Citywide Teacher - Students with Visual Disabilities

Chicago Public Schools•Chicago, IL

7d•Hybrid

About The Position

Chicago Public Schools (CPS) is a large urban school district committed to providing a world-class education to over 325,000 students. The Office for Students with Disabilities (OSD) aims to deliver high-quality instructional support and services to diverse learners in their least restrictive environment, working collaboratively with schools and Networks to improve academic achievement and ensure meaningful access to grade-level instruction. This role supports the vision that every student deserves a rigorous, joyful, and equitable learning experience.

Requirements

Minimum of two (2) years as a teacher of students who are blind or have visual disabilities
Proficiency in the literary braille code
Knowledge of the Nemeth code
Proficiency in teaching students to use screen reading software, screen enlarging software, braille note takers, magnifiers, monocular telescopes, and other low and high tech devices or apps specifically designed to provide access for people who are blind or have visual disabilities
Proficiency in the use of key commands and teaching of keyboarding skills
Knowledge of the common core state standards
Knowledge of and ability to design lessons on the nine areas of the expanded core curriculum for students who are blind or have visual disabilities
Ability to work as a member of several teams in several schools throughout a designated area of the city
Excellent spoken and written communication skills
Establish/Maintain Chicago Residency - Employees are required to live within the geographic boundaries of the City of Chicago within six months of their CPS hire date and maintain residency throughout their employment with the district. The Chicago residency requirement does not apply to temporary/part-time positions; however, all CPS employees must be residents of Illinois.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree or higher preferred
Licensed in the state of Illinois to teach students who are blind or who have visual disabilities

Responsibilities

Provide direct instruction and consultative services for a caseload of students who have been identified as having visual disabilities
Collaborate with classroom teachers on implementation of strategies, accommodations, and/or modifications that will facilitate access to the common core state standards for students with visual disabilities
Teach and assess students in the nine areas of the expanded core curriculum for students with visual disabilities
Collect data toward mastery of IEP goals as outlined in student IEPs
Conduct functional vision assessments and learning media assessments to prepare for three-year re-evaluation meetings
Participate in annual IEP meetings and three-year re-evaluation eligibility conferences for students on caseload
Consult with parents of students with visual disabilities on student progress and how they can reinforce skills learned at school
Provide direct instruction on using high tech and low tech equipment specially designed for the use of students with visual disabilities
Participate in ongoing CPS and/or outside professional development opportunities and be able to impart knowledge acquired to fellow team members
Comply with all central office requests for data collection regarding student achievement and teacher accountability
Other duties as assigned