Teacher of the Visually Impaired

Department: Student Services

FLSA Status (Exempt/Non-exempt): Exempt Unit A

Reports to: Assistant Director of Student Services

In compliance with state and federal laws, newton public schools is committed to equity, anti-racism and a nondiscrimination policy for students, employees and prospective applicants. All educational and employment determinations are based on an individual’s qualifications and achievements without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, pregnancy, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, ancestry, homelessness, physical or mental disability, veteran status, or any other basis prohibited by state and/or federal statute.

SUMMARY: This position of Teacher of the Visually Impaired is that of a special educator trained and licensed by DESE to provide direct instruction, accommodations, and modifications that provide access to the general curriculum for children who are blind or visually impaired. Teachers of the Visually Impaired also help facilitate independence and teach expanded core curriculum areas specific to students with visual impairments.

Qualifications:

• This position facilitates student independence within the school environment through adaptations, accommodations, and vision intervention (direct, consult).
   
   
  Required Qualifications:
  
  

  • Master’s Degree
  • License with DESE in special education: vision impairment
  • Minimum of 5-years’ experience as a Teacher of Student with Visual Impairments
  • Ability to handle multitude of varying and complex needs
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills
  • Excellent collaboration skills
  • Solid technical skills
  • Demonstrated Organizational skills

   

Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities (Not Limited To):

• Evaluate and determine the need for vision services by performing functional vision and learning media assessments.
• Interpret evaluations to make recommendations for service type and accommodations as needed. 

• Evaluate areas in the expanded core curriculum that include compensatory, self-determination, social interaction, career education, assistive technology, recreation and leisure, independent living and sensory efficiency skills.
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• Provides consultation with the teachers, aides, team members.  In consultation, the teacher of the visually impaired and teacher form a cooperative partnership and engage in a reciprocal problem solving process.  The goal of consultation is to enhance the student’s skills to improve academic performance.
   
• Uses direct and indirect services, the teacher of the visually impaired collaborate with families, teachers and other team members staff to help implement a child's special education program
   
• Provides consultation to/collaboration with teachers regarding specific students with visual impairments, best instructional strategies and classroom accommodations as well as ensuring materials are in the appropriate media
   
• Suggests adaptations to environment an order to maximize student performance
   
• Supports students in a accessing their school and curriculum
   
• Develops plans/ course of action to improve skill area
   
• Determines ways to adapt skill in order to fit with current level of functioning
   
• Evaluates and addresses skills that limit the child's ability to participate and succeed at school and community including educational, and social skills.
   
• Provides direct or consultative services; modify or adapt schools tools and materials in order for a student to access the educational curriculum in a fix manner and as independent as possible
   
• Responsible for implementing “other job related duties” as needed
   
• Consistent, reliable and punctual attendance is essential for supervision and instruction of the students
   

Work Environment & Physical Requirements:

Work Environment:

• School setting
• Office setting
• Some lifting required up to 50 lbs.
• May be required to respond quickly to students, which may require running
• Some driving required