Teacher-Visual Impairments

Job Title: Teacher-Visual Impairments

Experience:        Related experience within a specialized field is required.

Education:        Bachelor`s or Master’s degree in job-related area

Certificates/License:       KSDE Approved Licensure

Status:        School Year Term – Benefit Eligible

Salary:        Certified Salary Schedule__Determined by qualifications and experience

Location:        McPherson County Special Education Cooperative

Report to:        McCSEC Assistant Director and/or Building Principal

FSLA Classification:        Exempt                         

Purpose Statement

The job of Teacher-Visual Impairments is done for the purpose(s) of providing support to the instructional process with specific responsibility for developing strategies and tools that help visually impaired students succeed in academics- interpersonal skills- and activities of daily living; supervising students within the classroom and other assigned areas; developing lesson plans and delivering group and individual student instruction within established curriculum guidelines; collaborating with other teachers- other professional staff- and administrators in addressing instructional and classroom issues; and responding to a wide range of inquiries from students` parents or guardians regarding instructional program and student progress.

Essential Functions

• Administers a variety of evaluative tools (e.g. developmental testing programs- subject specific assessments- etc.) for the purpose of assessing student competency levels and developing individual learning plans.

• Assesses student progress towards objectives- expectations- and goals for the purpose of providing feedback to students- parents- and administration.

• Collaborates with instructional staff- other school personnel- parents- and a variety of community resources (e.g. paraeducators- Orientation and Mobility Specialist- Assistive Technology Team- opthamologists- etc.) for the purpose of improving the overall quality of student outcomes and achieving established classroom objectives in support of the student IEPs.

• Coordinates care for visually impaired students (e.g. vision evaluations- IEP meetings- etc.) for the purpose of addressing the needs of individual students and ensuring compliance with legal requirements.

• Counsels students for the purpose of improving performance- health status- problem solving techniques- and a variety of personal issues.

• Differentiates curriculum for the purpose of providing students with instructional materials that address individualized learning plans.

• Informs parents and legal guardians of student progress for the purpose of communicating expectations- students` achievements- developing methods for improvement- and reinforcing individual planning goals.

• Instructs students in expanded core curriculum (e.g. braille- low vision devices- assistive technologies- etc.) for the purpose of improving their success in academic and daily living skills.

• Maintains complete confidentiality and professional discretion with a variety of confidential and non-confidential activities- files and records (e.g. conversations- emails- progress reports- activity logs- treatment plans- required documentation- screening results- etc.) for the purpose of documenting activities- complying with mandated requirements- and providing up-to-date information.

• Monitors students in a variety of educational environments (e.g. classroom- playground- field trips- etc.) for the purpose of providing a safe and positive learning environment.

• Orders material and devices (e.g. braille readers- braille books- large print materials- audio devices- electronic format materials- etc.) for the purpose of providing students with accessible formats and ensuring items availability.

• Participates in a variety of meetings (e.g. IEPs- general education interventions- etc.) for the purpose of conveying and gathering information required to perform functions.

• Prepares a variety of written materials (e.g. IEPs- paraeducator evaluations- learning materials- progress reports- etc.) for the purpose of communicating information to other parties.

• Reports incidents (e.g. fights- suspected child abuse- suspected substance abuse- bullying- etc.) for the purpose of maintaining personal safety of students- providing a positive learning environment- and adhering to the education code of ethics and school policies as a mandated reporter.

• Responds to inquiries from a variety of sources (e.g. other teachers- parents- administrators- related service providers- etc.) for the purpose of resolving issues- providing information- and direction.

• Supports classroom teachers for the purpose of assisting them in the implementation of established curriculum and individual student plans.

• Travels to multiple work sites for the purpose of providing adaptive curriculum and supports to students.

Other Functions

• Performs other related duties as assigned for the purpose of ensuring the efficient and effective functioning of the work unit.

Job Requirements: Minimum Qualifications

Skills- Knowledge and Abilities

SKILLS are required to perform multiple- highly complex- technical tasks with a need to occasionally upgrade skills in order to meet changing job conditions. Specific skill based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: applying assessment instruments; operating standard office equipment including pertinent software applications; preparing and maintaining accurate records; analyzing situations and taking appropriate action; and being flexible.

KNOWLEDGE is required to perform algebra and/or geometry; review and interpret highly technical information- write technical materials- and/or speak persuasively to implement desired actions; and solve practical problems. Specific knowledge based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: appropriate codes- policies- regulations- and laws; age appropriate activities; lesson plan requirements; stages of child development; basic disabilities; behavioral management strategies; current and emerging technology; and expanded core curriculum.

ABILITY is required to schedule activities- meetings- and/or events; gather- collate- and/or classify data; and consider a number of factors when using equipment. Flexibility is required to independently work with others in a wide variety of circumstances; work with data utilizing defined but different processes; and operate equipment using standardized methods. Ability is also required to work with a wide diversity of individuals; work with a variety of data; and utilize a variety of job-related equipment. Problem solving is required to analyze issues and create action plans. Problem solving with data frequently requires independent interpretation of guidelines; and problem solving with equipment is moderate. Specific ability based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: establishing and maintaining constructive relationships; adapting to changing work priorities; communicating with diverse groups; maintaining confidentiality; exhibiting tact and patience; organizing tasks; setting priorities; and implementing current technologies.

Responsibility

Responsibilities include: working under limited supervision using standardized practices and/or methods; directing other persons within a small work unit; operating within a defined budget. Utilization of some resources from other work units is often required to perform the job`s functions. There is some opportunity to significantly impact the organization’s services.

Work Environment

The usual methods of performing the job`s functions require the following physical demands: occasional lifting and carrying up to twenty (20) pounds- some pushing- and/or pulling- some climbing and balancing- some stooping- kneeling- crouching- and/or crawling and significant fine finger dexterity. Generally the job requires 50% sitting- 35% walking- and 15% standing. The job is performed under conditions with some exposure to risk of injury and/or illness.

Benefits Information

Salary Information

Employer Information