Teacher of the Visually Impaired - (Non-Classified)

State of Colorado•Colorado Springs, CO

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Colorado School for the Deaf and the Blind (CSDB) is accepting applications for current and future Teacher of Students with Visual Impairments (TVI) vacancies. Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis for vacancies across instructional areas and grade levels, including but not limited to core content areas. This position reports to the Principal of the School for the Blind and is responsible for providing standards-based instruction and educational support to K–12 students who are blind or visually impaired, including students who may have additional disabilities or educational needs. The Teacher of Students with Visual Impairments develops and delivers instruction aligned with Colorado Academic Standards and students' Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), provides specialized instruction and accommodations related to visual impairment, monitors student progress through appropriate assessment practices, and creates an accessible, engaging, and supportive learning environment.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Education, Special Education, Visual Impairment Education, or a closely related field from an accredited college or university.
Must hold or be eligible to obtain appropriate educator licensure through the Colorado Department of Education.
Must hold, be eligible for, or be able to obtain within three (3) years of hire the appropriate Colorado educator endorsement as a Special Education Specialist: Visually Impaired, or a comparable endorsement appropriate to the assignment.
Must hold or be eligible to obtain any additional endorsement or authorization required for the specific teaching assignment.
Must demonstrate competency in Braille by the end of the first instructional year, as evidenced by obtaining the applicable Colorado Department of Education (CDE) Certificate of Braille Competency.
Must complete the Basic Emergency Communication Course in accordance with CSDB's established ASL proficiency requirements.

Nice To Haves

Degree, coursework, or specialized training in education for students who are blind or visually impaired.
Experience teaching or working with students who are blind or visually impaired in an educational setting.
Experience working with students who have additional disabilities or complex educational needs.
Experience developing, implementing, and monitoring Individualized Education Programs (IEPs).
Knowledge of and experience implementing the Expanded Core Curriculum (ECC).
Experience using assistive technology, accessible instructional materials, and specialized tools to support students who are blind or visually impaired.
Experience adapting curriculum, instructional materials, and learning environments to meet the accessibility and educational needs of students who are blind or visually impaired.

Responsibilities

Plan and deliver standards-based instruction aligned with Colorado Academic Standards, student IEPs, and individual learning needs.
Develop lesson plans, adapt instructional materials, and implement daily learning activities that support student growth and achievement.
Assess and monitor student progress and use assessment data to inform instruction and educational decision-making.
Maintain a positive, safe, and engaging learning environment using appropriate behavior-support strategies.
Apply specialized instructional strategies, accommodations, modifications, and accessibility practices appropriate for students who are blind or visually impaired, including students with additional disabilities or complex educational needs.
Provide instruction and support in areas of the Expanded Core Curriculum (ECC), as appropriate to individual student needs and IEP goals.
Support students in developing skills related to access, independence, self-advocacy, social-emotional development, and daily living.
Utilize assistive technology, accessible instructional materials, and other specialized tools to support student access, communication, participation, and learning.
Incorporate project-based, technology-based, experiential, and collaborative learning opportunities into instruction as appropriate.
Adapt the instructional environment and educational materials to support accessibility and meaningful student participation.
Participate as a member of multidisciplinary and educational teams responsible for developing, implementing, monitoring, and evaluating student IEP goals and objectives.
Collaborate effectively with teachers, orientation and mobility specialists, related-service providers, support staff, administrators, and other members of the educational team.
Serve as an advocate for assigned students and support their academic, accessibility, social-emotional, and educational needs.
Maintain effective communication with families and provide consultation regarding student progress, educational programming, accessibility, and individual learning needs.
Participate in family engagement activities, school events, team meetings, departmental meetings, and other required school-wide activities.
Contribute positively to the School for the Blind and the broader CSDB community through collaboration, professional communication, and participation in school initiatives.
Participate in professional development, training, and other learning opportunities to maintain and strengthen professional knowledge and instructional practices.
Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

Medical and Dental plans
Strong, flexible retirement plans including PERA Defined Benefit Plan or PERA Defined Contribution Plan, plus pre-tax 401K and 457 plans
Paid life insurance
Short- and long-term disability coverage
Employee Wellness programs
Flexible Spending Accounts
Health Savings Accounts
11 paid holidays per year plus generous vacation and sick leave
Flexible work schedule options and remote-work options
Career advancement opportunities throughout the State system