Teacher OF The Visually Impaired

Teacher of the Visually ImpairedPrimary Purpose: To provide direct/consultative services to students with visual impairmentsQualifications:Education/CertificationsBachelor's DegreeValid Texas teacher certificationValid Texas certification as Educator of the Visually ImpairedSpecial Knowledge/SkillsPossess excellent command of UEB Braille and Nemeth codeKnowledge of braille pedagogy and ability to teach braille to advanced learnersKnowledge of abacus and electronic devices including braille and other specialized note takersComfort and skill in teaching functional daily living experiences, familiarity with low vision tools, and knowledge of the Expanded Core CurriculumKnowledge and skills required to administer and interpret appropriate assessment and evaluation instrumentsSkill in interpersonal communication with peers, students, parents, and teachersAbility to work with a wide range of students with visual impairmentsUnderstand human behavior dynamics and an ability to interact effectively with educational personnelDrive self in own vehicle to multiple school sites and homes in the district to provide servicesEffective use of Microsoft Office, Word, Excel, and emailMajor Responsibilities and Duties:Instructional StrategiesFor students learning Braille; teachBraille (contracted and uncontracted)Early Literacy Code/pre-Braille SkillsLiterary CodeNemeth CodeAbacus SkillsPrepare sequential and meaningful instruction geared to the student's assessed needs, as determined by the ARD committee with goals and objectives.Teach students low vision and visual efficiency skills.Provide instruction in the development and maintenance of appropriate ECC skills.Work with students to facilitate conversations with their peers to build social skills and relationships.Through Self-Advocacy instruction, assist students in gaining knowledge, skills, and confidence to communicate the functional implications of their vision impairments with peers and others.Technical AssistanceServe as a resource and reference point for current information regarding education of the visually impaired and orientation and mobility services.Help parents, districts, and other agencies related to appropriate services for students with visual impairments including orientation and mobility servicesAssist in planning and preparing materials and presentations for small group trainingsProvide mentoring to other professionals as assignedProgram Implementation (Regional Planning and Implementation)Assist with development and implementation of the IEPAssist in the development and updating of strategies for the implementation of regional Supplementary Services for the Visually Impaired (SSVI)Assist with implementation of regional Expanded Core Curriculum (ECC) program for students with visual impairmentsCommunication/CollaborationParticipate in ARD/IFSP process for specified students with visual impairmentsParticipate in IEP development for specified students with visual impairmentsConsult with IISD personnel on appropriate instructional and orientation and mobility strategies, techniques and materials for students with visual impairmentsParticipate in periodic meetings with staff to explore issues, view new materials/equipment, and share and exchange informationProblem Solving and Decision Making SkillsExhibit initiative in finding and meeting needs and developing new ideasExhibit good judgment in interactions with all clientsIdentify problems and suggest solutions in a positive mannerProgram Expertise (Direct Service Provider)Remain abreast of trends and developments in orientation and mobility servicesProvide instructional and consultative orientation and mobility services to eligible studentsProvide direct and consultative services for students with visual impairmentsAdminister functional vision evaluation/learning media assessments; prepare computer-generated report of evaluation, proposed IEP/follow-up activities. Document progress and submit six week student progress reports. Prepare a summary of progress at least on an annual basis based on previously established IEPAddress expanded core curriculum needs of all assigned students with visual impairment through ongoing evaluations, determination of need, implementation of programming, and record keepingDevelop an itinerant schedule for providing servicesProvide assistance in the selection, acquisition and use of adaptive/assistive equipment and/or devicesAssume responsibilities for and maintain confidentiality relative to student records/dataMaintain records relative to supplementary services for the visually impaired activities and submit such records at times specified. Be responsible for the accuracy of reports and caseload data.Other DutiesParticipate in team activitiesPerform other duties and functions as required by the Director of Special Education or designeeEquipment Used:Computer, adaptive/assistive devices and equipment unique to needs of students with visual impairmentsWorking Conditions:Traveling across the districtFlexibility to respond to student and district needsSkills to cope with a variety of work environmentsAdaptability to changeCapacity for positive response to situational factors/problemsInitiative in developing solutions to needs/problemsManaging multiple projects and tasks simultaneouslyResponding to high client demand and short timelinesSharing office spaceExhibiting exemplary interpersonal communicationMaintaining positive public relationsMental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors: Must maintain emotional control and exercise reasoning and problem solving skills while under stress. Must demonstrate ability to communicate effectively (verbal and written). Should be able to interpret procedures and analyze data for decision-making. Frequent in-district and occasional in-state or national travel. Occasional prolonged and irregular hours.Safety: Contribute to the prevention of accidents and injuries by observing safety rules and District policy, practicing the principles and skills taught in safety training, wearing personal protective equipment as required, reporting injuries and incidences immediately to supervisor, and being proactive in the ongoing efforts to improve and maintain workplace safety.The information contained in this job description is for compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and foregoing statements describe the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this job and are not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills that may be required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.