Education Consultant 1 (B.E.S.B.) - TVI

State of Connecticut • Litchfield, CT

35d • Hybrid

About The Position

Support students with visual impairments as a Teacher of the Visually Impaired. Make a meaningful impact through specialized instruction, collaboration, and advocacy across Connecticut! Are you a certified Teacher of the Visually Impaired (TVI), or currently enrolled in a Vision Studies program with the goal of becoming a TVI? The State of Connecticut Department of Aging and Disability Services (ADS) is seeking passionate, specialized individuals to join the Bureau of Education and Services for the Blind (BESB) as an Education Consultant 1. As a key educational partner, you will serve as the content expert and consultant responsible for delivering the Expanded Core Curriculum (ECC) - the specialized, foundational skills crucial for students who are blind, have low vision, or experience multiple impairments. You will provide specialized instruction and consultation that empowers students to achieve greater independence, access their education, and build a strong foundation for life beyond the classroom. Meet BESB: Bureau of Education and Services for the Blind The Bureau of Education and Services for the Blind (BESB) is Connecticut’s leading agency for serving individuals who are blind or visually impaired. From early childhood through adulthood, BESB provides critical services that promote education, independence, and employment. Our team teaches students how to navigate environments designed for sighted individuals, provides accessible materials and technology, and supports families and schools through collaboration and expertise. Joining BESB means becoming part of a mission-driven team that helps children and young adults reach their full potential through specialized instruction, advocacy, and meaningful connection.

Requirements

• Possess a degree in vision studies from an accredited college or university, OR be enrolled in an accredited college or university program with adequate credits for certification.
• Possess certification in special education in the area of teaching the blind or partially sighted, OR be eligible for a Durational Shortage Area Permit (DSAP), or currently possess a DSAP.
• A Bachelor's degree with at least twelve (12) semester hours in courses applicable to the blind or partially-sighted.
• Possession of a certificate in special education in the area of teaching the blind or partially-sighted issued by the State Board of Education OR eligibility for a durational shortage area permit (DSAP) or possession of a DSAP.

Nice To Haves

• Experience teaching assistive technology equipment to students who are blind or visually impaired
• Experience teaching the Expanded Core Curriculum to students who are blind or visually impaired
• Experience teaching Braille to students who are blind or visually impaired
• Experience adapting curriculum for students who are blind or visually impaired

Responsibilities

• Provide instruction in Braille, assistive technology and other Expanded Core Curriculum (ECC) areas
• Adapt educational content for students with visual impairments
• Collaborate with families, schools, and service providers
• Arrange specialized materials and equipment, including Braille, large print, and audio
• Travel statewide to support students in school and home settings
• Serve as a liaison between schools and families and participate in diagnostic planning
• Contribute to BESB initiatives through committees, reports, and outreach
• Instructs in the specialized and basic skills of braille reading and writing, typewriting, and may assist with arithmetic, science or art adaptations and any other instructional tasks as assigned
• Plans and arranges for the provision of specialized and appropriate materials and equipment such as braille, recorded and large print textbooks, braille-writers, typewriters, talking book machines required by the individual student
• Acts as interpreter between school and home
• Assists in securing appropriate training other than public school education as needed
• Assists parents with proper school placement
• Arranges for diagnostic evaluations if not available locally through the local districts
• Serves on division committees
• Makes case reports
• Answers correspondence clearly
• Speaks before parent, volunteer and professional groups

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits: visit our State Employee Benefits Overview page for detail plan information
• Professional growth and development opportunities.
• A healthy work/life balance to all employees.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level