POSITION SUMMARY
The Teacher – Visually Impaired provides assessment and instructional services for students who are blind or visually impaired, including those students with additional disabilities, and this is an itinerant position.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
- CERTIFICATION:
- Must possess or be eligible to obtain Georgia Professional Standards Commission Certification in the area of Special Education Visual Impairments P-12.
- ?EDUCATION:
- Bachelor's Degree from an accredited institution in Special Education required.
- WORK EXPERIENCE:
- 3 years of experience in teaching visual impairments preferred.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILIITIES:
- Must have basic braille skills.
- Must have knowledge of assistive technology and basic understanding of the use of computer technology for visually impaired learners.
- The ability to interpret medical eye reports, determine eligibility, provide a Functional Vision Evaluation, and Learning Media Assessment. Knowledge of braille translation software and embossing equipment, knowledge of Expanded Core Curriculum, Knowledge of Literary Braille Code (both EBAE and UEB) and Nemeth Code, Ability to produce tactual graphics.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES: - Provides direct instruction for pre-braille readiness, braille reading, and writing.
- Participates in Individual Educational Program (IEP) planning for students on caseload; writing goals and objectives, developing Literacy Modality Plans, and progress reports.
- Requests and adapts material appropriate for each student.
- Provides compensatory skills training such as braille, slate & stylus, hand writing, daily living skills, etc.
- Consults with classroom teachers regarding general management and academic issues.
- Directs each student’s program and monitors progress. Provides feedback and appropriate information to students, parents, teachers, and administrators.
- Acts as a liaison between the school, and agencies or other professionals, and the students and parents.
- Assesses, requests, and trains students in the use of low vision technology and devices.
- Trains students in assistive technology such as notetakers, speech and magnification software, etc.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS/ADA REQUIREMENTS: - Typically sitting at a desk or table
- Typically standing and/or walking
- Knowledge of basic first aid methods, techniques for positioning and moving the physically challenged student.
- Helping visually impaired students navigate through the school and community.
PHYSICAL ABILITIES & WORKING CONDITIONS:
The physical abilities, working conditions and other conditions of employment listed in this document are representative of, but are not intended to provide an exhaustive list of the requirements for positions in this classification. In the event of an emergency or situation requiring guidance from Federal, State, or local or school district authorities, the requirements of this position may change temporarily or for the school year to best serve the needs of our students.
Vision: Ability to read small print and view a computer screen for prolonged periods.
Hearing: Ability to tolerate exposure to noisy conditions.
Speech: Ability to be understood in face-to-face communications, to speak with a level of proficiency and volume to be understood over a telephone or computer.
Upper Body Mobility: Ability to use hands to grasp, and manipulate small objects; manipulate fingers, twist and bend at wrist and elbow; extend arms to reach outward and upward; use hands and arms to lift objects; turn, raise, and lower head.
Strength: Ability to lift, push, pull and/or carry objects which weigh as much as 5 or more pounds on a frequent basis. Incumbent may be required to physically restrain parties involved in a conflict.
Environmental Requirements: Ability to encounter constant work interruptions; work cooperatively with others; work independently; work indoors.
Mental Requirements: Ability to read, write, understand, interpret and apply information at a moderately complex level essential for successful job performance; math skills at a high school proficiency level; judgement and the ability to process information quickly; learn quickly and follow verbal procedures and standards; give verbal instruction; rank tasks in order of importance; copy, compare, compile and coordinate information and records. Understand how to manage stress.
Additional Work Conditions & Physical Abilities: Ability to be flexible and adapt as needed between in-person and various classroom learning environments.
The Atlanta Public School System does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex,citizenship, ethnic or national origin, age, disability, medical status, military status, veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, ancestry, or any legally protected status in any of its employment practices, educational programs, services or activities. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential duties.
This job description is intended to accurately reflect the duties, responsibilities and requirements of the position. It is not intended to be and should not be construed as an all-inclusive list of all the responsibilities, skills, or working conditions associated with the position. Management and administration reserves the right to modify, add, or remove duties and assign other duties as necessary.
COMPENSATION:
Salary Grade: T4 Bachelor - T7 Doctorate
Salary Range: APS Teacher Salary Scale
Work Year: 202 Days
