Teacher of the Visually Impaired/ Orientation & Mobility Specialist, Job 25-0005 TLC

NEW APPLICATION REQUIREMENT: Mukilteo School District Equity Commitment

The Mukilteo School District is committed to eliminating racism, inequities for students, and institutional bias in order to ensure all of our students reach their full potential.  Prospective employees of the District will be expected to share in this focus and commitment, and therefore are required to respond to the following:

Write a one-page summary of your work and life experiences that position you to be successful in this District commitment and be prepared to upload your summary when you apply.

This is a 1.0 FTE continuing contract position effective the 2025 - 2026 school year: 0.6 FTE Teacher of the Visually Impaired & 0.4 FTE Orientation & Mobility Specialist.

Salary listed is for the 2024 - 2025 school year. 

JOB TITLE: SPECIAL SERVICES TEACHER - VISION TEACHER

JOB SUMMARY: Provide and coordinate comprehensive programs and services for students who are visually impaired. Includes low vision programs and consultation with staff.

PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES AND ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Plan and provide clear and intentional focused instruction based upon individual student IEP goals using state standards, subject matter content and district curriculum and appropriate materials. Design and implement academic lessons for totally blind students (to include Braille and Nemeth instruction). Design and implement adaptive technology instruction.
• Recognize individual student learning needs and develop strategies to address those needs for the purpose of promoting individual achievement.
• Implement effective teaching practices for the purpose of facilitating achievement for each student.
• Use multiple student data elements for the purpose of assessing student progress, modifying instruction, and improving student learning.
• Communicate and collaborate with parents and school community for the purpose of fostering student success and achievement, and meeting special education laws and policies.
• Foster and manage a safe, positive learning environment for the purpose of promoting effective student behavior and success.
• Maintain and submit information/records including student progress.
• Participate in various meetings for the purpose of addressing student goals and needs, and to meet laws and policies.
• Understand and implement effective use of the ordering process and access of resources for the blind and visually impaired.
• Act as an effective consult to fellow colleagues in the district, thereby assuring and furthering understanding of blindness and low vision.
• Network with other vision professionals in educational and medical fields.
• Implement and comply with District policies and the Code of Professional Conduct.
• Maintain consistent attendance and conform to regular work hours specified under contract.
• Fulfill other duties as assigned by the supervisor.

JOB REQUIREMENTS; MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Skills, Knowledge and Abilities required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include:

• Knowledge of subject matter/course content relevant to assignment
• Knowledge of and skills in using effective instructional strategies and practices
• Knowledge of and skills in using various formative and summative assessments
• Ability to effectively address a wide range of academic and social needs including at-risk, cultural diversity, English language learners, and special education students
• Skills in effective planning and implementation of lessons based upon individual student needs using state standards, subject matter content and district curriculum
• Skilled in Braille
• Possess understanding of and ability to Braille and transcribe materials with manual, “Mega Dots” and “Open Book” unbound software systems
• Understanding of low vision and its underlying resources, support and program design
• Understanding of multi-handicapped students and the impact and interrelatedness of blindness and/or low vision on the multi-handicapping condition(s)
• Skills in managing and promoting positive student behavior 
• Knowledge and understanding of child development
• Ability to effectively meet developmental needs of students
• Ability to collaborate effectively with others
• Skills in and ability to communicate effectively with others
• Skills and abilities in organization, time management and record keeping
• Ability to interact positively and effectively with parents, students, staff and administrators
• Ability to maintain confidentiality
• Ability to strengthen job-related competencies

EDUCATION:

• Valid Washington State certification with appropriate endorsement(s) in Special Education and Teacher for the Visually impaired
• Meet state requirements relative to assignment

PREFERRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Successful experience as a special education teacher
• Second language or language acquisition background
• Student cultural and economic diversity experience

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: SPECIAL EDUCATION TEACHER

JOB TITLE:  ORIENTATION & MOBILITY SPECIALIST

JOB SUMMARY:  This position shall facilitate services, evaluation, and consultation for those students with vision impairment who qualify (or may qualify) for IDEA Part B Special Education services.

PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES AND ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Direct instruction in visual efficiency, tactile symbols, Braille, assistive technology, auditory skills, social skills, use of near and low vision devices and other areas of the expanded core curriculum
• Supporting parents of preschoolers and school-age students as they help their children reach developmental milestones with adapted strategies specific to needs related to the visual impairment.
• Providing support to the student to facilitate development of self-esteem, self-determination, and social acceptance within the school context.
• Modifying the environment to accommodate specific visual needs Modeling appropriate techniques for providing instruction.
• Providing, creating, and acquiring adapted materials
• Providing in-service training and consultation to the school team
• Evaluate the TVI and/or O&M needs of students in the school district as needed.
• Write IEPs goals and objectives specific to qualified students, which may include providing direct services.
• Recommending adapted strategies for access to the general curriculum and participation in the school community
• Assist with a vision-specific support system is in place for transitioning from school to adult life for older students.
• Building independence and success in the school environment
• Orienting students to unfamiliar environments
• Instructing in efficient use of low vision for movement.
• Teaching efficient use of low vision devices.
• Teaching use of mobility tools, including the long cane and adaptive mobility devices, for safely negotiating the environment.
• Ordering and providing adapted textbooks, as appropriate for each student.
• Maintain consistent presence at assigned worksite and regular work hours.
• Professionally interact with students, staff, and public.
• Comply with all district policies and procedures.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

JOB REQUIREMENTS; MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Skills, Knowledge and Abilities required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include:

• Ability to communicate effectively and efficiently with families and school staff regarding students with visual impairments (both oral and written communication is required).
• Knowledge of special education qualification standards and services in a school setting in accordance with district, state and federal requirements.
• Ability to establish working relationships and trust with families and staff.
• Previous experience working with students both as an Orientation & Mobility Specialist preferred.
• Experience and/or training with cultural, ethnic, and language diversity preferred.

EDUCATION: 

• Valid/Progress toward Orientation & Mobility Certificate
• Valid Washington ESA Certificate

PREFERRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Successful and recent experience as an Orientation and Mobility Specialist in a school setting. Student cultural and economic diversity experience.
• Experience working directly with people from diverse cultural, racial, ethnic, gender, sexual orientation, ability, and socioeconomic backgrounds, preferred.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:  ORIENTATION & MOBILITY SPECIALIST

Mukilteo School District does not discriminate in any programs or activities on the basis of sex, race, creed, religion, color, national origin, age, veteran or military status, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, disability, or the use of trained dog guide or service animal and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. The following employees have been designated to handle questions and complaints of alleged discrimination: Civil Rights Coordinator and Title IX Coordinator Simone Neal (425-356-1319), NealSR@mukilteo.wednet.edu, Section 504 Coordinator Lisa Pitsch (425-356-1277), AndersonRA@mukilteo.wednet.edu, and the ADA/Access Coordinator Karen Mooseker (425-356-1330), MoosekerKW@mukilteo.wednet.edu. Address: 9401 Sharon Drive in Everett, WA. Inquiries regarding ADA/Access issues at Sno-Isle TECH Skills Center should be directed to Wes Allen, Director (425-348-2220) AllenWR@mukilteo.wednet.edu. Address: 9001 Airport Road in Everett, WA 98204.

Salary : $73,044 - $154,334