Teacher of Blind and Low Vision Learners - Literacy and Assessment

Persons with a disability requiring reasonable accommodation in the application process or requiring information in an alternative format may contact View email address on click.appcast.io. Those with hearing impairment in need of accommodation are encouraged to contact the Washington Relay Service at View phone number on click.appcast.io or (Logo: Silhouette of Washington State with a lighthouse icon pointing to Vancouver) The core purpose of the Washington State School for the Blind (WSSB) is to empower blind and low vision individuals to reach their full potential. We believe in a future where every blind and low vision student in Washington has the supports and services they need to succeed. Our programs and services are provided across a diverse continuum of service options; including a range of short and long-term programs that include residential options at our Vancouver campus, outreach services in local schools and communities, access to specialized technology and resources through our Ogden Resource Center, as well as training options for parents, educators, and related service providers through a combination of department efforts. Our greatest resource at WSSB is our incredible staff. Our valued employees are continuously encouraged to improve the ways that we provide service to our students and the community. WSSB’s core values are being student-centered, equity, accessibility, relationships, and continuous improvement. We’re seeking a passionate Teacher of Blind and Low Vision Learners – Literacy and Assessment the 2026-27 school year to deliver engaging instruction and interventions aligned with Washington State learning standards, IEP intervention needs, and conduct assessments. The ideal candidate cultivates rich literacy experiences and diagnostic precision while advocating for systemic accessibility and tailored student accommodations. Be part of a mission-driven school that values high expectations, accessibility, and student success. Duties Position Overview The Teacher of Blind and Low Vision Learners (TBLVL) – Literacy Intervention and Assessment specialist will provide direct, individualized, and small-group literacy instruction to blind and low vision students, design evidence-based reading and writing interventions, and conduct comprehensive specialized assessments (FVAs, LMAs, and literacy diagnostics). This position will also provide explicit and embedded instruction in areas of the Expanded Core Curriculum when relevant to individual student needs. In addition to instructing students, this specialist will provide school-wide leadership by piloting literacy PLCs, analyzing campus-wide data trends, mentoring instructional staff, and collaborating with families, O&M specialists, assistive technology experts, and support staff. Classroom teachers provide instruction aligned to the Danielson Framework for Teaching, which includes four domains: planning and preparation, classroom environment, instruction, and principled teaching. The Literacy Intervention and Assessment teacher works under the guidance of state and federal regulations, OSPI guidelines, agency policies and procedures, and applicable collective bargaining agreements. This position reports to the Director of On-Campus Programs. Duties include but are not limited to the following... Targeted Literacy Instruction & Intervention: Plan, deliver, and monitor direct, individualized, and small-group reading and writing instruction. This includes implementing evidence-based structured literacy and phonics adapted for various levels of readers, developing customized intervention plans, and adjusting instruction based on student fluency and comprehension data. Safe & Responsive Learning Environment: Create and maintain a safe, positive classroom environment conducive to learning; proactively manage student behavior, demonstrate responsiveness to students' safety and instructional needs, and perform assigned out-of-classroom supervision. Functional Vision & Literacy Assessment: Conduct Functional Vision Assessments (FVAs) and Learning Media Assessments (LMAs) to determine students' functional vision usage and primary/secondary literacy media (braille, print, auditory, dual-media). Administer formal and informal literacy diagnostics to establish baselines and measure progress. Data Synthesis & Goal Setting: Translate assessment and diagnostic findings into clear, actionable reports for IEP teams and families. Use this data to recommend optimal instructional placement, assistive technology, and accommodations, and to write measurable IEP literacy goals. School-Wide Literacy Leadership: Lead or co-lead a school-wide literacy PLC/team. Analyze aggregated school-wide data (LMA trends, reading levels) to identify systemic needs, guide curriculum decisions, and inform campus-wide professional development priorities. Consultation & Peer Mentoring: Provide job-embedded coaching and consultation to teachers and paraeducators on literacy strategies and accommodations. Collaborate across disciplines with families, O&M specialists, assistive technology experts, and student support teams. Compliance & Professionalism: Maintain accurate, complete, and confidential student records (including progress reports, IEP documentation, and attendance) in accordance