Special Education Teacher

Special Education Teacher

FLSA Classification: Exempt

Calendar Type: 10-month

Schedule and Hours: 8:00AM- 3:15PM

Reports To: Educational Program Supervisor

The Special Education Teacher of Overbrook School for the Blind exudes a passion for the school, its students, its employees, and its mission. This position will report directly to the Educational Program Supervisor.

The Mission of Overbrook School for the Blind (OSB) is to develop and deliver education that enhances the options available for persons with visual impairments, including those with additional challenges so that they have the greatest opportunity to experience active and fulfilling lives.

Organizational Description: Overbrook School for the Blind serves students who are blind or visually impaired with or without additional disabilities (such as intellectual disability, cerebral palsy, hearing impairment, sensory issues, and includes those who require specialized medical care) receives a customized, individualized education based on state educational standards. OSB is more than a school; it is a community where students, families, and staff support one another and come together to build a bright future.

Job Functions:

The teacher will demonstrate knowledge of special educational techniques and adapted materials for working with the visually impaired students and students with additional challenges. These include but are not limited to providing appropriate instructional materials, using low vision aids and devices, communication devices, communication programs including American Sign Language, Braille curriculum and equipment for producing braille reading materials, daily living skills, orientation and mobility techniques appropriate for the classroom, social skills, functional vision assessment and curricula for enhancing vision skills, providing field trips and community instruction to correspond to the classroom curricula.

The teacher will continue his or her professional development through attendance at in-service training provided by the school and through seeking additional training pertinent to the children in his or her care. This would include obtaining certification in visual impairment, if not already obtained, and eventually obtaining Level II Certification.

• Develop and implement an Individualized Instruction Plan for each student based upon assessment of students' strengths and needs.
• Develop classroom goals and objectives that reflect the IEP.
• Provide direct and/or consultative instruction to students with visual impairments based on the Individualized Education Program (IEP).
• Provide written lesson plans for educational supervisors' approval on a weekly basis.
• Teach core academic subjects using adapted materials and methods aligned with student needs.
• Instruct in Braille reading, writing, and math, tactile graphics; auditory learning strategies; and creation of accessible materials and instruction for students with CVI.
• Incorporate Expanded Core Curriculum (ECC) components, including compensatory skills, assistive technology, self-determination, and independent living skills.
• Develop and adapt instructional materials, using tactile, auditory, and visual strategies appropriate for each student.
• Conduct functional vision evaluations (FVE) and learning media assessments (LMA) to determine instructional needs annually.
• Follow age-appropriate curricula and modify to suit individual goals, and provide specially designed instruction on an individual basis when required.
• Organize a collection of student data.
• Implement and follow positive behavior plans/goals for students.
• Complete report cards or progress reports as required. Communicates with parents/others about a child's progress.
• Completes the required paperwork necessary for students to register for quota funding available through American Printing House for the Blind annually.
• Train and support educational staff in best practices for working with students who are blind or visually impaired.
• Assign duties to classroom Paraeducator(s), Intervener(s), 1:1's and instruct and support them in their roles.
• Work with Specialty Teachers, including Therapists, to develop programs for students and to assist in implementing the programs in the classroom.
• Act as team leader at the yearly IEP meeting.
• Stay current with developments in the field of visual impairment education.
• Participate in in-service training, conferences, and professional learning communities.
• Maintain certifications and licensure as required by the state or jurisdiction.
• Maintains a safe and age-appropriate environment for students.
• Use school equipment and facilities properly.
• Follow the OSB Handbook and guidelines.

Expected Skill Set:

• The teacher will maintain a professional attitude at all times and will fulfill assigned duties and special activities.
• The teacher will contribute as a member of the program team to the long-range planning efforts of the program and the school.
• The teacher will demonstrate problem-solving ability and flexibility, and a willingness to work with others to ensure the best program for the children.
• The teacher will demonstrate good time management skills.
• The teacher will demonstrate good written and spoken communication skills.
• The teacher will demonstrate competence in understanding the visual etiologies of the students. This information will be used to design and implement the student program.
• The teacher will demonstrate skills in effectively interacting with the parents.
• The teacher will demonstrate the ability to handle confidential information appropriately.
• The teacher will demonstrate crisis intervention skills and leadership skills with respect to the classroom and the individual students in his or her charge.

Minimum Education and Experience Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree in Education in Special Education (working toward a certification in visual impairment or be willing to enroll in a vision studies program upon hire).
• Must have Current PA Special Education PK-12 Teaching Certification.
• Experience working with students with blindness/visual impairments and additional disabilities.
• Must be certified in First Aid and CPR/AED.
• A valid driver's license is required.

Physical Requirements & Work Environment :

• Lifting: must be able to lift 50 lbs minimum, with assistance. Participate in 2-person lifts.
• Working Environment : Employees are subject to accidents and/or injuries, which may be incurred during the performance of the essential functions of the position. Work is primarily indoors, but some outdoor activities may be required.

Benefits and Pay:

OSB offers a competitive salary and benefits package reflective of the applicant's training and experience, including liberal financial support for the pursuit of advanced degrees. Applications from members of communities traditionally underrepresented in school administrative positions are invited.

Overbrook School for the Blind Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

Overbrook School for the Blind (OSB) has, and will continue to follow, a policy of recruiting, employing and promoting individuals best qualified for any position by reason of education, training, and experience without regard to race, color, ancestry, genetic information, familial or marital status, domestic or sexual violence victimization, ethnicity, religion, age, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth or a related medical condition), sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or non-job-related disability or the use of a guide or support animal because of blindness, deafness or physical disability. OSB shall not discriminate against an individual who has exercised his/her rights against discrimination in accordance with applicable federal, state, or local laws.

Overbrook School for the Blind offers a competitive salary and benefits package reflective of the applicant's training and experience.