Special Education Teacher for the Visually Impaired

Job Title: Special Education Teacher for the Visually Impaired 

Wage/Hour Status: Exempt-Professional

Reports to:  Campus Principal/Special Education Director

Pay Grade: Teacher Salary Scale

Dept/School:  Assigned Campus  

District Primary Purpose: To assist and promote La Joya ISD in implementing a rigorous curriculum/instructional program that supports student success and achievement.

Department Primary Purpose:  The Special Education Teacher’s primary responsibility is to plan and implement an individualized educational program designed to assist in those areas in which the students experience difficulty to facilitate academic, social, and emotional growth.

Qualifications:                                              

Education/Certification: Bachelor's Degree Valid Teacher's Certificate Special Education certification and/ or endorsement

ESL and/or Bilingual Certification Certified by the Texas Education Agency to Teach the Visually Impaired

Experience/Knowledge: This position requires the ability to apply knowledge of subject matter and current educational and instructional theories, research based interventions, methodologies, techniques, and principles; as well as knowledge of State, Local, and Federal laws and regulations affecting the lives and education of students receiving special education services. A professional attitude, appearance, and excellent communication skills, as well as the ability to develop a positive rapport with staff, students and parents/guardians are required.

Major Responsibilities and Duties: 

1. Administer functional vision assessment and learning media assessment and technology assessment
2. Provide direct instructional services with visually impaired students as outlined on the IEP.
3. Order Braille material.
4. Supply classroom teachers with equipment and supplies specific to visually impaired students Assist with registration of visually impaired students with the following services: Library of Congress (Talking Books}, Recordings for the Blind, Texas Education Agency (quota funds for VI students)
5. Transcribe lessons and other material into Braille for blind students or large print for low vision students.
6. Review and correct completed assignments, using such aids as Braille writer, slate and stylus, or computer.
7. Provide information to parents on how to encourage student's independence and well-being and to provide guidance in using community resources.
8. Collaborate with parents, administrators, teachers, and others to develop individual educational programs for students.
9. Attend ARDs for students on caseload.
10. Provide instruction to individual students.
11. Maintain accurate records (e.g. grades, attendance, progress reports, ARD paperwork, student modifications / accommodations, etc.)
12. Perform all duties pertaining to the area of instructional delivery assigned.
13. Plan with assigned campus and special education staff and related service providers in developing and implementing an Individual Education Plan with identifiable steps designed to improve the student's total educational progress.
14. Maintain coo.tact with parents in regards to student performance ??pugh activities such as parent­teacher conferences, progress reports, letters, and ARD meetings.
15. Provide technical guidance related to special education laws and local policies/procedures to general education teachers and less experienced special education teachers / instructional assistants.
16. Comply with all Federal, State, District, School Regulations and Policies for Special Education Teachers (e.g. ARD timelines, Prior Written Notice, Change of Placement, etc.).
17. Notify Special Education Supervisors when related services are not being provided to students as prescribed in their IEPs.
18. Maintain professional development through activities such as classes, conferences, seminars, workshops, profession??! journals, book studies and attendance at staff developments.
19. Attend and participate in faculty meetings and serve on staff committees as-required.
20. Maintain confidentiality of all student information and all aspects of the special education department.
21. Perform other duties pertaining to special education as assigned by the school principal, and/ or Special Education Director.
22. Follow all Work fi:om Home Protocols when working remotely.

WORKING CONDITIONS:   

Mental Demands:     

Ability to communicate effectively (verbally and written); interpret policy, procedures, and data.  Maintain emotional control under stress; ability to interpret and implement TEA rules and regulations.

Physical Demands/Environmental Factors:

Occasional prolonged hours, regular physical demands of stooping, lifting, and other strenuous demands of job performance (e.g. picking up students, restraining students, etc.).  This position may involve rare exposure to bacteria, bodily fluids and communicable diseases.

POSITION WORKING DAYS:  187 Days