Special Education Teacher – Teacher of the Visually Impaired
Terms of employment
Full-time, 187 days. (Depending on start date). Salary is based on education and experience and will be prorated per our Certified Salary Schedule not to exceed letter I ($51,258-$81,775). The District provides its employees with a comprehensive benefits program including medical, life, and dental insurance. The District provides two medical plans for which it pays the full premium for employees, and a third option is a buy-up plan for which the district pays the majority of the premium. In addition, the District pays the full employee premium for dental insurance and life insurance. The District contributes to PERA on each employee's behalf and offers additional retirement savings options as well as optional supplemental insurance. Employees also receive paid time off. Worker’s compensation and unemployment insurance are provided in accordance with State law.
Position Purpose
Under the general supervision of the Executive Director of Special Education and in collaboration with School Principal, to maximize the learning experience of students with visual disabilities, in academics, social/emotional/behavioral development; communication; interpersonal skills and activities of daily living by implementing district approved curriculum; documenting teaching and student progress/activities, outcomes; addressing students' specific needs; providing a safe and optimal learning environment for children with visual disabilities. To provide services to students with visual disabilities (including production/acquisition of Braille materials, tactile graphics, and/or enlargement) as defined in their Individualized Education Program and to work collaboratively with related services providers and general educators to ensure students receive an appropriate education. Provide direct service assistance in the following areas that were obtained from needs assessment profile:
- Academic Needs
- Life Coping Skills
- Social-Emotional Needs
- Career Education
- Orientation and Mobility Skills
- Braille Reading
Essential Functions
- Provides Direct instruction to students with disabilities based on their Individual Education Plan (IEP)
- Conducts assessments, testing, and diagnostic examinations of students for the purpose of identifying a disability and developing appropriate programming
- Participates in IEP meetings and assists in developing Individual Educational Plans ("IEP") for students
- Assists students and teaching staff in implementing students' IEP's in relation to vision services
- Coordinates with outside agencies, organizations, and institutions, including state and federal authorities as needed
- Coordinates with administrators and other teaching staff members to ascertain and address individual student's abilities and needs, including students with special needs
- Collaborates/communicates effectively and consistently with related service providers and other school personnel to coordinate services for students
- Organizes and maintains a system for accurate, timely, and complete record-keeping and provides student information as required by district procedures and applicable laws
- Encourages parental involvement in students' education and ensures effective communication with students and parents
- Selects and requisitions appropriate books, aids and other supplies and equipment needed to address students’ needs and maintains inventory records
- Abides by all mandates set forth in state and federal law, as well as local district processes and policies in the provision of special education services. Understand IDEA and ECEA rules and regulations
- Maintains confidentiality of student information in accordance with district policy
- Maintains up to date certification in CPI
- Evaluate students referred for a functional vision assessment and provide materials for instruction for educators.
- Provide orientation and mobility training when/if appropriate.
- Apply instruction to the current IEP goals, objectives, needs and strengths.
- Provide instruction to students with a vision disability.
- Participate in child find and vision screenings.
- Consult with parents and educators concerning the visual impairment of students in Special Education.
- Provide materials and adapt materials for the students with visual impairments.
- Provide appropriate compensatory skills to students with visual impairments.
- Provide teachers with information and materials regarding the general management of instruction specifying the vision needs of students.
- Provide in-service education for teachers and administrators when requested and act as a liaison between school and agencies for parents and students.
- Provide data that demonstrates progress towards goals for each student receiving vision services.
- Other duties as assigned
Additional Duties
Performs other related tasks as assigned by the principal and other central office administrators as designated by the Superintendent.
Note: The above description is illustrative of tasks and responsibilities. It is not meant to be all inclusive of every task or responsibility.
Confidential Information
- Staff members shall not access, receive, transmit or retransmit material regarding
students, parents/guardians or district employees that is protected by confidentiality
laws.
- If material is not legally protected but is of a confidential or sensitive nature, great care
shall be taken to ensure that only those with a “need to know” are allowed access to
the material. Staff members shall handle all employee, student, and district records in
accordance with applicable district policies.
- Staff members who intentionally disclose student records, other confidential student information and/or district information may be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including termination.
Equipment
Uses standard office equipment such as personal computers, printer, copy and fax machines, and telephone.
Travel Requirements
Travels to school district buildings and professional meetings as required.
Skills, Knowledge, Abilities
- Knowledge of Special Education principles, theories, testing, methods, etc. as well as proven methods of maximizing the educational experience of students with special needs
- Knowledge of data information systems, data analysis and the formulation of action plans
- Knowledge of applicable federal and state laws regarding education and students
- Knowledge and understanding of assistive technology to provide access in the classroom for students
- Ability to use computer network system and software applications as needed
- Ability to organize and coordinate work
- Ability to communicate effectively with students and parents
- Ability to engage in self-evaluation with regard to performance and professional growth
- Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with others contacted in the course of work
Provide consultative services which include the following:
- Functional vision evaluations, adaptations, and activities for multi-handicapped visually impaired students
- Provide information concerning specific visual impairments, appropriate curriculum adaptations and teacher coping strategies
Physical and Mental Demands, Work Hazards
- Works in standard office and school building environments
- Ability to lift and safely move 50 lbs. or more
- To be physically capable of lifting, bending, and providing physical support for students
- Ability to move rapidly or run
- Frequent standing, kneeling, crouching, walking, and stooping
- Vision for close, peripheral, color, depth perception, distance, and adjusted focus
Qualifications Profile
Qualifications
Applicant must have the knowledge, skills, and abilities sufficient to perform the function of the position; Must have knowledge of research based instructional strategies and interventions.
Bilingual skills in English/Spanish preferred, but not required. Orientation/Mobility Specialist Preferred
Certification/License
- Colorado State Certification as a Teacher with the following endorsement: Special Education Specialist: Visually Impaired (0-21)
- Must be able to pass and maintain certification of the Colorado Department of Education Braille Competency Test (UEB).
- Motor Vehicle Operator's License or ability to provide own transportation
Education
Bachelors from an accredited college or university in education discipline applicable to teaching assignment
Experience
Successful prior special education teaching experience working with students with visual disabilities for the appropriate grade level preferred.
FLSA Status: Exempt
