Teacher - Visual Impairment (SSC)

Teacher Compensation Plan
Shift Type: Full-Time
Wage/Hour Status: Exempt
Reports To: Director � Special Education

This position is funded with IDEA B Formula, and continued funding of this position will be based on the availability of IDEA B Formula funds.

EMPLOYMENT BEGINS: As soon as possible

PRIMARY PURPOSE:

• Provide specialized direct institution and services required to meet the unique educational needs of students with visual impairments. Provide collaborative consultative services with multidisciplinary teams including parent/guardian and COMS, as needed, to support program implementation. Support concept development to promote the students' academic and functional achievement via the TEKS/PreK Guidelines and personal, functional independence as it relates to the Expanded Core Curriculum (ECC)

QUALIFICATIONS: 

Education/Certification:

• Bachelor's Degree
• Hold teacher certification
• Hold certification as Teacher of Students with Visual Impairments

SPECIAL KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS:

• Knowledge and skills required to administer and interpret appropriate assessment and evaluation instruments to make programming recommendations
• Skill in written and verbal interpersonal communication with peers, students, parents, teachers, and district staff
• Ability to produce Braille materials
• Knowledge and skill required to select, use, and teach various types of assistive technology for students with visual impairments
• Ability to work with a wide range of students with visual impairments
• Possess leadership qualities
• Ability to interact effectively with educational personnel in a collaborative and professional manner
• Implement vision services in a timely manner according to the assigned caseload and each student's IEP/IFSP
• Document vision services per the guidelines set forth by the program supervisor and Special Populations Department

EXPERIENCE:

• Classroom teaching or related experience in providing direct and consultative services to a wide range of students with visual impairments

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:

• -Implement vision services in a timely manner according to the assigned caseload and each student's IEP/IFSP
• Document vision services per the guidelines set forth by the program supervisor and Special Education Department
• Assist with annual VI Registration
• Assess, teach, and integrate knowledge of the expanded core curriculum (ECC)
• Participate in ARD/IFSP process for specified students with visual impairments
• Participate in IEP development for specified students with visual impairments
• Consult with personnel on appropriate instructional strategies, techniques, and materials for students with visual impairments
• Participate in periodic meetings; such as, staffings, with staff to explore issues, view new materials/equipment, and share and exchange information
• Remain abreast of trends and developments in education of students with visual impairments; to include federal, state, and local policies
• Provide direct and collaborative consultation services for students with visual impairments as assigned
• Administer functional vision evaluation/learning media assessments; prepare objective, thorough, and professionally written evaluation reports using parent-friendly language within given timelines; write goals and objectives aligned to FVE/LMA and PLAAFP Statements, propose IEP/follow-up activities; document progress and submit progress reports per given timelines; and prepare a summary of progress annually based on the established IEP
• Address expanded core curriculum needs of all assigned students with visual impairment through ongoing evaluations, determination of need, implementation of programming, and record keeping
• Maximize productivity and time in the work day by developing an itinerant schedule for providing instructional services
• Provide assistance in the selection, acquisition and use of adaptive/assistive equipment and/or devices
• Assume responsibilities for and maintain confidentiality relative to student records/data
• Maintain records relative to supplementary services activities and submit such records at times specified. Be responsible for the accuracy of reports and caseload data for students with visual impairments
• Serve as a resource and reference point for current information regarding education of students with visual impairments
• Act as a liaison with other agencies (e.g. HHSC/TWC/TSBVI)
• Assist in planning and preparing materials and presentations for small group trainings
• Participate in Special Education team and center-wide activities and Regional/District ECC activities
• Keep calendar up-to-date weekly reflecting services and activities
• Perform other duties as assigned

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• None

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Mental Demands:

• Flexibility to respond to student, parent, and staff needs
• Skills to cope with a variety of work environments
• Ability to adapt to change
• Mange a high volume of communications (ie., calls, emails, and meetings)
• Public relations, interpersonal and problem solving skills are required at all times.
• Initiative in developing solutions to needs/problems
• Multi-tasking of simultaneous projects
• Work with administrative assistants in job-related activities
• Possess strong organizational skills
• Respond to high client demand and short timelines
• Sharing workspace
• Exhibit exemplary interpersonal communication (verbal, written, digital), collaboration, and teamwork

Physical demands/environmental factors:

• Frequent standing, walking, and sitting while providing instruction in a variety of educational settings (classrooms, resource rooms, and community-based environments)
• Occasional bending, squatting, stooping, kneeling, and twisting at the trunk more than the average person.
• Working inside and occasionally outside with exposure to varying environmental conditions (e.g., lighting changes, weather during community-based instruction)
• Lifting and carrying instructional materials and equipment up to 10 lbs.
• Exposure to environmental allergens.

The foregoing statements describe the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this job and are not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills that may be required.