HARRISONBURG CITY PUBLIC SCHOOLS

JOB DESCRIPTION

 

Position:	Teacher for the Blind and Visually Impaired
Reports to:	Principal, Director of Special Education		Contract:	200 Days
Salary Scale:	Teacher		FLSA Status:	Exempt
	Revised:	5/2022

 

POSITION SUMMARY:

 

The Teacher of the Visually Impaired will provide specialized instruction and services to meet the unique educational needs of students with visual impairments ages 3-21 to enhance the student’s ability to improve independent functioning. Teachers of the Visually Impaired will conduct functional vision/learning media assessments and provide written reports. Serve as a member of a multi-disciplinary team for planning a comprehensive educational program for students. Support general education teachers with inclusive practices so that students with visual impairments are able to access the general education curriculum.  

 

QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Must hold a collegiate professional license with endorsement in special education, visual impairments. 
2. Orientation and Mobility is preferred. 
3. Must have successful teaching experience working with students that are blind or visually impaired. 
4. Must have experience with braille instruction (UEB and Nemeth). 
5. Must have experience with the creation of and instruction in the use of tactile graphics.
6. Must have experience using assistive technology including JAWS, low vision devices, braille equipment, refreshable braille displays and demonstrate a willingness to learn new technology as needed. 
7. Must have experience working with students with Cortical Visual Impairment (CVI).
8. Must have experience completing Functional Vision Assessments, preparing accessible materials including braille, large print and ordering additional materials as needed.
9. Must have experience with AIM-VA and collaborating with the Department for the Blind and Vision Impaired (DBVI). 
10. Must have a comprehensive knowledge of Federal and State regulations as related to the provision of educational services and support for students with disabilities including visual impairments. 
11. Must be able to work in a collaborative and cooperative manner with parents, co-workers, school staff and service providers. 
12. Communicate with low-vision specialists, ophthalmologists, and optometrists concerning exams, and attend exams when appropriate.
13. Understand the Expanded Core Curriculum and implementation within the school and community environments. 
14. Bilingual skills to include Spanish are a plus.
15. Must have a valid driver's license.
16. Effectively demonstrates the ability to perform the essential functions.
17. Experience working directly with individuals and families from diverse racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds.
18. Familiarity with equity and inclusion frameworks.  Models non-discriminatory practices in all activities.  Respects the worth, dignity and individual differences of others.
19. Excellent written and verbal communication skills and the ability to present to diverse audiences to foster professional relationships and express and/or exchange ideas.  
20. Excellent interpersonal skills.
21. Proficiency in the use of a variety of office/instructional equipment and technology with experience using Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, and email.
22. Demonstrated leadership qualities and personal characteristics necessary for working effectively with students, teachers, administrators, and the community.

 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Travel to different work locations to provide services to students in a variety of settings. 
2. Collaborate with the special education case manager for students ensuring that Individual Educational Programs are developed, implemented and reviewed according to regulations. 
3. Develops and maintains a classroom environment or work station conducive to effective learning. 
4. Complete Functional Vision Assessments on students at least every three years or as determined by the IEP team. Complete Functional Vision Assessments as part of the eligibility process, as needed. 
5. Provide the classroom teacher(s) with training and support necessary to ensure access to the curriculum and the provisions of FAPE. 
6. Obtains large print or Braille textbooks. 
7. Attends meetings as requested, including staff meetings, departmental meetings, Student Support Team (SST) meetings, eligibility, reevaluations, and maintaining accurate records from meetings. 
8. Prepares for students assigned and maintains appropriate data collection to demonstrate student progress. 
9. Establishes high expectations for students by employing a variety of instructional techniques and instructional media. 
10. Maintains and monitors all specialized equipment including Braille writers, canes, etc. 
11. Provide staff and parent training as needed to support student independence and inclusion in the school and community settings.
12. Performs other related duties and assignments as required.
13. Takes all industry standard precautions to protect students, staff, equipment, materials, and facilities.
14. Maintains appropriate state licensure; assumes responsibility for and participates in staff development (professional growth) and training to keep materials, supplies, and skills up-to-date.
15. Follows appropriate safety procedures and properly maintains equipment.
16. Actively participates in and attends all required meetings.
17. Maintains confidentiality when appropriate.
18. Complies with and supports school division policies, regulations, procedures, and the HCPS Strategic Plan.
19. Effectively performs other duties as assigned by immediate supervisor.

 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS / WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Light work, lifting up to 25 pounds occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds frequently.  Regular travel throughout the school and effectively interact with students, staff, and the school community.  Regular contact with staff members is required.  Not substantially exposed to adverse environmental conditions.

 

EVALUATION:

Performance will be evaluated in accordance with school board policy and administrative regulations on the evaluation of administrative or licensed personnel.

 

 

The above is intended to describe the essential functions of and requirements for the performance of this position.  It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of the duties, responsibilities and requirements of this position.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions and meet the demands of this position.

 

 

 

Vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word; hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels; visual acuity is required for preparing and analyzing written or computer data, determining the accuracy and thoroughness of work, and observing general surroundings and activities; and subject to inside and outside environmental conditions