Teacher of Students with Visual Impairments - Siloam Springs School District

Job Title              Teacher of Students with Visual Impairments

Qualifications:      Valid Arkansas Teaching License

Preferred:            Completion of Unified English Braille (UEB) course or willing to obtain

Preferred:            Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist

Contract:             190 days

Evaluator:            Special Education Supervisor

Job Description:

Visually impaired teacher provides instructional, braille, behavioral, communicative, and social/emotional services to identified students with visual impairments according to the student’s Individualized Education Plan (IEP) and Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) guidelines.

Specific Job Duties/Responsibilities:

• Transcribe braille assignments
• Teach braille skills to students with visual impairments
• Assist with Cortical Vision Impairment strategies and interventions
• Be knowledgeable about and effectively utilize low vision software  (for example, desktop video magnification; Onyx, Acrobat, VisioBook;  hand held digital magnifiers; Ruby, Pebble, Amigo, Sapphire)
• Be knowledgeable about and effectively utilize a variety of assistive technology and devices to assist students with visual impairments such as the following:
• • Note takers (for example, Braille Sense, Braille Note)
  • Refreshable braille displays (for example, Focus 40)
  • IOS and Android Devices
  • Screen Reading Software (for example, JAWS, Magic)
  • Abacus
  • Keyboarding programs
• Administer and assist with required standardized test administration
• Complete learning media and functional visual assessments
• Contribute to the development of the IEP with goals, modifications, accommodations, and recommendations for students with visual impairments
• Maintain knowledge and skills relevant to current technology appropriate for students with visual impairments and necessary for success in the classroom.
• Provide modified materials to the student and classroom teacher in an accessible and appropriate format.  (braille, tactile graphics, enlarged print, audio, digital, etc)
• Provide regular consultation to classroom teachers on working with students with visual impairments
• Make recommendations as a member of the IEP team including the following:
• • Interpret visual related reports from medical professionals
  • Recommend classroom accommodations and adaptations
  • Facilitate social integration and interaction with peers
  • Provide strategies and supports for teachers, peers, and parents to foster student independence
  • Address environmental needs and concerns
  • Participate in transition planning which may include facilitating job related experiences and collaborating with Division of Services for the Blind
  • Provide quarterly IEP progress reports as required by IDEA
  • Provide assistance to students with visual impairments to facilitate positive attitudes and those of others concerning their visual impairment
  • Facilitate social integration and interaction with peers
• Other duties as assigned

Organizational

• Complete required federal paperwork under IDEA provisions including the IEP and annual review
• Schedule and direct meetings with parents and staff regarding the student’s learning and progress
• Maintain timeline requirements for all paperwork

Professional

• Work with educators, parents, support staff, administration, and teams to support and educate children with visual impairments
• Attend required professional development
• Work with colleagues to maintain and support instructional and behavioral plans