NORTHWEST INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT

 

Job Title: Teacher of the Visually Impaired (0526)

Pay Grade: A15/A20

Reports To: Special Education Director                       
FLSA: Exempt
Dept. / Campus: Special Education                              
Minimum Duty Days: 187 days
Revised: 02/2021

 

 

Primary Purpose:

Provide direct and consultative services to and for students with visual impairments, to help them fulfill their potential.  Provide instruction in compensatory skills, such as use of specific devices and equipment, daily living skills and self-advocacy, to maximize their participation in school activities, post-secondary school experiences, and the community

Qualifications:

Minimum Requirements:

Bachelor’s degree from accredited university

Valid Texas teaching certificate as a teacher of the visually impaired

At least one year of student teaching or approved internship

Orientation & Mobility Certification Preferred

 

Special Knowledge/Skills:

Knowledge of special needs of students in assigned area

Knowledge of ARD Committee process and IEP goal setting process and implementation

General knowledge of curriculum and instruction

Ability to instruct students and manage their behavior

Knowledge of resources available through the district and in the community in support of vision needs

Ability to demonstrate strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills

 

Major Responsibilities and Duties:

 

Assessment:

1. Conduct a learning media assessment for students with visual impairments and complete the necessary documentation
2. Provide consultation to other members of the evaluation team on effective and appropriate assessment techniques for use with students with visual impairments

 

Instructional Strategies:

1. Collaborate with students, parents, and other staff members to develop appropriate IEPs through the ARD Committee process for each student to include specific instruction in skills needed to compensate for the visual impairment
2. Participate in ARD Committee meetings on a regular basis
3. Supplement the work of the regular classroom teachers who have students with visual impairments in their classes
4. Participate in the selection of accommodations and instructional methods appropriate for students with visual impairments
5. Plan and use a variety of instructional techniques and media to meet the needs and capabilities of each student
6. Work cooperatively with classroom teachers to modify regular curricula as needed and assist special education students in general and special education classes
7. Develop IEPs and lesson plans; complete and distribute ARD paperwork; progress reports, and report cards in a timely manner
8. Assist in the selection of technology, equipment and materials appropriate for students with visual impairments, and effectively use technology and assistive devices to strengthen the teaching/learning process
9. Assist with the preparation of materials (Braille and other) needed by VI students in order to participate in classroom instruction and activities
10. Instruct students with visual impairments in appropriate special skills in Braille, typing other special learning media including remedial work
11. Provide students with visual impairments with large print, Braille, tape recorded or other materials in cooperation with the classroom teacher
12. Arrange for standardized test administration in appropriate media for students with visual impairments
13. Consult with students with visual impairments and their parents on educational progress, vocational planning, educational planning, social adjustment and mobility as needed
14. Consult with teachers and district staff on the special needs of students with visual impairments and provide instruction to the students according to guidelines established in IEPs
15. Assist in selecting students for enrollment in programs for the visually impaired  and make referrals in vocational rehabilitation; provide liaison between schools for transfer students
16. Observe classroom and playground  functioning of students with visual impairments
17. Select, train and supervise peer readers when needed to assist students with visual impairments
18. Monitor student performance to improve student success
19. Keep required records and make required reports to the student’s immediate supervisors.
20. Interpret the itinerant program for students with visual impairments to the schools and the community

 

Student Growth and Development:

1. Conduct ongoing assessments of student achievement through formal and informal testing.
2. Assume responsibility for ensuring appropriate accommodations are in place for extracurricular activities
3. Be a positive role model for students; support mission of school district and department.

 

Classroom Management and Organization:

1. Create classroom environment conducive to learning and appropriate for the physical, social,

            and emotional development of students.

1. Manage student behavior in accordance with Student Code of Conduct, the Texas State Behavior Initiative, and the student’s IEP/BIP, including appropriate physical restraint in crisis situations
2. Take all necessary and reasonable precautions to protect students, equipment, materials, and facilities
3. Assist in selection of books, equipment, and other instructional materials

 

Communication:

1. Establish and maintain open lines of communication by conducting conferences with parents,

             students, principals, teachers, and community agencies

1. Maintain a professional relationship with colleagues, students, parents, and community members.
2. Use effective communication skills to present information accurately and clearly
3. Provide information on visual impairments and resources to parents, faculty and communities

 

Professional Growth and Development:

1. Participate in staff develop activities to improve job-related skills
2. Keep current in new research and methods of teaching students with visual impairments
3. Attend and participate in campus and district meetings and staff development as required

 

Other:

1. Keep informed of and comply with federal, state, district, and school regulations and policies

for special education teachers.

1. Comply with the Texas Educators’ Code of Ethics
2. Keep accurate records and compile, maintain, and file all reports, records, and other documents required.
3. Provide regular consultative assistance and inservice training to campuses, itinerant staff, classroom teachers and paraprofessionals serving students with visual impairments
4. Initiate orders, inventory, store and issue special books material and equipment for students with visual impairments
5. Use appropriate district approved physical safety techniques including restraint
6. Dress and shoes appropriate to job responsibilities
7. Perform other duties as assigned

 

SHARS/ MAC / RMTS:
Northwest ISD participates in the School Health and Related Services (SHARS)  and MAC programs which allows our district to request Medicaid reimbursement for certain health-related services. The Admission, Review, and Dismissal (ARD) committee determines SHARS services.

As a special education staff member, you will be required to train and bill for SHARS reimbursements for students on your caseload.  Trainings will be provided for SHARS, for RMTS (Random Moment in Time Studies), where staff are chosen randomly to answer a few questions, and for MAC (Diagnosticians and non-Personal Care Providers only).  Training will be provided at the beginning of each school year as well as on an “as needed” basis for new hires.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

N/A

 

Working Conditions:
Maintain emotional control under stress; Work with frequent interruptions; Moderate lifting and carrying (books, media equipment, desks, and other classroom or adaptive equipment); May be required to lift and position students with physical disabilities; and assist non-ambulatory students; Frequent standing, stooping, bending, kneeling, pushing, and pulling; Exposure to biological hazards; District/State wide travel; Working prolonged or irregular hours.  Position requires frequent bending, stooping, twisting, pulling, overhead reaching, sitting, and keyboarding.  Position requires the ability to lift 25 pounds to waist high.

 

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, alternative methods of performing your duties, or skills that may be required.