IRVING INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT

TEACHER OF THE VISUALLY IMPAIRED

Job Description

JOB TITLE: Teacher of the Visually Impaired

WAGE/HOUR STATUS: Exempt

REPORTS TO: Director of Special Education

PAY GRADE: Teacher (187 days)

DEPARTMENT: Special Education

DATE REVISED: June 2020

This position is eligible for a Chapter 21 contract.

Primary Purpose: To provide direct/consultative services to students with visual impairments

Qualifications

Education/Certifications

• Bachelor’s Degree
• Valid Texas teacher certification
• Valid Texas certification as Educator of the Visually Impaired
  
  

Special Knowledge/Skills

• Possess excellent command of UEB Braille and Nemeth code
• Knowledge of braille pedagogy and ability to teach braille to advanced learners
• Knowledge of abacus and electronic devices including braille and other specialized note takers
• Comfort and skill in teaching functional daily living experiences, familiarity with low vision tools, and knowledge of the Expanded Core Curriculum
• Knowledge and skills required to administer and interpret appropriate assessment and evaluation instruments
• Skill in interpersonal communication with peers, students, parents, and teachers
• Ability to work with a wide range of students with visual impairments
• Understand human behavior dynamics and an ability to interact effectively with educational personnel
• Drive self in own vehicle to multiple school sites and homes in the district to provide services
• Effective use of Microsoft Office, Word, Excel, and email
  
  

Major Responsibilities And Duties

Instructional Strategies

• For students learning Braille; teach
• Braille (contracted and uncontracted)
• Early Literacy Code/pre-Braille Skills
• Literary Code
• Nemeth Code
• Abacus Skills
• Prepare sequential and meaningful instruction geared to the student's assessed needs, as determined by the ARD committee with goals and objectives.
• Teach students low vision and visual efficiency skills.
• Provide instruction in the development and maintenance of appropriate ECC skills.
• Work with students to facilitate conversations with their peers to build social skills and relationships.
• Through Self-Advocacy instruction, assist students in gaining knowledge, skills, and confidence to communicate the functional implications of their vision impairments with peers and others.
  

Technical Assistance

• Serve as a resource and reference point for current information regarding education of the visually impaired and orientation and mobility services.
• Help parents, districts, and other agencies related to appropriate services for students with visual impairments including orientation and mobility services
• Assist in planning and preparing materials and presentations for small group trainings
• Provide mentoring to other professionals as assigned
  
  

Program Implementation (Regional Planning and Implementation)

• Assist with development and implementation of the IEP
• Assist in the development and updating of strategies for the implementation of regional Supplementary Services for the Visually Impaired (SSVI)
• Assist with implementation of regional Expanded Core Curriculum (ECC) program for students with visual impairments
  
  

Communication/Collaboration

• Participate in ARD/IFSP process for specified students with visual impairments
• Participate in IEP development for specified students with visual impairments
• Consult with IISD personnel on appropriate instructional and orientation and mobility strategies, techniques and materials for students with visual impairments
• Participate in periodic meetings with staff to explore issues, view new materials/equipment, and share and exchange information
  
  

Problem Solving and Decision Making Skills

• Exhibit initiative in finding and meeting needs and developing new ideas
• Exhibit good judgment in interactions with all clients
• Identify problems and suggest solutions in a positive manner
  
  

Program Expertise (Direct Service Provider)

• Remain abreast of trends and developments in orientation and mobility services
• Provide instructional and consultative orientation and mobility services to eligible students
• Provide direct and consultative services for students with visual impairments
• Administer functional vision evaluation/learning media assessments; prepare computer-generated report of evaluation, proposed IEP/follow-up activities. Document progress and submit six week student progress reports. Prepare a summary of progress at least on an annual basis based on previously established IEP
• Address expanded core curriculum needs of all assigned students with visual impairment through ongoing evaluations, determination of need, implementation of programming, and record keeping
• Develop an itinerant schedule for providing services
• Provide assistance in the selection, acquisition and use of adaptive/assistive equipment and/or devices
• Assume responsibilities for and maintain confidentiality relative to student records/data
• Maintain records relative to supplementary services for the visually impaired activities and submit such records at times specified. Be responsible for the accuracy of reports and caseload data.
  
  

Other Duties

• Participate in team activities
• Perform other duties and functions as required by the Director of Special Education or designee
  
  

Equipment Used

• Computer, adaptive/assistive devices and equipment unique to needs of students with visual impairments
  
  

Working Conditions

• Traveling across the district
• Flexibility to respond to student and district needs
• Skills to cope with a variety of work environments
• Adaptability to change
• Capacity for positive response to situational factors/problems
• Initiative in developing solutions to needs/problems
• Managing multiple projects and tasks simultaneously
• Responding to high client demand and short timelines
• Sharing office space
• Exhibiting exemplary interpersonal communication
• Maintaining positive public relations
  
  

Working Conditions

Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors: Must maintain emotional control and exercise reasoning and problem solving skills while under stress. Must demonstrate ability to communicate effectively (verbal and written). Should be able to interpret procedures and analyze data for decision-making. Frequent in-district and occasional in-state or national travel. Occasional prolonged and irregular hours.

Safety: Contribute to the prevention of accidents and injuries by observing safety rules and District policy, practicing the principles and skills taught in safety training, wearing personal protective equipment as required, reporting injuries and incidences immediately to supervisor, and being proactive in the ongoing efforts to improve and maintain workplace safety.

The information contained in this job description is for compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and foregoing statements describe the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this job and are not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills that may be required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.