with agency policy, OSPI guidelines, and state/federal law. Participate actively in staff meetings and continuous professional development. Required Education, Experience, and Competencies Requires completion of a Bachelor's Degree and valid Washington State teaching certificate in applicable content areas of instruction. Must pass the Washington UEB Braille exam or equivalent requirement set forth by the Professional Educator Standards Board (PESB). Must be flexible, exhibit a commitment to accomplishment, possess outstanding communication and conceptual skills, demonstrate appropriate and positive student relationships, possess a strong professional orientation, and be willing to actively participate in a team environment. Ability to effectively organize multiple assignments, sometimes of a complex nature or involving competing priorities, to produce work products that are accurate and on time. Sets appropriate expectations for individual students. Must have regular, consistent attendance. Demonstrated knowledge of curriculum integration and a commitment to improve and refine instructional and management skills by participating in professional development. Demonstrated knowledge of technology and an ability to incorporate into instructional programs. Demonstrated compatibility with staff, program, and school goals. Demonstrated commitment to fostering a positive attitude with students and adults (staff and parents). Demonstrated awareness, appreciation, and respect of diversity among students and adults. Preferred/Desired Education, Training and/or Competencies Endorsement in Teacher of Blind and Low Vision Students from OSPI Endorsement in Reading/Literacy or ELA from OSPI Experience working blind and low vision students including students with multiple disabilities. Experience working with diverse populations The annual salary for this position is paid in accordance with the Vancouver School District Salary Schedule (Download PDF reader) for 180 days per school year with days distributed year-round. Note: The VSD salary schedule is reviewed annually and is under consideration for the 2026-27 school year with wage increases possible effective 09/01/2026. Teachers are not eligible for the vacation or holidays listed in the Benefits tab. WSSB offers an employee and student-focused, mission-driven environment that empowers blind and low vision individuals to reach their full potential. Our beautiful 13.2-acre campus is on the National Register of Historic Places and not only includes state-of-the-art classrooms but a fitness center with saline pool and floor-to-ceiling rock climbing wall, track & field, auditorium, braille center, low vision clinic, LIFTT program offering dorm-style housing and much more! Union Inclusion: This position is included in a bargaining unit represented by the Washington Public Employees Association (WPEA). Opportunity for All: The Washington State School for the Blind celebrates our differences and we are committed to a workplace that supports equal opportunity employment and inclusion regardless of race, creed, color, national origin, citizenship or immigration status, marital status, families with children (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sex, sexual orientation, gender identity diversity, age, status as a protected veteran, honorably discharged veteran or military status, status as an individual with the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with disabilities or other applicable legally protected characteristics. We will also consider qualified applicants with criminal history, consistent with applicable federal, state and local laws (please see note below). You are welcome to include the name and pronoun you would like to be referred to in your materials, and we will honor this as you interact with our organization. Veterans Preference: Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications and wish to claim Veteran's Preference MUST attach a copy of their DD214, or other verification of military service. Please blackout any personally identifiable data such as social security number. For additional information on Veteran's Preference and guidance on how to determine if you are eligible, click here. We thank you and are grateful for your service! Additional Information: The state of Washington is an equal opportunity employer. Persons with a disability who need assistance with the application process, may contact Human Resources at View phone number on click.appcast.io or View email address on click.appcast.io. The same contact information should be used for questions regarding this position or the online application. NOTE: Background inquiries of convictions and pending criminal charges shall be completed on applicants prior to their appointment to positions in the state of Washington which are directly responsible for the supervision, care or treatment of children. Information obtained from background inquiries will not necessarily preclude employment, but will be considered in determining the applicant character, suitability, and competence to perform in the position applied for and may result in the denial of employment. Applicants are required to sign a release authorizing inquiry. Failure to do so shall disqualify the applicant from employment in these positions. #J-18808-Ljbffr State of Washington