Teacher for the Visually Impaired K-12

Thrive Therapies Group • Chattanooga, TN

8d • Onsite

About The Position

Teacher of the Visually Impaired (TVI) for Hamilton County Schools in Chattanooga, TN, for the 2026-27 School Year. This full-time position focuses on providing specialized instruction and direct support to students K-12 with visual impairments, including those with additional disabilities. The role involves assessing functional vision, developing Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) aligned with the Expanded Core Curriculum (ECC), adapting academic materials, and collaborating with families, general educators, and related services providers to ensure students have full access to a meaningful education. Thrive Therapies emphasizes manageable caseloads, protected planning time, and collaborative support from a vision education team.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Special Education: Visual Impairment, or related field (Master’s preferred).
• Valid Tennessee teaching license with Endorsement Code 462 (Visual Impairment, K–12), or eligibility to obtain.
• Knowledge of braille (Literary Braille; Nemeth Code preferred), functional vision assessment, and the Expanded Core Curriculum.
• Experience with assistive technology for students with visual impairments (JAWS, NVDA, ZoomText, BrailleNote, etc.).
• Clear background check and immunization clearance per school district requirements.

Nice To Haves

• 2+ years of school-based TVI experience (new graduates welcome).
• Certification or coursework in Orientation & Mobility or experience collaborating with COMS.
• Bilingual capability.

Responsibilities

• Conduct functional vision assessments and learning media assessments (LMA) to determine students’ primary and secondary learning media and inform IEP goals.
• Develop and implement IEPs aligned with the Expanded Core Curriculum (ECC): compensatory skills, sensory efficiency, assistive technology, independent living, social interaction, recreation, career education, and self-determination.
• Provide direct instruction in braille literacy, low-vision strategies, and assistive technology (screen readers, magnification software, braille notetakers, and CCTV).
• Transcribe and adapt academic materials into braille, large print, and accessible digital formats to ensure timely access to classroom content.
• Collaborate with classroom teachers, special educators, O&M specialists, school nurses, and families to coordinate comprehensive vision education planning.
• Participate in IEP meetings: present vision assessment findings, contribute ECC-based goals, and monitor student progress toward functional and academic independence.
• Consult with school staff on environmental modifications, lighting, contrast enhancements, and physical accessibility to support student safety and learning.
• Maintain accurate documentation of student progress, instructional records, and service delivery logs.

Benefits

• Competitive W-2 salary
• Comprehensive health insurance (medical, dental, vision) effective your first day
• 401(k) with company match
• 10 days PTO + paid sick leave
• Professional development stipend ($1,000 annually) for CEUs, conferences, and certifications
• $1,000 semester retention bonus per semester completed
• TN teaching license dues and endorsement fees fully reimbursed
• Malpractice and professional liability coverage
• No non-compete clause

What This Job Offers

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