Teacher of the Visually Impaired

Teacher Of The Visually Impaired

The Ashtabula County Educational Service Center is seeking a Teacher of the Visually Impaired students effective the 2025-2026 School Year.

Job Objectives

• To adapt and modify curriculum materials and classroom environments to meet the unique learning needs of visually impaired students, ensuring equitable access to learning opportunities
• To foster the development of independence, self-advocacy, and social skills in visually impaired students, empowering them to navigate their educational and daily life experience
• To stay abreast of current research, best practices, and emerging technologies in the field of visual impairment education, continuously enhancing my instructional skills and knowledge

Qualifications & Skills

• Bachelor's Degree in Education with Special Education teaching certificate for Visually Handicapped, or Master's Degree in Education with licensure as an Intervention Specialist for Visual Impairment
• Experience working with Visually Impaired students
• Knowledge of Braille and other visual impairment-related technologies
• Proficient in creating and adapting instructional materials
• Familiarity with assistive technology tools and applications
• Experience in conducting standardized assessments for visually impaired students
• Ability to develop and implement IEPs
• Strong organizational and time management skills
• Commitment to ongoing professional development
• Ability to work collaboratively with other educators and service providers
• Strong communication and collaboration skills
• Successful BCII & FBI Background Check

Essential Functions

• Develop and implement individualized education plans (IEPs) for visually impaired students
• Adapt curriculum materials to meet the needs of students with visual impairments
• Collaborate with general education teachers to ensure inclusive classroom experiences
• Teach Braille, orientation and mobility skills, and other compensatory skills to students
• Provide assistive technology instruction and support
• Conduct assessments to evaluate student progress and adjust teaching strategies accordingly
• Offer guidance and support to parents and caregivers regarding their child's education
• Participate in IEP meetings and provide professional input on student progress
• Coordinate with other specialists and service providers to ensure comprehensive support
• Stay updated on the latest educational practices and technologies for visually impaired students
• Create and maintain a safe and supportive learning environment
• Advocate for the needs and rights of visually impaired students within the school community

Abilities Required

• Demonstrates professionalism and contributes to a positive work environment.
• Acknowledges personal responsibility for decisions and conduct.
• Carries out prescribed actions efficiently with limited supervision.
• Works cooperatively to support a successful team effort.
• Effectively uses listening, observation, reading, verbal, nonverbal, and writing skills.
• Reacts productively to interruptions and changing conditions.
• Averts problem situations and intervenes to resolve conflicts.
• Lifts, carries, and/or moves work-related supplies/equipment. Must be able to lift up to 30 pounds.
• Performs repetitive tasks quickly.
• Distinguishes variances in color, texture, aroma, and taste.
• Performs activities that require reaching, crouching, kneeling and/or crawling.
• Maintains an acceptable attendance record and is punctual.
• Travels to meetings and work assignments within the scope of the work day.
• Able to work with various software or online programs on the computer.

Working Conditions

• Potential for exposure to blood borne pathogens and communicable diseases.
• Potential for interaction with disruptive and/or unruly individuals.
• Exposure to adverse weather conditions and seasonal temperature extremes.
• Duties may require operating and/or riding in a vehicle.
• Exposure to wet floors, kitchen temperatures, vapors, and odors.
• Exposure to loud noises and equipment vibrations.
• Duties may require operating power equipment and exposure to electrical hazards.
• Duties may require wearing protective clothing and using safety equipment.
• Duties may require detailed paperwork.
• Duties may require working under time constraints to meet deadlines.

The Ashtabula County Educational Service Center is an equal opportunity employer. This job description identifies general responsibilities and is not intended to be a complete list of all duties performed. This document is subject to change in response to student demographics, staffing factors, funding variables, modified operating procedures, and other unforeseen events.