VI/Visually Impaired Teacher

Teacher of the Visually Impaired 

Title: VI Teacher (Teacher of Visually Impaired) 

Qualifications: 1. Valid Kentucky Teacher of the Visually Impaired Certificate 

Desirable Qualifications, Education, and/or Training: 

Possess a degree in special education (VI) or a related field. Knowledge of designing and implementing effective teaching methods, practices, and techniques for blind and low-vision students. 

Preference is given to: 

• Previous experience working as a VI teacher 
• Experience providing instruction to students with visual impairments as needs are identified; provide assessment, instructional materials, and consultation services to teachers, districts & IEP teams in area of specialty. 
• Experience with or interest in assistive technologies related to the field. 

Primary Function: Under the supervision of the Special Education Director, the teacher of the visually impaired will provide quality education to students with visual impairments, ages birth through 21 years, through a commitment to team participation in the planning and implementation of student programs; an appropriate, community-based curriculum; communication and social skill development; inter-district cooperation, and a solid parent-teacher-student linkage. Opportunities exist to develop and experiment with adaptive technology and implement best practices.

Reports to: School Principal and Director of Special Education 

Primary Duties and Responsibilities: 

Essential functions may include, but are not limited to: 

1. Prepare student education plans with parents and IEP team members.
2. Design instruction and record the progress of students. 
3. Act to ensure appropriate IEP implementation in the area of service, direct the work of instructional assistants, and support members of the IEP team. 
4. Monitor delivery and frequency of Visually Impaired related service. 
5. Maintain appropriate student data and other records and submit reports as required. 6. Develop instructional plans when necessary and appropriate. 
6. Develop learning systems for use in community and campus settings. 
7. Manage student caseloads across multiple school settings. 
8. Articulate curriculum between and among student levels. 
9. Basic knowledge of Orientation & Mobility skills and programming. 
10. Perform other related duties as assigned. 
11. To use professional knowledge to address the needs of the visually impaired learner population while demonstrating respect for individual differences, cultures, and learning needs 
12. To assess the educational needs of visually impaired learners and gather data to determine learner needs, measure learner progress, guide instruction and intervention, and provide timely feedback to learners, families, and staff. 
13. To communicate and collaborate effectively with learners, families, and staff regarding students with vision loss. This may involve:
14. Teacher training on the implications of vision loss in the classroom b. Parent training on the implications of vision loss and its impact on the learner c. Providing teachers with feedback regarding best practices for students with vision loss in the classroom 
15. Assessment of curriculum needs and teaching strategies 
16. Assisting teachers in supporting the personal and social development of learners with vision loss 
17. Oversee the use of technical and other specialized equipment for learners with loss of vision, as appropriate. Also, oversee communication needs and development. 
18. To provide training and teaching to children or staff where appropriate to facilitate the child’s learning, inclusion, and independence. This may include the use of specialist equipment and teaching and learning materials. 
19. To contribute to mandatory statutes, including Individual Education Plans, Present Levels of Functional Performance, and Annual Reviews. 
20. To demonstrate behavior consistent with legal, ethical, and professional standards. 
21. To support and develop the work, skills, and knowledge of teaching assistants working with visually impaired children. 
22. To work collaboratively with families, other professionals, and voluntary organizations.. 

Physical Requirements: 

Employees in this position must be able to sit and stand for extended periods. Stand, walk, bend over, reach overhead, grasp, push, pull, move, lift, and/or carry up to 25 pounds to waist height. 

Work Environment: Employees in this position will be required to work indoors and outdoors in a standard classroom environment as instruction requires. Comes directly with students, BCBOE district office staff, and the public. 

Terms of Service: As set by Bath County Board of Education 

Salary: Commensurate with rank and experience; certified salary schedule. 

Evaluation: The performance of the job will be evaluated yearly by the Superintendent/Designee