Teacher of the Visually Impaired (TVI)

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited institution; Master's Degree in Special Education preferred
• Valid Massachusetts DESE certification as a Teacher of the Visually Impaired (Vision Impairment license)
• SEI Endorsement
• Knowledge of the Expanded Core Curriculum (ECC), including compensatory/access skills, assistive technology, and O&M-related collaboration
• Experience with Braille, large print, tactile graphics, and low-vision devices preferred
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Citizenship, residency, or work visa required

REPORTS TO: Director of Special Education

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT: Full Time, 184 days. Unit A

JOB SUMMARY:


The Teacher of the Visually Impaired (TVI) provides direct and consultative vision services to students with visual impairments, from preschool through age 22, across Mashpee Public Schools' three buildings: Kenneth C. Coombs School (KCC), Quashnet Intermediate School (QIS), and Mashpee Middle-High School (MMHS). The TVI ensures that students who are blind or have low vision receive specialized instruction and assessment in alignment with the Expanded Core Curriculum (ECC), Massachusetts special education law (M.G.L. c. 71B and 603 CMR 28.00), and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). The TVI works in close collaboration with the Director of Special Education Services, Team Chairpersons, classroom teachers, related service providers, and families to ensure that vision-related services are timely, comprehensive, and integrated into each student's IEP.


PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES (include but are not limited to):

STUDENT ASSESSMENT AND PROGRAMMING

• Conduct functional vision assessments (FVAs), learning media assessments (LMAs), and other vision-specific evaluations to inform eligibility, IEP development, and service delivery.
• Read records, observe, and consult with generalists, specialists, and families to develop and review IEPs for students with visual impairments.
• Develop measurable IEP goals and objectives addressing the Expanded Core Curriculum, including compensatory skills, assistive technology, sensory efficiency, and independent living skills.
• Coordinate with Orientation and Mobility (O&M) Specialists and other related service providers to ensure vision and mobility services are integrated and delivered without gaps in accordance with each student's IEP.
• Recommend appropriate accommodations, materials, and assistive technology, including Braille, large print, tactile graphics, and low-vision devices.

DIRECT AND CONSULTATIVE INSTRUCTION

• Provide direct instruction to students in Braille, use of low-vision devices, and other Expanded Core Curriculum areas as specified in IEPs.
• Prepare and adapt lessons, materials, and compensatory devices (Braille, enlarged print, tactile materials) to meet individual student needs.
• Provide consultation and in-service training to classroom teachers, paraprofessionals, and related service providers on strategies to support students with visual impairments.
• Promote the development of independence, self-advocacy, and appropriate access to the general curriculum for students with visual impairments.

COMPLIANCE, DOCUMENTATION, AND REPORTING

• Adhere to all mandated timelines for evaluations, progress reporting, and IEP-related documentation as required by state and federal law.
• Maintain accurate, confidential student records in compliance with FERPA and IDEA.
• Report quarterly, or as required by each student's IEP, on progress toward vision-related goals and objectives.
• Maintain accurate service logs to document delivery of direct and consultative services.

FAMILY AND TEAM COLLABORATION

• Serve as a member of IEP Teams, contributing vision-specific expertise to eligibility, evaluation, and programming decisions.
• Communicate with families in plain, jargon-free language regarding assessment results, progress, and vision-related support.
• Coordinate with sending/receiving districts, medical providers, and outside agencies (e.g., Massachusetts Commission for the Blind) to ensure continuity of vision services.
• Participate in Student Support Team, MTSS, and department meetings as appropriate.

PROFESSIONAL LEARNING

• Maintain and expand professional competence through in-service training, professional organizations, and approved outside learning opportunities.
• Perform duties and responsibilities as assigned by the Director of Special Education Services.