1.0 Probationary Teacher of the Visually Impaired

Williamsville Central School District•East Amherst, NY

About The Position

This position involves providing specialized instruction and support to students who are visually impaired. The teacher will be responsible for designing and implementing individualized education programs (IEPs), utilizing assistive technology, collaborating with educational teams and families, and conducting assessments to ensure students have access to learning and can achieve their academic and developmental goals. The role requires adherence to confidentiality, strong communication skills, and a commitment to fostering student independence and inclusion.

Requirements

Must hold a valid NYS teaching certification in Teacher of the Visually Impaired.
Must adhere to confidentiality requirements
Work collaboratively with the educational team and family to support student growth
Experience with various assistive technology devices to enhance student access to learning
Experience with the Annual Registration of All New Individuals Classified as Legally Blind for the Procurement of Adapted Educational Materials Produced by the American Printing House for the Blind
Experience working with the Commission for the Blind
Experience writing and implementing IEPs, including data tracking of IEP goals.
Demonstrate best practice instructional strategies when working with students according to IEP goals
Strong communication, organizational, and time management skills
Must be willing to participate in the District-Wide Assistive Technology Team

Nice To Haves

Experience providing vision services in a school setting
Experience working with students with disabilities
Experience evaluating students with standardized and informal assessment tools
Experience using the Frontline program
Experience with assistive technology for students with disabilities

Responsibilities

Design plans and activities to deliver instruction in one-on-one or small group sessions according to IEP goals per student
Record student performance data for goals based on data collection
Provide mandated consultations to support student access in the educational environment
Review medical reports to support consultations and direct service as appropriate
Write IEPs and participate in CSE meetings to review student performance and report on progress toward IEP goals
Collaborate with classroom teachers, specialists, and families, fostering open communication that focuses on student inclusion and shared growth
Regularly updating parents/guardians regarding student progress, behavior, and needs via emails, phone calls, or conferences.
Conduct School-Based Vision Evaluations and Assistive Technology Evaluations, and write a professional educational report based on the evaluation
Work, as part of the Assistive Technology Team, to conduct evaluations and trials and collaborate in decision-making.
Conduct Functional Vision Assessments (FVA) and Learning Media Assessments (LMA) to determine student needs.
Maintain, monitor, and report student progress in compliance with federal and state regulations.
Foster student independence and self-advocacy skills.
Ensuring a safe, organized, and inclusive environment that encourages productive learning.
Participating in appropriate and robust professional development to update skills and knowledge.
Maintaining positive relationships with students, parents, and staff.
Related and appropriate duties and tasks as assigned by supervisor.