and requirements.

V.                  Professional Standards

a.       Maintain a reference library of current professional materials.

b.       Attend conferences, workshops, and area meetings to acquire information

on current research, development, and technology.

VI.                Communication

a.       Establish and maintain open communication by conducting conferences with parents, students, principals, and teachers.

b.       Maintain a professional relationship with colleagues, students, parents, and community members.

c.       Use effective communication skills to present information accurately and clearly.

Other:

1.       Maintain confidentiality.

2.       Participate in staff development training programs, faculty meetings, and special events as assigned.

3.   Ability to travel between school sites and student homes

Supervisory Responsibilities:

            None

Equipment Used:

            Wheelchair lift, ramp, personal computer, copier, and audiovisual equipment

Working Conditions:

            Mental Demand/Physical Demand/Environmental Factors:

Maintain emotional control under stress.  Frequent standing, stooping, bending, and kneeling, pushing, and pulling; regular heavy lifting of students.  Biological exposure to bacteria and communicable diseases