SUMMARY

The essential duty of a Teacher of Students with Visual Impairments (TSVI) is to provide instructional services for students with a visual impairment, whose age ranges from birth through 21 years. The TSVI evaluates students to determine qualification as a student with a visual impairment based on TEA eligibility requirements. In order to determine the extent of services to be provided, a TSVI must examine and evaluate the student’s eye condition by interpreting reports from an ophthalmologist or optometrist, conducting a Functional Vision Evaluation/Learning Media Assessment, and assessing needs related to the Expanded Core Curriculum. These evaluations identify educational implications such as strategies for intervention, adaptive equipment, or materials needed to assist with the student’s success in the least restrictive environment. In addition, the TSVI is a required member of the ARD committee and must be able to communicate with parents, agencies which serve students with visual impairments, and school personnel to coordinate services and supports.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following:

Identify the educational access needs of students with visual impairments.

Interpret ophthalmologist or optometrist reports.

Conduct and provide a written Functional Vision Evaluation/Learning Media Assessment within state adopted timelines.

Determine appropriate learning environment and consult with staff to accommodate changes.

Direct instruction in the Expanded Core Curriculum as determined by individualized need.

Provide support services that may include transition planning, social integration, job-related experiences, etc.

Knowledgeable in the use of braille, including Nemeth code.

Complete and verify all reports submitted to TEA such as the annual VI Registration and Deafblind Child Count.

Provide strategies and assistance to classroom teachers regarding curriculum and activities of the classroom that, as a direct result of the student’s visual impairment, require adaptation or reinforcement for the student. Assist in making environmental adjustments in the school.

Provide in-service training.

Required to attend all ARD meetings. Participates in and is knowledgeable about the ARD process.

Assist with the development of Individualized Educational Programs.

Maintain accurate records to reflect 100% on the RDA compliance monitoring document.

Assist with planning and presentation of professional development programs for special education personnel.

Assist with planning and presentation of professional development programs for general education personnel as needed or as requested by administration.

Assist in the revision of special education forms and procedures.

Ensure that the student has all necessary materials to be successful in the least restrictive environment.

Consult with and inform parents/guardians of their child’s visual needs.

Provide and train students in the use of a wide variety of assistive technology.

Network with community agencies to assist with student’s needs so they can be successful within the community.

Collaborate with various agencies, including Early Childhood Intervention (ECI), Health and Human Services Blind Children’s Program (HHSC BCP), Texas Workforce Commission (TWC), Texas State School for the Blind and Visually Impaired (TSBVI), and Region XII Educational Service Center.

Perform other duties as assigned by Supervisor/Superintendent.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

Such duties may be assigned to assist with the educational services of a student with visual impairments.

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. There may be alternatives to the below qualifications as the Board of Trustees may find appropriate. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

Bachelor’s Degree; Certified to teach in Texas with Visual Impairment Certification and Braille Certification

LANGUAGE SKILLS

Must be able to effectively communicate orally and in writing to a variety of audiences including conferences with parents, community service providers, district staff, chairing committee meetings, preparing written student evaluations, preparing written reports regarding program implementation/recommendations, preparing policies and procedures, and conducting staff development activities.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS

Ability to perform basic math.
Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, commissions, and percentages.

REASONING ABILITIES

Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form.
Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

Texas Teacher certification to include Teacher for Visual Impairment certification and Braille certification

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

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.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit and talk or listen. The employee is often required to stand and walk. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 75 pounds or assist in a 2 man lift up to 200 lbs. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, peripheral vision, distance vision, and ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Regular district-wide travel to multiple campuses as assigned.