Teacher of Visually Impaired

Job Title: Teacher of Visually Impaired

FLSA Classification: Exempt

Reports To: Program Supervisor

Summary:  This employee is responsible for organizing and implementing an instructional program for visually impaired students. 
 
Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following.  Other duties may be assigned.  

• Preparing, implementing, and evaluating an annual educational plan for each student based on individually assessed needs in accordance with district procedures.  
• Using appropriate assessment instruments pertinent to instructional areas.
• Participating in student screening processes
• Participating on evaluation teams for visually impaired students as appropriate.
• Making available to teachers instructional ideas and materials that are appropriate for the exceptional student within the classroom situation as requested. 
• Conferring with the classroom teacher as requested concerning any educational needs of the student.
• Developing and conducting an in-service program to inform classroom teachers of the goals and objectives and ways of achieving them in the school setting.  
• Ensuring that each student in the program has necessary evaluation records in his/her/their permanent folder. Completing progress reports on each student in the program. 
• Supplying progress reports to school personnel and to parents of exceptional students as necessary and requested. 
• Referring those students who require further evaluation or follow-up services to the appropriate school personnel or community agencies.
• Direct service instruction including Braille, assisting technology, core curriculum instruction as needed, activities of daily living as needed, and orientation and mobility. 
• Consultation including aiding teachers in the development of accommodations, adaptions, modification of classroom materials and/or classroom environment. 

Competencies:  To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies: 

Assesses own strengths and weaknesses. Prioritize and plan work activities; Use time efficiently; Develop realistic action plans.  Responds promptly to customer needs; Meets commitments.  Maintains confidentiality; Works with integrity and ethically.  Speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations; Demonstrates group presentation skills; Participates in meetings; Writes clearly and informatively. Balances team and individual responsibilities; Looks for ways to improve and promote quality. Builds commitment and overcomes resistance; Exhibits confidence in self and others.Works within approved budget. Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness; Observes safety and security procedures; Determines appropriate action beyond guidelines.

Qualifications:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education/Experience & Certification: Minimum of a Bachelor’s degree; Must obtain and maintain a valid Special Education Vision Impairment license with the State of Ohio Department of Education.

Language Ability: Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.  Ability to write routine reports and correspondence.  Ability to speak effectively before groups of customers or employees of organization.

Math Ability: Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percent and to draw and interpret bar graphs.

Reasoning Ability: Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out detailed but uninvolved written or oral instructions. Ability to deal with problems involving a few concrete variables in standardized situations.

Computer Skills:  To perform this job successfully an individual should have knowledge of internet browser use for research, and ability to use virtual meeting tools. Ability to operate a copier and personal computer, and input grades into a database. 

Work Environment and Physical Demands: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Environment: The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Physical Demands: The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.  The employee is frequently able to perform holds up to 80 pounds.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include Close vision and Peripheral vision.  While performing the duties of their job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms and talk or hear.  The employee is frequently required to stand; walk and sit; bend; twist; and squat.  The employee is occasionally required to climb or balance and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.

After proper training, assist students with personal health needs and non-medical procedures; position and/or perform on-person or two-person lift of a child; and perform restraints on students when needed.