Teacher: Visually Impaired

Anne Arundel County Public Schools•Annapolis, MD

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Provides instruction to students who are visually impaired by developing, selecting, and modifying instructional plans and materials, including Braille, large print, and technological devices. The work includes supporting mainstreamed students, supervising students in school-related settings, keeping attendance and grade records, and communicating with parents, students, and staff about progress and problems. Frequent travel between multiple AACPS sites is required. The teacher plans and presents lessons and instructional materials; supports curriculum development and pilot testing of materials; develops staff awareness and orientation programs; and coordinates inter- and intra-agency services for students and families. The role conducts functional vision and learning media assessments, interprets eye medical reports for educational settings, and participates in planning instructional goals, objectives, methods, and students’ Individualized Education Plans (IEPs). The position reports to the Principal.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Blind/Visually Impaired from a regionally accredited college or university.
Hold or be eligible for an educator certificate/license issued by the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE).
Hold or be eligible for a Class C non-commercial driver’s license issued by Maryland or the state of legal residence.
Have daily access to reliable transportation.
Knowledge of school organization, goals, and objectives, especially teaching techniques for students who are visually impaired.
Knowledge of current trends and research in the field of specialization and instructional methodologies.
Knowledge and facility with literary Braille, Nemeth Code, and technology.
Ability to speak and write effectively and deal effectively with students, staff, and parents.
Knowledge of and proficiency in technical areas of instruction.
Demonstrated ability to work and communicate effectively with diverse populations.
Demonstrated proficiency with business technology applications, such as video/web conferencing and Microsoft Office applications.
Retain active licenses, certifications, and enrollment as a condition of employment.

Nice To Haves

Hold or be eligible for a Literary Braille Transcriber Certificate issued by the National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled (NLS), Library of Congress.
Hold or be eligible for Nemeth Code Certification issued by the National Federation of the Blind (NFB).
Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite applications, including Word, Excel, Outlook, and/or PowerPoint.

Responsibilities

Plan, prepare, and present lessons, assignments, and instructional materials for visually impaired students, including support for mainstreamed students.
Contribute to curriculum development, pilot testing of new materials, and staff awareness and orientation programs.
Coordinate inter- and intra-agency support services for students and their families.
Demonstrate and use teaching strategies to present subject matter.
Provide an environment conducive to students’ intellectual, physical, social, and emotional development and maintain classroom discipline conducive to learning.
Confer with parents and students about assigned students’ progress or problems, and arrange or participate in conferences as needed.
Perform functional vision and learning media assessments.
Interpret eye medical reports as they relate to educational environments.
Attend and actively participate in staff and faculty meetings, and provide input on instructional goals, objectives, methods, and students’ IEPs.
Supervise students in school-related settings and maintain attendance and grade records.
Travel between multiple AACPS sites and use a personal vehicle for bona fide Board business within the scope of employment.
Perform other related duties as assigned within the same classification or lower.