Position Title
Professional Developer (Blind Skills Specialist)
Work Location
Springfield Campus
Department
Agency for Teaching, Leading and Learning
HR Home Department
020431 AGENCY FOR TEACHING, LEADING & LNG
Proposed Salary
$57,431/annual
Sponsorship Information
Applicants must be currently authorized to work for ANY employer in the United States on a full-time basis. This position is not eligible for work visa sponsorship.
Position only available to current, regular, full-time Missouri State University employees?
No, Position is available to all applicants.
Appointment Type
Full Time Regular
General Function
The Professional Developer for the Agency for Teaching, Leading and Learning provides a comprehensive, sustained, and intensive approach to improving teachers’ and principals’ effectiveness in raising student achievement. The Professional Developer aligns courses, workshops, consultation, modeling, etc. with state student academic achievement standards as well as related local educational agency and school improvement goals. The Professional Developer works with school principals and/or school-based teacher leaders to support the evaluation of student and teacher learning needs based on a review of data on teacher and student performance, the development of educator learning goals, the implementation of learning strategies that improve instructional effectiveness and student achievement, the provision of job-embedded coaching to support the transfer of new knowledge and skills to the classroom, and regular assessment of identified learning goals, improved teaching, and the ability of all students in meeting state academic achievement standards. The Professional Developer completes reporting and implementation requirements and participates in all Agency for Teaching, Leading and Learning staff meetings. The Professional Developer works collaboratively with the Agency for Teaching, Leading and Learning and Missouri State University faculty and staff in efforts relating to improving student achievement and teacher effectiveness.
Description of Primary Duties
This Professional Developer (BSS) will provide professional development to school administrators, teachers, and paraprofessionals who work with children identified with blindness or low vision, provide workshops on topics related to visual impairment for professionals and administrators, and provide information and training to parents of children identified with blindness or low vision. The BSS is responsible for coordinating and working collaboratively with University faculty, staff, and administrators, PK-12, the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), and business/community partners. The BSS coordinates and facilitates the development of professional development workshops, seminars, meetings, and other activities for PK-12 teachers and administrators who work with persons identified with blindness or low vision. The BSS works collaboratively with department heads, deans, and other University officials in order to ensure that these activities and programs follow appropriate University guidelines, policies, and procedures.
The purpose of the Blind Skills Specialist (BSS) position is to support Local Education Agencies (LEAs) in providing special education and related services, which includes making programming and placement recommendations and assisting in the application of appropriation technology to blind and visually impaired students. BSS consultant positions were established pursuant to statute, Section 162.1133, RSMo.
Responsibilities involve the development, coordination and delivery of functional vision assessments for students enrolled in local and state programs. BSS are required to have a thorough understanding of the scope of work and intended outcomes of this contract. Individuals are expected to participate in developing, refining and/or revising training and support materials when requested by DESE. It is the expectation that all contracted personnel will use the materials and tools provided or approved by DESE with integrity. Individuals providing services outlined in this contract are expected to be ambassadors of DESE in its work with districts, schools, and communities.
Minimum Acceptable Qualifications
Education: A Master’s degree in the field of Education from an accredited four-year college or University is required.
Experience: At least five years of successful teaching or public school administrative experience is required by the time the incumbent starts in the position.
Skills: The ability to develop training materials and gather and report research data and program evaluation projects is required. Knowledge and understanding of current research-based instructional and assessment practices and methodologies is required. Presentation experience with adult audiences both small and large is required. The ability to express complex ideas clearly and concisely in writing, as well as the ability to speak effectively to large and small groups is required, including the ability to utilize training methods that will actively engage adult learners. Knowledge and skills in common formative assessment, effective instructional practices, data-driven decision making, and collaborative teaming applicable in all core academic areas is required. Expertise in teacher/administrator evaluation is preferred.
Other: The nature of this position frequently requires attendance at evening and/or weekend activities, including national, state, and local conferences and meetings. Travel is necessary. This position transports a laptop and a projector and quantities of informational brochures unassisted to professional development sessions located both on- and off-campus.
Additional Qualifications
Link to Job Description
https://www.missouristate.edu/Human/JobDescriptions/1812.htm
Close Date (If Close Date is blank then the posting is considered open until filled)
Special Instructions to Applicants
The first date of consideration is August 4, 2026, and applications will continue to be accepted until the position is filled. Official transcript required at time of hire.
Equal Opportunity Statement
Non-Discrimination Statement
Missouri State University is a community of people with respect for diversity. The University emphasizes the dignity and equality common to all persons and adheres to a strict non-discrimination policy regarding the treatment of individual faculty, staff, and students. In accord with federal law and applicable Missouri statutes, the University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin (including ancestry, or any other subcategory of national origin recognized by applicable law), religion, sex (including marital status, family status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or any other subcategory of sex recognized by applicable law), age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other basis protected by applicable law in employment or in any program or activity offered or sponsored by the University. Sex discrimination encompasses sexual harassment, which includes sexual violence, and is strictly prohibited by Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972.
This policy shall not be interpreted in a manner as to violate the legal rights of religious organizations or of military organizations associated with the Armed Forces of the United States of America.
The University maintains a grievance procedure incorporating due process available to any person who believes he or she has been discriminated against. Missouri State University is an Equal Opportunity employer. Inquiries concerning the complaint/grievance procedure related to discrimination on the basis of a protected class, including sexual harassment and sexual assault, or compliance with federal and state laws and guidelines, should be addressed to the Director, Office for Institutional Compliance, Carrington Hall 205, 901 S. National Ave., Springfield, Missouri 65897,
[email protected], 417-836-4252
Background Check Statement
Employment will require a criminal background check at University expense.
