Special Education V.I. Teacher

Harlandale Independent School District - San Antonio, TX

Full-time

San Antonio, TX

Educational Services

About the position

The Teacher of Students with Visual Impairments provides specialized educational services to students with visual impairments, ranging from birth to 21 years old. This role involves traveling to various schools and locations to deliver direct instruction and consultative support, ensuring that students receive the necessary resources and adaptations to thrive in their educational environments. The teacher also plays a crucial role in developing Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and collaborating with educational teams to implement effective strategies for students with visual impairments.

Responsibilities

• Actively support efforts to achieve district, department and program goals and objectives.
• Provide leadership in establishing new programs and developing improved understanding of existing programs.
• Perform functional vision evaluations and learning media assessments on new referrals and three-year re-evaluations.
• Interpret eye medical reports as they relate to educational environments.
• Contribute to the development of the IEP/IFSP with goals, modifications, and strategies.
• Provide consultative support to educational teams of visually impaired students to ensure effective program implementation.
• Recommend appropriate specialized evaluations as needed, such as low vision, orientation and mobility, vocational, and adaptive physical education.
• Participate in team assessments for students with moderate to severe cognitive disabilities.
• Assist in determining need for and procuring equipment and materials necessary for students with visual impairments.
• Provide direct instruction in all areas of the Expanded Core Curriculum where appropriate, including Braille reading and writing; use of low vision devices; typing/keyboarding; use of adaptive devices; visual efficiency; self advocacy; social, recreation/leisure and daily living skills.
• Assist with planning and implementing staff development programs and in-service activities for special education personnel.
• Provide necessary resources to implement effective programs for visually impaired students.
• Provide assistance to students with visual impairments in understanding their own attitudes and those of others concerning their visual impairment.
• Facilitate social integration and interaction with peers.
• Provide training and support to parents of students with visual impairments to enhance their children's independence.
• Participate in transition planning.
• Implement the policies established by federal and state law, State Board of Education rule and local board policy in the area of visual impairment.
• Maintain and update student information and records as required by state, federal and local board policy in the area of visual impairment.
• Serve as a liaison between the district and community resources in providing support for visually impaired students.
• Observe professional and ethical standards in accordance with generally accepted community standards and the Texas Education Agency Code of Ethics.
• Seek, accept and respond to evaluative feedback from colleagues and utilize such information to improve performance.
• Maintain a reference library.
• Acquire information about current research, development, and technology by attending conferences, workshops, and area meetings and by reading journals in the field of visual impairment.
• Perform such other duties as may be assigned by the Director of Special Education.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree
• Texas TVI Supplemental Certificate
• Special Education Certification