Special Ed: Exceptional Children Teacher Itinerant Visually Impaired

Itinerant Teacher for Visually Impaired (TVI)/ Orientation & Mobility(O&M) Specialist

 

FUNCTIONAL PURPOSE

 

The purpose of this position is to travel to students from assigned schools to provide direct and/or consultative Special Education services relation to visual impairments.  These services aim to enable the student to learn in classroom and community environments.  Assigned students range in age from 3 to 21, may have additional disabilities, and may have varying cognitive function.

 

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Both:

• Perform specialized assessments that will provide information regarding current academic and functional levels (i.e. Functional Vision Assessment, Learning Media Assessment, various assessments in the Expanded Core Curriculum, O&M assessment, etc.).
• Use information from assessments to recommend goals, accommodations, and classroom supports.
• Direct and train paraprofessionals assigned to work with students who are Visually Impaired.
• Provide updated information as requested by the IEP team for annual reviews, re-evaluations, and progress reports.
• Keep accurate records/data to document student progress on goals.
• Provide training, support, and encouragement to enhance student independence.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

TVI:

• Provide team members with information regarding the specialized strategies needed for success with each VI student.
• Assist in determining need for and procuring classroom equipment and materials necessary for students with visual impairments to learn (braille, low-vision devices, assistive technology, computer, etc.).
• Supervise, train staff, and/or create alternative materials such as braille, recorded materials, enlarged materials, and tactile symbols appropriate for each child.
• Provide direct instruction in areas of the Expanded Core Curriculum.
• Work with outside agencies to support transition needs.
• Have current knowledge of use of and instruction in assistive technology for visual impairments including screen readers, braille displays, built-in accessibility options on computers, embossers, and braille translation software.

O&M

• Provide team members with support and training to ensure reinforcement of appropriate O&M skills.
• Provide orientation training to students in new buildings and for new schedules as needed.
• Prepare and use equipment such as tactile maps, models, optical devices, pre-canes, adaptive mobility devices (ADMs) GPS devices, and long canes.
• Provide direct instruction for independent, safe, and efficient travel in the school environment, residential environments, business/commercial environments, and using public transportation as appropriate.

 

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Demonstrated ability to utilize Unified English Braille (technical and non-technical materials).
• Ability to assess student needs and writing measurable goals for students.
• Ability to implement effective instructional and behavior management techniques.
• Clear understanding of federal and state Special Education laws.
• Ability to teach the expanded core curriculum areas.
• Ability to read and produce materials in Unified English Braille (UEB).
• Ability to communicate effectively in writing and orally with students, parents, other staff and community members.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

• Minimum: Bachelor of Science in Special Education - Visual Impairments and/or Orientation and Mobility PLUS one year work experience as EC Teacher/Teacher Assistant.
• Desirable: Master of Science in Special Education - Visual Impairment and/or Orientation and Mobility PLUS three years work experience as EC Teacher/Teacher Assistant.

CERTIFICATION AND LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS:

• NC Teacher Certification in Visual Impairments - TVI
• Certification from the Academy for Certification of Vision Rehabilitation and Education Professionals (ACVREP) - O&M
• Valid NC Driver's License

 Pay Grade: Certified Teacher Pay Schedule 

PHYSICAL WORK DEMANDS:

 

 

 

 

PHYSICAL

ACTIVITY

FREQUENCY

C - Constant

F - Frequent

O - Occasional

I - Infrequent

NR - Not Required

 

 

 

 

PHYSICAL

ACTIVITY

FREQUENCY

 C - Constant

 F - Frequent

 O - Occasional

I - Infrequent

NR - Not Required

Climbing/Balancing

I

Lifting/Carrying

O up to 30 lbs.

Crawling/Kneeling

I

Grasping/Twisting

O

Walking

F

Reaching

F

Running

I

Pushing/Pulling

O

Standing

F

Fingering/Typing

F

Sitting

F

Driving

F requires driving car between sites

Bending/Stooping

O

Others:

 

 

In compliance with Federal Law, Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools administers all education programs, employment activities and admissions without discrimination against any person on the basis of sex, race, color, religion, national origin, age, or disability.