Job Description
Eanes ISD is currently seeking a Teacher of the Visually Impaired (TVI) for the 2020-21 school year. We offer great pay and benefits!!
*Only applications submitted through the Eanes ISD website will be considered for employment*
Please submit your application online at www.eanesisd.net/jobs.
Primary Purpose: Teacher of the Visually Impaired
Provide students with visual impairments the special instruction and equipment/devices as outlined in IEPs that will enable the students to access the instruction in their classroom settings. The TVI provides direct and/or consultative special education services relating to vision loss. These services enable the students to learn in a variety of settings. Services for infants may be provided in the infants' homes or child care settings. The students range in age from birth through 21 and may have only a visual impairment or additional disabilities.
Qualifications:
Education/Certification:
Bachelors Degree
Special education certification
Texas Certification for Teachers of Students with Visual Impairments
Masters Degree preferred
Special Knowledge/Skills:
Knowledge of special needs of students with vision needs.
Knowledge of Braille and low vision devices.
Knowledge of Admission, Review, and Dismissal Committee process and IEP development and implementation.
General knowledge of curriculum and instruction.
Experience:
At least one year of teaching experience preferred
Major Responsibilities and Duties:
1. Collaborate with students, parents, and other staff members to develop Individual Education Plans (IEP) through the Admission, Review and Dismissal Committee (ARD) process for each student assigned.
2. Screen referrals for functional vision performance.
3. Administer Functional Vision Assessment and Learning Media Assessment as needed and make appropriate recommendations.
4. Provide direct instruction and consult/monitoring services as outlined in the students IEPs. Services may include instruction in the following areas:
Keyboarding
Braille Reading and Writing
Abacus
Low Vision Devices
Technology Training
Tactual Skills
Adaptive Communication Skills
Concept Development
Daily Living skills
Career/Vocational Skills
Social Skills
Study Skills
Efficient Utilization of Vision
Recreation and leisure
Self-advocacy
5. Evaluate student performance in a variety of ways and give constructive feedback to teachers and parents.
6. Order Braille materials and tangible apparatus.
7. Brailles/enlarges/adapts classroom lessons, tests, worksheets, etc.
8. Supply classroom teachers with equipment and supplies specific to students with visual impairments.
9. Collaborate with classroom staff to ensure appropriate adaptations and materials are developed and available for students.
10. Provide in-service training programs for all school personnel, parents, and students regarding the needs of students with visual impairments.
11. Consultation services with the following:
Classroom Teachers
Braillist
Teaching Assistant
Physical Therapist
Occupational Therapist
Assistive Technology Specialist
Commission for the Blind Caseworkers
Ophthalmologists
Low Vision Specialists
Others as indicated
Parents/Guardians
Other District Staff
Community Programs as appropriate
Potential Job Personnel
O&M Instructor
12. Register students with visual impairments with appropriate agencies such as the Library of Congress (Talking Books), Learning Ally, and assist with referral to the Texas State Commission for the Blind.
13. Administer state and district assessment (STAAR, SAT/ACT, PSAT, etc. to students and prepares appropriate modifications; assist in acquiring tests in appropriate media; and provide individual administration when needed.
14. Maintain student records, document student progress, and ensure the confidentiality of information pertaining to special education students.
15. Maintain contact with parents in regard to student performance through activities such as parent-teacher conferences, progress reports, staffings and ARD Committee meetings.
16. Work effectively as a team member to identify the needs of the students; be able to anticipate difficult situations for the student(s); and problem-solve solutions.
17. Plan and supervise purposeful assignments for teacher aide(s)
18. Provide information about district and/or regional vision programs to the schools and community.
19. Provide information concerning recreational and summer programs to parents and students and assist with application forms and procedures. Such activities might include Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired summer school, Texas Department of Assistive and
Rehabilitative Services, summer work programs, or camps
20. As a vision teacher, perform various administrative activities (e.g., attend district and ESC meetings as the district representative, order equipment and supplies for students district wide, compile the state reports, consult with other VI Teachers, maintain awareness of current information, legal issues, and services/supports for VI students.
21. Serve as a resource to other staff regarding the needs of students.
22. Demonstrate behavior that is professional, ethical, and responsible.
23. Maintain professional development through such activities as classes, conferences, seminars, workshops, and professional journals.
24. Take all necessary and reasonable precautions to protect students, equipment, materials, and facilities.
25. Maintain Confidentiality
26. Other duties as assigned.
Equipment Used:
Specialized technology for student with visual impairments.
Working Conditions:
Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors:
Considerable judgment, tact, patience, sensitivity, and flexibility are required to deal with students from varied backgrounds and ability levels. Must be willing to manage difficult situations involving student behavior. Creativity and adaptive thinking needed to match teaching objectives, learning strategies, behavior management, and instructional plans with students abilities. Needs ability to communicate (verbal and written); ability to instruct and maintain emotional control under stress. Expertise in areas related to vision instruction. Must be available to travel to multiple campuses within the district.