Teacher for the Visually Impaired K-12

Job Description

Job Description

Teacher of the Visually Impaired (TVI)

Hamilton County Schools · Chattanooga, TN · 2026–27 School Year

School / District

Hamilton County Schools

Location

Chattanooga, TN

Employment Type

Full Time (W2)

Start Date

2026–27 School Year

Compensation

$63,000-$84,960 (full benefits from day one)

Licensure Required

TN Endorsement Code 462 — Visual Impairment (K–12)

WHY THRIVE THERAPIES

Students with visual impairments deserve a specialist who knows their strengths, needs, and opportunities— not a generalist stretched too thin. Too often, TVIs are managing sprawling caseloads across multiple districts, limited collaborative time, and minimal support from a broader vision education team.

TVIs do their most transformational work when they have manageable caseloads, protected planning time, and collaborative access to Orientation & Mobility specialists, special education teachers, and school leaders who treat your expertise as central to student outcomes. Your students are waiting — and so is the Thrive community ready to support you.

POSITION SUMMARY

As a Teacher of the Visually Impaired, you provide specialized instruction and direct support to students K–12 with visual impairments, including those with additional disabilities. You assess functional vision, develop individualized education programs aligned with the Expanded Core Curriculum (ECC), adapt academic materials, and collaborate with families, general educators, and related services providers to ensure students have full access to a meaningful education.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Conduct functional vision assessments and learning media assessments (LMA) to determine students’ primary and secondary learning media and inform IEP goals

• Develop and implement IEPs aligned with the Expanded Core Curriculum (ECC): compensatory skills, sensory efficiency, assistive technology, independent living, social interaction, recreation, career education, and self-determination

• Provide direct instruction in braille literacy, low-vision strategies, and assistive technology (screen readers, magnification software, braille notetakers, and CCTV)

• Transcribe and adapt academic materials into braille, large print, and accessible digital formats to ensure timely access to classroom content

• Collaborate with classroom teachers, special educators, O&M specialists, school nurses, and families to coordinate comprehensive vision education planning

• Participate in IEP meetings: present vision assessment findings, contribute ECC-based goals, and monitor student progress toward functional and academic independence

• Consult with school staff on environmental modifications, lighting, contrast enhancements, and physical accessibility to support student safety and learning

• Maintain accurate documentation of student progress, instructional records, and service delivery logs

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in Special Education: Visual Impairment, or related field (Master’s preferred)

• Valid Tennessee teaching license with Endorsement Code 462 (Visual Impairment, K–12), or eligibility to obtain

• Knowledge of braille (Literary Braille; Nemeth Code preferred), functional vision assessment, and the Expanded Core Curriculum

• Experience with assistive technology for students with visual impairments (JAWS, NVDA, ZoomText, BrailleNote, etc.)

• Clear background check and immunization clearance per school district requirements

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• 2+ years of school-based TVI experience (new graduates welcome)

• Certification or coursework in Orientation & Mobility or experience collaborating with COMS

• Bilingual capability — a meaningful plus for student and family engagement

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

• Competitive W-2 salary based on credentials, experience, and location

• $10,000 signing bonus (paid in full at 90 days)

• Comprehensive health insurance (medical, dental, vision) effective your first day

• 401(k) with company match

• 10 days PTO + paid sick leave

• Professional development stipend ($1,000 annually) for CEUs, conferences, and certifications

• $1,000 semester retention bonus per semester completed

• TN teaching license dues and endorsement fees fully reimbursed

• Malpractice and professional liability coverage provided by Thrive

• No non-compete clause — we earn your loyalty by being a place worth staying