Visually Impaired Specialist Teacher

Job Title: Visually Impaired (VI) Teacher        Exemption Status/Test: Exempt/Professional

Reports to: Director of Special Education       Date Revised: March 2025

Dept./School: Assigned Campus(es)

Primary Purpose:

Provide specialized instruction and support to students with visual impairments to ensure their access to the general curriculum and development of essential academic and independent living skills. Assess students’ needs and implement individualized interventions to promote educational success.

Qualifications:

Education/Certification:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Special Education, Visual Impairment, or a related field
• Valid Texas Teaching Certification with an endorsement in Visual Impairmen

Special Knowledge/Skills:

• Knowledge of Braille, assistive technology, and instructional strategies for students with visual impairments
• Ability to conduct functional vision assessments (FVA) and learning media assessments (LMA)
• Strong instructional and classroom management skills
• Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills
• Ability to collaborate effectively with parents, educators, and related service providers

Experience:

• Experience working with students with visual impairments preferred

Major Responsibilities and Duties:

Instruction and Support

• Conduct functional vision assessments (FVA) and learning media assessments (LMA) to determine appropriate instructional strategies and accommodations
  
• Develop and implement individualized instructional plans, including modifications to curriculum and materials
  
• Provide direct instruction in Braille, assistive technology, and other specialized skills necessary for student success
  
• Support students in developing self-advocacy, organizational, and daily living skills
  
  

Collaboration and Consultation

• Work with general education teachers to modify instructional materials and provide accommodations for students
  
• Provide training and support to school staff and parents regarding best practices for supporting students with visual impairments
  
• Assist in the selection and use of adaptive equipment and technology
  
• Participate in Admission, Review, and Dismissal (ARD) Committee meetings to interpret assessment data, determine placement, and set educational goals
  
  

Program Management

• Maintain accurate student records, progress reports, and documentation of services provided
  
• Ensure compliance with federal and state special education laws, including the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Section 504
• Travel between multiple school sites as required to provide services

Other

• Follow district safety protocols and emergency procedures

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• May direct and monitor the work of paraprofessionals assigned to visually impaired students

Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors:

Tools/Equipment Used:

• Adaptive technology devices, Braille writers, standard office equipment including computer and peripherals
  

Posture:

• Frequent sitting, standing, bending, and reaching

Motion:

• Frequent walking, grasping/squeezing, and wrist flexion/extension
  

Lifting:

• Regular light lifting and carrying (under 15 pounds); occasional heavy lifting (45 pounds or more) to assist students with mobility and adaptive equipment

Environment:

• Exposure to biological hazards and communicable diseases; requires travel between multiple school sites
  
  

Mental Demands:

• Work with frequent interruptions; maintain emotional control under pressure
  
  

This document describes the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this job and is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties that may be assigned or skills that may be required.