TVI & O&M Teacher Specialist (536)

Salt Lake City School District•Salt Lake, UT

About The Position

Provides comprehensive instructional, consultative, and itinerant services to students with visual impairments to improve mobility and independent functioning. Assesses visually impaired students to determine eligibility for service. This role supports access and instruction to the general education curriculum, teaches specialized skills including Braille and assistive technology, and provides orientation and mobility training that fosters safe, independent travel. Participates in the multi-disciplinary team process and individual educational programming (IEP) activities for students where relevant.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college/university, or will complete a bachelor degree program prior to the contract start date.
Valid Professional Utah Special Education License and endorsement(s), a valid Associate Utah Special Education License and endorsement(s), a valid Special Education License and endorsement(s) from another state that is transferrable to Utah, or will complete a teaching program prior to the contract start date that will lead to a Professional Utah Special Education License and endorsement(s).
Be a Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist with one of the following:
Valid Orientation and Mobility Specialist certificate issued by the Academy for Certification of Vision Rehabilitation and Education Professionals (ACVREP)
Valid National Orientation Mobility certificate (NOMC) issued by the National Blindness Professional Certification Board
Professional communication skills including, but not limited to: excellent written and verbal communication skills in English; confident, articulate, and professional speaking abilities; and empathic listening and persuasive speaking skills.

Nice To Haves

Have an ESL endorsement or will obtain one within 4 years of hire
Bilingual Speaker: speaks, reads, writes and understands spoken Spanish or other language representative of student population
Previous experience with visually impaired students
Knowledge of: Federal, state and local mandates governing the implementation of special education programs including laws and regulations that affect orientation and mobility services
Principles, techniques, equipment, and literature used in providing orientation and mobility services
Major theories and intervention strategies with educational implications for students with visual impairments including effective behavior management skills and training techniques
Prepare and use equipment and materials, such as tactile maps, models, optical devices, pre-canes, global positioning system (GPS) devices, and long canes for the development of orientation and mobility skills
Braille, basic orientation, mobility, and adaptive technology skills
How to plan and conduct orientation and mobility assessments and programs including basic principles of learning theories and their implications for orientation and mobility training

Responsibilities

Plan and Prepare Instruction
Provide effective orientation and mobility training including effective treatment plans and service
Provide for student safety during orientation and mobility instruction and in other environments while fostering maximum independence during orientation and mobility training
Provide orientation of new buildings and class schedules to students with visual impairments as needed.
Use assistive technology with students with visual impairments
Appropriately and correctly model orientation and mobility techniques for students, parents, teachers, and other school staff
Works with administrators, teachers, and other educational staff to support the implementation of students’ IEPs; collaborates with teachers and other school personnel to develop and implement strategies for students receiving orientation and mobility services.
Establishes a Climate Conducive to Learning
Collaborates with students to establish a positive learning climate of openness, respectful interactions, support and inquiry
Utilizes positive classroom management strategies, including resources of time, space and attention effectively
Collaborates with teachers and assists in the development and implementation of the IEP as it relates to orientation and mobility services; works with teachers of the visually impaired to conduct functional vision assessments as it relates to independent travel.
Participates in the diagnostic and Individualized Education Program (IEP) process for all students suspected of being visually impaired; evaluates students in the areas of orientation and mobility.
Provides Effective Instruction
Designs, implements orientation, and mobility instruction based on assessment and observation of students; collect and maintain data to document and evaluate progress
Assess the effectiveness of activities
Practices a range of developmentally and culturally appropriate instructional strategies that engage and meet the needs of learners
Uses a variety of available and appropriate technology and resources to support learning
Serves as a resource person to special education teachers and other professional/paraprofessional staff members engaged in the delivery of programs and services to visually impaired students.
Provides training and direct instruction in orientation and mobility techniques and in the use of orientation and mobility materials and devices including visual efficiency skills, utilization of residual vision, concept and sensory development, spatial orientation, familiarization to environments, and utilization of tactile, visual and auditory maps.
Trains students on the necessary skills, which enable them to navigate familiar and unfamiliar environments, including retail stores, offices, and public transportation; trains students on self-advocacy and how to handle emergencies.
Monitors Student Learning
Document progress and relate it to students’ goals and objectives
Maintain accurate records
Develops long-term and short-term goals for each student; monitors student progress and adjusts goals as needed; maintains records of evaluations on student progress
Invest in Teaching Profession
Collaborates with families, colleagues and other professional to promote student growth and development
Adapts and improves practice based on reflection and new learning.
Keeps abreast of new developments and techniques in orientation and mobility
Engages in learning experiences to enhance self and support others
Participates actively in decision-making processes while building a shared culture that affects the school and larger educational community
Advocates for the learner, the school, the community and the profession
Is responsible for compliance with federal and state laws, State Board of Education administrative rules, state assessment polices, Salt Lake City School District board policies and supervisory directives
Is responsible for compliance with all requirements of State Board of Education Rule R277-530 Utah Effective Educator Standards at all levels to teacher development
Is responsible for compliance with all requirements of State Board of Education Rule R277-515 Utah Educator Professional Standards
Maintain regular and predictable attendance to fulfill job requirements in an efficient and effective manner; required to attend activities, events and meetings outside of normal work hours on a regular basis
Maintain professional workplace etiquette and represents the department/district in a professional manner; communicate effectively and efficiently with diverse groups of people while maintaining confidentiality and positive working relationships with co-workers, students, parents, and other district employees
Demonstrate adaptability and understanding of cultural differences in working in a diverse environment while coping with stressful situations related to students and maintaining confidentiality
Perform other related duties as assigned to ensure the efficient and effective operations of the department.