Braille Instructor SDBF0006

DHRM•Staunton, VA

8d•Onsite

About The Position

The Braille Instructor at the Virginia School for the Deaf and the Blind (VSDB) provides direct, specialized instruction in Braille literacy and related skills to students who are blind, visually impaired, or deafblind. This position serves as an IEP case manager for assigned students. The Braille Instructor assesses individual student needs, develops and implements individualized instruction, monitors student progress, and collaborates with classroom teachers, families, and related service providers to support students' development of functional and academic Braille skills. The Braille Instructor at VSDB serves as a resource to instructional staff regarding Braille literacy, accessible instruction, and the use of Braille-related technology. The position supports students in developing the skills necessary to access the general curriculum, communicate effectively, and increase independence across educational and daily living environments.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in special education, visual impairments, education, or a related field.
Valid Virginia teaching license with an endorsement appropriate for teaching students with visual impairments, or eligibility for such licensure.
Advanced knowledge and proficiency in Braille reading and writing.
Knowledge of Unified English Braille (UEB) and applicable Braille formatting standards.
Knowledge of Braille literacy development and effective instructional practices for students who are blind or visually impaired.
Ability to assess Braille literacy skills and use assessment data to develop individualized instruction.
Ability to provide effective direct instruction to students with a wide range of ages, abilities, and learning needs.
Knowledge of assistive technology used by students who are blind or visually impaired.
Strong communication, collaboration, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
Minimum proficiency level of Novice in American Sign Language as measured by the Sign Language Proficiency Interview or agreement to acquire this level within three years of hire.

Nice To Haves

Experience providing direct Braille instruction to students in an educational setting.
Knowledge and demonstrated proficiency in Nemeth Code.
Knowledge and experience developing and following student Individualized Education Plans.
Experience with Braille technology, including electronic Braille displays, notetakers, translation software, and embossers.
Experience working with students who have multiple disabilities or additional learning needs.
Experience incorporating Expanded Core Curriculum skills into instruction.
Experience with assessment and progress monitoring of Braille literacy.

Responsibilities

Provides direct, specialized instruction in Braille literacy and related skills to students who are blind, visually impaired, or deafblind.
Serves as an IEP case manager for assigned students.
Assesses individual student needs.
Develops and implements individualized instruction.
Monitors student progress.
Collaborates with classroom teachers, families, and related service providers to support students' development of functional and academic Braille skills.
Serves as a resource to instructional staff regarding Braille literacy, accessible instruction, and the use of Braille-related technology.
Supports students in developing the skills necessary to access the general curriculum, communicate effectively, and increase independence across educational and daily living environments.
Teaches students to use Braille technology independently.
Collects, analyzes, and communicates student progress data.
Develops effective instructional strategies and methods.
Differentiates instruction to meet diverse student needs.
Establishes positive relationships with students and promotes student independence and self-advocacy.
Designs a schedule that meets service minute requirements for caseload responsibilities.