Teacher of the Visually Impaired

Teacher of the Visually Impaired

Job Posting ID: 302 Location(s): District Wide Employment Type: Part Time Job Type: 12-Month Salary Posted Date: 09/01/2025 Deadline: Until Filled


Summary

Provide specialized direct and consultative instruction to students with visual impairments to support access to the general curriculum, develop independence, and ensure appropriate educational services in collaboration with staff and families.


TEACHER OF THE VISUALLY IMPAIRED

Newman International Academy raising Warriors of Wisdom, Stature and Favor. Join our family!
Vision


Newman International Academy is dedicated to raising a generation/generations of well-rounded individuals who will realize their worth and purpose, find their interest and gifting, develop their skills, reach their highest potential, and meet the demands of this nation and world by receiving personalized educational experiences in a disciplined, nurturing and character-building environment facilitated through partnership between faculty, students, parents and community.


Mission


The mission of Newman International Academy is to train and educate future generations of young men and women with wisdom, stature and favor; to give students opportunities to become whole individuals ready to serve the world by helping them reach their highest potential, and to provide in partnership with parents and community a well-rounded education within the context of American heritage.


Motto


Building the whole person for the whole world by raising warriors of wisdom, stature and favor.


Primary Purpose:


The Teacher of Students with Visual Impairments (TVI) provides specialized direct and consultative instruction and services to students who are blind, have low vision, or have visual impairments, from early childhood through high school. This itinerant role supports students in accessing the general curriculum, developing independence, and mastering skills in the Expanded Core Curriculum (ECC) unique to visual impairment. The TVI collaborates with general education teachers, special education staff, families, and related service providers to ensure students receive a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) in the least restrictive environment.


Qualifications

Required:

• Bachelor's degree in education, special education, or a related field from an accredited institution.
• Valid Texas teaching certificate in general or special education.
• Valid Texas certification as a Teacher of Students with Visual Impairments (EC-12) or eligibility for emergency/provisional certification while completing requirements.
• Proficiency in Unified English Braille (UEB) - certification preferred.
• Valid driver's license and reliable transportation (for itinerant travel).

Preferred:

• Master's degree in Visual Impairments or related field.
• Experience providing services to students with visual impairments in a public school setting.
• Knowledge of assistive technology for visual impairments (e.g., JAWS, NVDA, braille note-takers).
• Experience working with students who have multiple disabilities or deafblindness.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong understanding of the impact of visual impairment on learning and development.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills for collaborating with diverse stakeholders.
• Ability to work independently across multiple campuses.
• Patience, creativity, and commitment to promoting student independence and self-advocacy.

Primary Responsibilities

• Assessment and Evaluation
  • Conduct Functional Vision Assessments (FVA), Learning Media Assessments (LMA), and other evaluations to determine eligibility, appropriate learning media (e.g., braille, large print, auditory), and instructional needs.
  • Interpret eye/medical reports and share implications for educational programming.
  • Participate in Admission, Review, and Dismissal (ARD)/IEP meetings to develop, review, and revise Individualized Education Programs (IEPs).
• Direct Instruction
  • Provide individualized, specialized instruction in areas including:
    • Braille reading and writing (including Unified English Braille)
    • Visual efficiency and low vision training
    • Use of assistive technology and adaptive devices (e.g., screen readers, magnification tools, braille displays)
    • Independent living skills, career education, sensory efficiency, and compensatory skills
    • Concepts from the Expanded Core Curriculum (ECC)
  • Adapt and modify general curriculum materials (e.g., transcribe to braille/large print, create tactile graphics).
• Consultation and Collaboration
  • Consult regularly with classroom teachers, paraprofessionals, administrators, and other staff on accommodations, environmental modifications, and best practices for students with visual impairments.
  • Provide training and in-service sessions to school personnel and families on visual impairment needs, adaptive strategies, and assistive technology.
  • Coordinate with Orientation and Mobility (O&M) specialists, related service providers, and outside agencies.
• Material Preparation and Management
  • Acquire, produce, and manage specialized materials (braille, large print, tactile aids).
  • Ensure timely provision of accessible instructional materials under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
• Compliance and Documentation
  • Maintain accurate records of services, progress, and assessments.
  • Ensure compliance with federal (IDEA), state, and local regulations for special education.
  • Travel to multiple school sites within the district to deliver services.

Supervisory Responsibilities:


Supervise assigned teacher aide(s).


Physical Requirements

• Ability to travel between school sites.
• Occasional lifting of materials/equipment (up to 25 lbs).
• Work in various classroom and school environments.

Working Conditions:


Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors:


Maintain emotional control under stress. Regular districtwide travel to multiple work locations as assigned; moderate lifting. May be required to lift and transfer students to and from wheelchairs or assist with positioning students with physical disabilities.


NOTE: The foregoing statements describe the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this job and are not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, or skills that may be required.