Teacher - Vision Specialist

YAI•New York, NY

3d•$70,000 - $79,750

About The Position

Under appropriate supervision, provides vision services in 1:1 sessions and/or groups, push-in and/or pull-out based on students’ needs. Collects data through interviews with family members, observations in other therapy sessions and by conducting annual Functional Vision Learning Media Assessments to identify adaptations or accommodations for students’ visual needs. Creates goals for each assigned student and monitors and documents progress, maintaining student records and preparing FVLMA reports, Individualized Education Programs (IEP’s) and quarterly progress reports. Participates in IEP meetings and team meetings, parent-teacher and CSE meetings; participates in legal hearings when necessary and appropriate. Carefully plans lessons and creates and organizes materials in advance while regularly assessing students’ needs, adjusting lessons, goals, and/or benchmarks accordingly. Collaborates with teachers and other related service providers within the school setting to ensure that a comprehensive educational plan is in place to meet the student’s individual educational needs. Demonstrates flexibility in scheduling, working with other service providers and adapting lesson plans and materials, as needed including the creation of book boxes, adapted books, brailled materials, and tangible symbols. Communicates and collaborates with parents and outside professionals as needed, specifically as they impact the student’s educational plan. Collaborates with outside organizations within the field of Vision Education regarding new programs, technologies and/or educational materials and may coordinate with iHOPE Assistive Technology Team. Provides vision education consultation services to all staff members, as needed. Participates in professional development opportunities within iHOPE and beyond. Adheres to department and school policies and procedures. Performs all other duties, as assigned.

Requirements

Master’s degree in education
Current certification and registration as a Teacher of Students with Disabilities (all grades, birth – grade 2, grades 1 – 6 or grades 7 – 12), issued by the New York State Education Department
Actively pursuing qualifying education in a NYS Registered Program and/or certification as a Teacher of the Blind and Visually Impaired with NYS Education Department (NYSED); or Current, valid Blind and Visually Impaired Internship Certificate issued by NYSED (based on continued enrollment in a qualifying educational program), proof of passing score on New York State Teacher Certification Examinations (NYSTCE) Blind and Visually Impaired Content Specialty Test (CST) and anticipated receipt of certification as a Teacher of the Blind and Visually Impaired issued by NYSED within six (6) months of graduation; or Satisfactory equivalent combination of education, experience and/or training, including teaching certification or license issued by another state’s education department. However, all incumbents must be actively pursuing certification as a Teacher of the Blind and Visually Impaired with NYS Education Department.
Well organized with superior attention to detail and able to manage multiple priorities and deadlines
Able to work with a great degree of independence and focus.
Proficient in Microsoft Office Programs, ideally including experience using PowerPoint for the creation of adapted books.

Nice To Haves

One or more years of direct experience preferred in the field of Visual Impairment and/or Severe and Multiple Disabilities.
Previous experience with CVI or CVI Range Endorsement

Responsibilities

Provides vision services in 1:1 sessions and/or groups, push-in and/or pull-out based on students’ needs.
Collects data through interviews with family members, observations in other therapy sessions and by conducting annual Functional Vision Learning Media Assessments to identify adaptations or accommodations for students’ visual needs.
Creates goals for each assigned student and monitors and documents progress, maintaining student records and preparing FVLMA reports, Individualized Education Programs (IEP’s) and quarterly progress reports.
Participates in IEP meetings and team meetings, parent-teacher and CSE meetings; participates in legal hearings when necessary and appropriate.
Carefully plans lessons and creates and organizes materials in advance while regularly assessing students’ needs, adjusting lessons, goals, and/or benchmarks accordingly.
Collaborates with teachers and other related service providers within the school setting to ensure that a comprehensive educational plan is in place to meet the student’s individual educational needs.
Demonstrates flexibility in scheduling, working with other service providers and adapting lesson plans and materials, as needed including the creation of book boxes, adapted books, brailled materials, and tangible symbols.
Communicates and collaborates with parents and outside professionals as needed, specifically as they impact the student’s educational plan.
Collaborates with outside organizations within the field of Vision Education regarding new programs, technologies and/or educational materials and may coordinate with iHOPE Assistive Technology Team.
Provides vision education consultation services to all staff members, as needed.
Participates in professional development opportunities within iHOPE and beyond.
Adheres to department and school policies and procedures.
Performs all other duties, as assigned.