Teacher for the Visually Impaired/Special Education Teacher

Position: Teacher for the Visually Impaired/Special Education Teacher Subject: Special Education Location: TBD (will require traveling to other schools in the county to provide services) FTE: Full-time Status: Exempt (Teacher bargaining unit) Terms: 10-month, 187-day work year, normally 7.6 hours per day, but may be greater depending upon system need. Extended School Year (ESY) is a requirement of the position and will be paid by an additional stipend amount. Salary: Unit I Teacher 7.6 hour Salary Scale Range: $60,010 - $69,169 (dependent upon licensure and experience) Supervisor: Director of Special Education, Principal Availability: Immediately Job Description Provide specialized instruction utilizing methods, curriculum, and instructional strategies appropriate for students with visual impairments and other disabilities as needed. Minimum Qualifications Bachelor's Degree in Education Master's degree or certification in special education Teaching certificate or eligibility to receive a teaching certificate for teaching students with visual impairments issued by the Maryland State Department of Education or another state department of education Excellent written and verbal skills Outstanding organizational and interpersonal skills, including, but not limited to, the ability to interact successfully with diverse stakeholders (i.e., students, staff, administration, parents, general public, community agencies, etc.) Proficiency in a variety of technologies and applications related to visual impairments Ability to interpret, explain, present, and use data Ability to understand complex, multi-step written and oral instructions Successful management of confidential information and materials History of initiative, discretion, leadership, and independent judgment Demonstrated understanding of and attention to detail, especially as it relates to student safety and well-being History of professionalism and strong work ethic Ability to problem-solve, work independently and as part of a team, and function without distractions Ability to serve as a positive role model for students, staff, and other stakeholders Self-motivated with the ability to prioritize and execute tasks in a high-pressured environment Ability to maintain emotional control while addressing stressful situations Ability to multi-task Ability to stand, sit, walk, feel, climb, balance, kneel, stoop, crouch, crawl, bend, push, pull, and carry Good hearing, vision, depth perception, and peripheral vision Ability to lift and transport heavy to moderately heavy objects averaging 50-75 lbs. Ability to lift and assist students with special healthcare needs Significant dexterity of hands and fingers Regular and predictable attendance Ability to perform the essential functions of the job either with or without reasonable accommodations Preferred Qualifications Master's Degree or higher in applicable special education field Three (3) years of teaching students with visual impairments Orientation and Mobility Certification CPR and First Aid certification Duties and Responsibilities Assists the student, parents, special and regular education personnel, and the student's sighted peers in: Understanding the unique educational needs and learning characteristics of visually impaired students, Becoming aware of the services and support available from local programs for visually impaired students, Acquiring information regarding local, state, and national resources for the education of students with visual impairments Develop daily lesson plans that reflect the IEP goals and grade-level curriculum. Consult regularly with classroom teachers, other school personnel, parents, and others to coordinate programs and services for students with visual impairments. Assist the schools in making environmental adjustments for students with visual impairments. Read and produce Braille. Knowledge of assistive technology related to visual impairments. Develop and implement the IEPs for all assigned students and coordinate the IEPs for their academic and related service areas within the school. Develop and maintain summaries to reflect student progress and prepare sequential and meaningful instruction geared to the student's assessed needs and IEP goals and objectives. Collect and disseminate student information necessary to assist students in successful mainstreaming to the regular school environment. Provide assistance to the classroom teacher in academic subjects and activities of the classroom that, as a direct result of the student's visual impairment, require adaptation for the student. Provide in-service training for school personnel regarding adaptations, programs, and services to students with visual impairments. Maintain open communication with school and appropriate service agencies while, at the same time, respecting the need for student confidentiality. Provide ongoing communication and contact with parents/guardians and agency representatives to enhance student progress. Attend all staff, IEP, and other related meetings to review and plan goals and strategies, as well as update student progress status. Maintain and update special education files and IEPs, as well as all forms and records required by school policy and procedures and state and federal reporting requirements. Supervise students (e.g., classroom, hallway, restroom, cafeteria, field trips, etc.). Lift, move, and operate adaptive equipment, as necessary. Assist students with mobility needs (e.g., lifting, positioning, loading and unloading, bathrooming, etc.), as needed. Supervise instructional assistants assigned to the classroom. Positively advocate for students with disabilities. Evaluate student progress using appropriate assessment techniques. Take all necessary safety precautions to protect students, equipment, materials, and facilities. Counsel students when academic and behavioral problems arise. Confer with parents and students regarding the progress of assigned students and arrange and participate in teacher-parent or teacher-student conferences, as necessary. Monitor appropriate use and care of equipment, textbooks, materials, and facilities. Account for and order classroom and program equipment and supplies, as necessary. Attend and actively participate in staff/faculty meetings and appropriate job-related professional development. Improve skill and knowledge base in subject matter, current trends, research and methodology in instructional techniques, technology, multicultural content, problem‑solving, and interdisciplinary connections. Plan and supervise purposeful assignments for substitutes and volunteers, as necessary. Contribute to the short-term and long-term successes of students, staff, the school, and the system in general. Engage in life‑long learning of professional and technical knowledge by attending appropriate workshops, reviewing professional publications and websites, establishing personal networks, and participating in professional organizations. Present a courteous and professional demeanor at all times. Demonstrate proficiency, flexibility, self‑motivation, accountability, ownership, and positive demeanor. Perform other duties as assigned. Total Compensation Benefits Comprehensive benefits include healthcare (medical, dental, vision), life insurance, and participation in the Maryland Retirement and Pension Plan, with optional 403(b) contributions. Employees receive paid sick leave, personal days, vacation, and access to wellness programs and employee assistance resources. Questions If you have questions and require assistance accessing or completing the online application, contact the Office of Human Resources and Employee Relations at View phone number on click.appcast.io. Accommodation Requests If you are contacted for an interview, please notify the Office of Human Resources and Employee Relations of any reasonable disability-related accommodation requests. Equal Opportunity Employer The Garrett County Board of Education is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against any employees or applicants because of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, disability, or any federal, or state or local protected class. Inquiries may be directed to the Office of Human Resources and Employee Relations at View phone number on click.appcast.io. #J-18808-Ljbffr Garrett County Public Schools