Teacher of the Blind and Visually Impaired (Education)

This position is responsible for planning, adapting and/or providing instruction in local education agencies (LEAs) for students who are  Blind and Visually Impaired. Key responsibilities include the instruction of students in skills found in the Expanded Core Curriculum (e.g., compensatory or functional academic skills, including braille, orientation and mobility, social interaction skills, independent living skills, recreation and leisure skills, career education, use of assistive technology, sensory efficiency skills, self-determination). The position also provides consultation with and support for staff that work with students who are Blind and Visually Impaired. 

Duties and Responsibilities: 

• Evaluates students to determine eligibility for services consistent with program intake procedures, ensuring effective coordination of service provisions. 
• Instruct students in skills defined in the Expanded Core Curriculum, as well as the general education curriculum, by developing and adapting materials to be taught using methods aligned to the students' abilities, as appropriate to meet the needs of students in their educational programs. 
• Assists in the development and writing of comprehensive evaluation reports, re-evaluation reports and Individual Education Programs (IEPs) for qualifying students, following required formats and compliance timelines, as well as engaging in IEP team meetings, ensuring services are delivered with the planned intent. 
• Develops and adheres to students' schedules, in accordance with documented frequencies, safeguarding compliance with service delivery requirements.  
• Monitors student progress in and outside of the special education setting, based on data acquired, work output, and observation, producing progress reports consistent with program guidelines and timelines. 
• Maintains, modifies and ensures the safety of the physical environment of the educational setting.
• Provides services utilizing best practices, evidence-based research and appropriate materials, in order to deliver programming that maximizes student growth and development potential in targeted areas.
• Collaborates and consults with students' educational team members, sharing insights into learners' areas of need, development and growth, so that achievement is supported across the continuum of home and school environments. 
• Maintains accurate student records, documentation and billing, utilizing specified systems per program guidelines with adherence to required timelines, ensuring the effective management of student caseloads. 
• Maintains student confidentiality by protecting client data in accordance with HIPAA/FERPA regulations and AIU policy, safeguarding students, the intermediate unit, and the local education agencies (LEAs) with whom the program contracts. 
• Communicate with the administrative team, in a timely, proactive and regular manner, regarding LEA needs and specific student concerns for the benefit of the program's efficient operations.

Qualifications:

1. Bachelor's Degree in Education of the Visually Impaired required.
2. Valid PA Visually Impaired PK-12 certificate required.
3. Reliable transportation required for work-related travel. 
4. Ability to follow all AIU policies and guidelines, maintaining a professional demeanor consistent with the Pennsylvania Professional Code of Conduct.

Additional Requirements: 

1. Current Act 114, Act 34, Act 151, and NSOR Certificates required prior to an offer (must be dated within 1 year of hire date).
2. School Personnel Health Record (Form H511.340) must be completed and received by Human Resources prior to hire date.

Working Conditions:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

When performing activities throughout the day related to the education of students, the teacher spends the majority of the day standing/walking in the classroom.  Working with students may entail kneeling or squatting, stooping and bending from 50-70 degrees at the waist on an occasional to frequent basis. 

The teacher must be able to exert up to 20 pounds of force occasionally and/or up to 10 pounds of force as frequently as needed to move objects (textbooks/materials and equipment such as wheelchairs).  The teacher may rearrange the layout of the classroom furniture to enhance the The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

When performing activities throughout the day related to the education of students, the teacher spends the majority of the day standing/walking in the classroom.  Working with students may entail kneeling or squatting, stooping and bending from 50-70 degrees at the waist on an occasional to frequent basis. 

The teacher must be able to exert up to 20 pounds of force occasionally and/or up to 10 pounds of force as frequently as needed to move objects (textbooks/materials and equipment such as wheelchairs).  The teacher may rearrange the layout of the classroom furniture to enhance the learning situation.  The teacher must see and hear on a continuous basis as well as speak frequently.  Positions may vary from standing, sitting or walking.  On a rare occasion it may be necessary to move quickly, or run.  The teacher must have manual dexterity to use office equipment, manipulate books and other learning materials, and assist students with various activities.  The teacher must have repetitive movement of fingers and hands for keyboarding.

1. Be able to bend or twist at the neck and back
2. Specific vision includes peripheral vision, close vision, and color vision
3. Be able to stand for extended periods throughout the day

The information contained in this job description is for compliance with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and is not an exhaustive list of the duties performed for this position.  Additional duties are performed by the individuals currently holding this position and additional duties may be assigned.

Disclaimer: The preceding description is not designed to be a complete list of all duties and responsibilities required of the Teacher of the Blind and Visually Impaired – Itinerant.

Reports To: Director/Supervisor of the Blind and Visually Impaired Support Program

Department: Blind and Visually Impaired Support Program            

Position Schedule: 190 days

Salary: AIUEA Scale

Benefits: AIUEA Benefits Guide 

 

Please send any questions to: recruitment@aiu3.net

The Allegheny Intermediate Unit is an equal opportunity education institution and will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, handicap, or limited English proficiency in its educational programs, services, facilities, activities or employment practices as required by Title IX of the 1972 Educational Amendments, Title VI and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, Section 504 Regulations of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1975, Section 204 Regulations of the 1984 Carl D. Perkins Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, or any other applicable federal or state statute.