Job Summary

This is an itinerant teaching position for students with visual impairments traveling to various schools throughout the District to provide direct services to students and consultative services to teachers who have students with a visual impairment in their classrooms. The students range in age from three to 22 and may, or may not, have additional disabilities, some of which are significant. Employs a variety of instructional techniques and instructional media based on the Expanded Core Curriculum and the needs and capabilities of the students. Strives to implement, by instruction and action, the District’s philosophy of education and instructional goals and objectives. 

Essential Functions

1. Prepare for and instruct assigned classes and show written evidence of preparation upon request of immediate supervisor.

2. Develops, or assists in the development of, Individualized Educational Plans (IEP) for each student, to personalize the goals for every student based on individual student needs, interests and abilities pursuant to the Expanded Core Curriculum for Blind and Visually Impaired Children (ECC).

3. Assist in developing the appropriate educational program for students with visual impairments by conducting student observations, evaluations, and consultation with teachers, therapists, doctors and parents.

4.Provide appropriate, individualized instruction to each student on the caseload.

5. Develop lesson plans and schedules that meet the goals of each student.

6.Develop and maintain an appropriate daily/weekly schedule for services and related tasks.

7.Track services as required by District.

8. Provide consultation and assistance to mainstream teachers as to physical and instructional accommodations needed for each student.

9. Assist in the selection and use of specialized equipment, instructional materials, and curriculum; prepare paperwork to order needed materials and equipment.

10. Establish open, frequent, effective communication with parents, and all related and mainstream staff.

11. Present appropriate and specific information of student’s progress towards goals, including evaluative and progress data as required by District.

12. Attend IEP meetings, 504 meetings and Eligibility Determination meetings.

13. Complete and present detailed functional vision and learning media assessments as part of initial evaluations, and any three year evaluations.

14. Demonstrate ability to implement technical skills for the visually impaired including:

• Reading, transcribing and teaching Braille
• Teaching student to use appropriate low vision aids and tools to maximize their functional vision
• Assisting students in developing listening skills

15. Interpret medical reports to assist students, teachers, and families understand the student’s vision loss.

16. Ability to develop and implement appropriate individual and classroom behavior management skills/programs.

17. Assist team in following through on appropriate sighted guide and safe travel skills within the classroom and building.

18. Assist with the collection and reporting of data for state required census.

19.Register students with the Florida Instructional Materials Center for the Visually Impaired, Learning Ally, BookShare and other media, and order materials from such organizations.

20. Provide information to parents for registration at the Division of Blind Services and   Vocational Education Resource Center.

21. Participate and assist in Braille Challenge events, when appropriate.

22. May require skills in positioning, feeding, and developing language.

23. Coordinate and create materials in the student’s preferred media.

24. Assist student to develop appropriate social and independent skills across the ECC.

25. Participate in appropriate staff meetings to review and discuss student needs and progress, and participate in professional development meetings as requested.

26. Establish and maintain a positive atmosphere in working with staff in order that this atmosphere will be carried over for the student.

Minimum Qualifications

Education:  Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Visual Impairments required. Master’s degree preferred.  

Experience:  None.  

Certifications & Licenses:  Florida Department of Education Certification in Visually Impaired (K-12); Orientation & Mobility Endorsement preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities 

• Knowledge of visual impairment conditions and instructional techniques
• Knowledge of Expanded Core Curriculum for Blind and Visually Impaired (ECC)
• Knowledge of record keeping requirements of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act
• Strong oral, written, and interpersonal skills
• Strong time management skills
• Strong organizational skills
• Strong word processing, spreadsheet, database, embossing, transcribing and presentation software skills
• Ability to plan and implement a program of study based on ECC components that meets the individual needs, interests and abilities of students
• Ability to devote additional hours beyond the workday for preparation of lesson plans and instructional materials, IEP development, etc.
• Ability to manage student behavior
• Ability to manage multiple tasks