Teacher - Vision Specialist

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Key/Essential Functions & Responsibilities

• Under appropriate supervision, provides vision services in 1:1 sessions and/or groups, push-in and/or pull-out based on students’ needs.
• Collects data through interviews with family members, observations in other therapy sessions and by conducting annual Functional Vision Learning Media Assessments to identify adaptations or accommodations for students’ visual needs.
• Creates goals for each assigned student and monitors and documents progress, maintaining student records and preparing FVLMA reports, Individualized Education Programs (IEP’s) and quarterly progress reports.
• Participates in IEP meetings and team meetings, parent-teacher and CSE meetings; participates in legal hearings when necessary and appropriate.
• Carefully plans lessons and creates and organizes materials in advance while regularly assessing students’ needs, adjusting lessons, goals, and/or benchmarks accordingly.
• Collaborates with teachers and other related service providers within the school setting to ensure that a comprehensive educational plan is in place to meet the student’s individual educational needs.
• Demonstrates flexibility in scheduling, working with other service providers and adapting lesson plans and materials, as needed including the creation of book boxes, adapted books, brailled materials, and tangible symbols.
• Communicates and collaborates with parents and outside professionals as needed, specifically as they impact the student’s educational plan.
• Collaborates with outside organizations within the field of Vision Education regarding new programs, technologies and/or educational materials and may coordinate with iHOPE Assistive Technology Team.
• Provides vision education consultation services to all staff members, as needed.
• Participates in professional development opportunities within iHOPE and beyond.
• Adheres to department and school policies and procedures.
• Performs all other duties, as assigned.

Minimum Qualification Requirements including education, experience, licensure/certification, etc. and essential physical capabilities (e.g. lifting, assisting lifting, standing, etc.)

• Master’s degree in education; and
• Current certification and registration as a Teacher of Students with Disabilities (all grades, birth – grade 2, grades 1 – 6 or grades 7 – 12), issued by the New York State Education Department; and
• Actively pursuing qualifying education in a NYS Registered Program and/or certification as a Teacher of the Blind and Visually Impaired with NYS Education Department (NYSED); or
• Current, valid Blind and Visually Impaired Internship Certificate issued by NYSED (based on continued enrollment in a qualifying educational program), proof of passing score on New York State Teacher Certification Examinations (NYSTCE) Blind and Visually Impaired Content Specialty Test (CST) and anticipated receipt of certification as a Teacher of the Blind and Visually Impaired issued by NYSED within six (6) months of graduation; or
• Satisfactory equivalent combination of education, experience and/or training, including teaching certification or license issued by another state’s education department. However, all incumbents must be actively pursuing certification as a Teacher of the Blind and Visually Impaired with NYS Education Department.
• Well organized with superior attention to detail and able to manage multiple priorities and deadlines
• Able to work with a great degree of independence and focus.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Programs, ideally including experience using PowerPoint for the creation of adapted books.

Preferred Qualification Requirements ( desired requirements beyond MQRs above)

• One or more years of direct experience preferred in the field of Visual Impairment and/or Severe and Multiple Disabilities.
• Previous experience with CVI or CVI Range Endorsement

Compensation: $66,000 - $79,750 Salary

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or status as a Vietnam or disabled veteran. YAI is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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