Outreach Program Specialist/Teacher for the Visually Impaired (TVI)

The Georgia Department of Education’s (GaDOE) - Georgia Pines, located in Clarkston, GA, is recruiting for an experienced Outreach Program Specialist/Teacher for the Visually Impaired (TVI). This role will be responsible for planning, coordinating, and overseeing activities aimed at enhancing educational programming for students who are blind or visually impaired. This role includes conducting needs assessments, program data collection, and facilitating educational planning tailored specifically to the needs of visually impaired students. The TVI will network resources and coordinate professional learning opportunities for educators and support staff, fostering accessible and inclusive learning environments. The Outreach Program Specialist within the program involves guiding and supporting best practices for visually impaired student services. This role also requires a minimum of 50% travel. Under broad supervision, performs duties including but not limited to:

Description of Duties

• Plan, coordinate, and participate in low vision and eye health clinics to enhance access to technology for students who are visually impaired
• Conduct needs assessments to evaluate the specific expanded core curriculum needs of students with visual impairments
• Consult with teachers for the visually impaired, LEAs and orientation and mobility specialist to facilitate educational planning. Collaborate with Individualized Education Program (IEP) teams to align instructional goals with the specific needs of visually impaired students
• Network and maintain resources, such as assistive technology and low vision aids, and develop professional learning opportunities for educators working with visually impaired students
• Serve as a VI specialist within the program, providing expertise, guidance, and support to school staff on the latest standards, techniques, and resources in visual impairment education
• Lead awareness and training sessions on accessibility, adaptive tools, and teaching strategies that promote inclusive classroom environments.
• Collaborate with state, regional, and local organizations to stay informed on current trends and best practices for visually impaired education
• Actively participates in ongoing professional development to stay current with assistive technology advancements, low vision strategies, and the expanded core curriculum for students with visual impairments, ensuring best practices are applied in educational settings

Preferred Qualifications

Preference will be given to applicants who, in addition to meeting the minimum qualifications, possess one or more of the following: 

• Master's Degree
• Must possess or be eligible to obtain Georgia Teacher Certification in the area of visual impairment
• Certification in Orientation and Mobility
• Advanced Assistive Technology skills for students who are blind and visually impaired
• Minimum of 6 years of management experience in a role supporting students who are blind or visually impaired, such as a TVI or in a similar specialist capacity
• Strong understanding of assessment and program evaluation methods for students with visual impairments
• Proficiency with assistive technology, low vision devices, Braille, and other specialized instructional tools for students who are blind and visually impaired
• Familiarity with state and federal special education regulations, including the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
• Demonstrated experience leading professional development or awareness sessions, with a focus on accessibility and inclusion