The Teacher of the Visually Impaired travels to different assigned schools in the Anchorage School district to provide direct and/or consultative special education services relating to visual impairment and blindness.  These services enable the students to learn in classroom and community environments.  The students range in age from 3 through 21 and may or may not have additional disabilities.  The cognitive levels of the students range from severely impaired to gifted and talented.  The teacher reports to and is evaluated by the director of Special Education Instruction or designee.

This position requires a valid Alaska educator certificate.  The number of work days is based upon AEA negotiated pay scale.  Information on the pay scale can be found online on our Labor Relations Department website.  Positions that are 0.50 FTE are associated with the Alaska Teachers’ Retirement System (TRS).  Positions that are 0.40 to 0.49 FTS are associated with the Alaska Employee’s Retirement System (PERS).  Positions that are 0.39 FTE or less are not eligible for state retirement benefits.

Essential Job Duties:

1. Understands the development of blind/visually impaired students and applies this knowledge to observable and measurable IEP goals and objectives.
2. Establishes and maintains standards of pupil behavior to achieve an effective learning atmosphere.
3. Makes effective use of current technology such as Braille 2000, Braille Touch, iPads, Chromebooks, JAWS, etc., to give blind/visually impaired students access to ASD’s curriculum.
4. Provides instruction for blind/visually impaired students by developing, selecting, and modifying the classroom teacher’s instructional plans and materials to meet the needs of students utilizing Braille, large print, and technological devices.
5. Demonstrates proficiency in the use of Functional Vision and Learning Media Assessments and recommends appropriate specialized evaluations and assessments, such as orientation and mobility, as needed.
6. Schedules time efficiently for assessment, instruction, planning, preparation of materials, travel, and conferences with relevant schools and other key individuals.
7. Participates as a vision professional in eligibility and IEP meetings.
8. Collaborates with teachers to ensure appropriate accommodations, modifications, adaptive and assistive devices, supplementary aids, and services are available to students when appropriate.
9. Collaborates with the braille specialist and support staff to adapt materials for blind/visually impaired students.
10. As needed, provides training and support in skills unique to the blind/visually impaired population for teacher assistants who work directly with students.
11. Maintains regular communication with parents and families.
12. Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with others.

Qualifications

The following are required:

1.  A valid Alaska initial, professional, or master teaching certificate with an endorsement in education of the blind/visually impaired.
2. Evidence of content knowledge shown by:
   • a posted degree in the content area of this position; OR
   • a posted minor in the content area of this position; OR
   • passing Praxis Subject Assessments scores (formerly Praxis II) in the content area of this position; OR
   • an endorsement in the content area of this position
3. A valid Alaska driver’s license.

The following are preferred:

1. Experience working with blind/visually impaired students.
2. Experience working collaboratively to support the Individualized Education Plan (IEP) needs of blind/visually impaired students in a public school setting.

Address

5530 E Northern Lights Boulevard
Anchorage, AK 99504
USA