JOB TITLE

Teacher for the Visually Impaired

WAGE CATEGORY

Exempt (190 day)

REPORTS TO

Executive Director for Special Education

JOB GOAL

Provides instruction and support in adaptive reading, math, and other skills and techniques specific to students with visual impairments (VI) in our local school districts.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Master’s degree in Education
• Valid South Carolina teaching certificate with a Visually Impaired endorsement
• Valid driver’s license
• Minimum of five years successful teaching experience in special education
• Possess approval (or be approvable) as a Teacher Consultant for the Visually Impaired from the South Carolina Department of Education
• Such alternatives to the above qualifications as the Board may find appropriate and acceptable

PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILTIES

• Instructs students in adaptive reading and writing techniques, such as Braille, Keyboarding and Usage of Magnification Devices and Technology
• Instructs students with VI in various assistive technology devices (CCTV, iPad), equipment, and software (JAWS, MAGic, etc.) designed for blind/visually impaired
• Provides instruction in all areas of the ECC (Expanded Core Curriculum for Blind and Visually Impaired Students)
• Confers, consults, and collaborates with teachers, parents, local and ISD administrators, related service providers, and other staff to develop individual education programs and appropriate data-driven instructional support for students with VI
• Plans and prepares lessons, and produces other adaptive instructional materials, according to grade and functioning level of students
• Transcribes lessons and other materials into Braille for blind students or large print for low vision students
• Reviews and corrects completed assignments, using such aids as Braille writer, slate and stylus, or computer
• Provides instructional support for students in academic subject areas and provides instruction in expanded core curriculum such as daily living skills and community-based instruction
• Encourages students to participate in verbal and sensory classroom learning experiences to ensure their comprehension of subject matter, development of social skills, and ability to identify objects encountered in daily living
• Conduct formal and informal assessments of students to assist in the determination of visual impairment (VI) eligibility and present level of academic and functional performance and the impact of vision loss in the school environment
• Completes timely written Multidisciplinary Evaluation Team (MET) and other written evaluation and progress reports for students with VI
• Develops, facilitates, and/or participates in Individual Education Program (IEP) team meetings for students with VI, following all required rules and local procedures
• Establishes and maintains appropriate and timely data collection systems and records including, but not limited to lesson plans, weekly schedule, Service Capture, Tienet, VI equipment inventories, student progress on IEP goals/objectives, and information required for Medicaid billing
• Consults with parents by discussing how parents can encourage student's independence, well-being and provides guidance in using community resources
• Performs such other tasks and assumes such other responsibilities as may from time to time be assigned by the principal

Other Skills and Abilities

• Must know how to use and teach abacus and various other apparatus used by the Blind/visually impair
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Ability to work successfully with staff, students, parents, community agencies, and advocacy groups
• Experience teaching students with visually impairments. Evidence of good time management and communication skill Knowledge of print alternatives (i.e., Braille and auditory techniques) for students with visual impairment
• Knowledge of adaptive equipment for students with visual impairment

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. Must exhibit manual dexterity to enter data into a computer; to see and read a computer screen and printed material with or without vision aids; hear and understand speech at normal workplace levels, outdoors and on the telephone; speak in audible tones so that others may understand clearly in normal workplaces, outdoors and on the telephone; physical agility to lift up to 25 pounds.

SALARY SCALE - salary based on years of experience and degree level.

https://5il.co/1wznz

LAST UPDATED

02/2022