Teacher - SPED Visually Impaired

Position Type:Teacher/Teacher - Special EducationDate Posted:3/25/2026Location:District WideDate Available:08/10/2026Primary Purpose:The itinerant teacher for students with visual impairments travels to the students' assigned schools/homes to provide direct and/or consultative special education services relating to vision loss. These services enable the students to learn in a variety of settings. Services for infants may be provided in the infants' homes or childcare settings. The students range in age from birth through 21 and may have only a visual impairment or additional disabilities. The cognitive levels of the students range from severely impaired to gifted and talented.Qualifications:Education/Certification:Bachelor's degree from accredited universityValid Texas teaching certificate with required endorsements or required training for subject and level assignedDemonstrated competency in the core academic subject area assignedTexas certification for teachers of students with visual impairments.Special Knowledge/Skills:Knowledge of core academic subject assignedGeneral knowledge of curriculum and instructionAbility to instruct students and manage behaviorStrong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skillsMajor Responsibilities and Duties:Assessment and EvaluationPerform functional vision and learning media assessments on new referrals and three-year re-evaluations using identified standardized assessment protocolInterpret eye medical reports as they relate to educational environmentsContribute to the development of the IEP/IFSP with goals, modifications, learning styles.Recommend appropriate specialized evaluations as needed, such as low vision, orientation and mobility, psycho-social, and adaptive physical educationConsult with assessment staff, classroom teachers, students, and parents concerning appropriate evaluations, modification, and test administrationObtain modified standardized testing materials and assist in the administration of the test as needed (STAAR, NAPT, ITBS, TAAS, SAT, ACT) and administer orWork as liaison with other agencies in the vocational assessment processParticipate in team assessments for students with moderate to severe cognitive disabilitiesProvide screening and referral procedures to appropriate personnel.Appropriate Learning EnvironmentAssist in determining and procuring classroom equipment and materials necessary for the student with visual impairments to learn (brailler, low vision devices, assistive technology, computer) including ensuring necessary room modifications and lighting changesProvide the classroom teacher with information regarding the specialized strategies needed to teach a VI studentConsult with other instructional staff to provide information to incorporate the expanded core curriculum into the entire instructional settingProvide modified materials to the classroom teacherProvide braille, recorded/enlarged materials, and tactual symbols as appropriate for each child.Direct Instruction in the Unique CurriculumMonitoring the students' progress in academic subjects and provide instruction in compensatory skills as needed in the areas the students may have difficulty with as a result of the visual impairmentBraille reading and writingLow vision devicesAbacusTyping/keyboardingAdaptive devices (e.g., computers, note takers, tape recorders)Listening skillsVisual efficiencyConcept development (especially for infants and early childhood students)Daily living/self-help skillsCareer readinessLeisure and recreation skillsSocial skillsOrganizational and study skillsSelf-advocacy.Support ServicesProvide assistance to students with visual impairments in understanding their attitudes and those of others concerning their visual impairmentFacilitate social integration and interaction with peersProvide training and support to parents of students with visual impairments to enhance their children's independenceProvide the teachers, staff, and family of students with visual impairment with information regarding their individual needs, methodology, and strategiesParticipate with other school personnel and agencies to secure job-related experiences for studentsParticipate in transition planning.Administrative/Record Keeping DutiesProvide updated pupil information (VI registration, deafblind census, textbook projections)Submit requests for instructional materials, conferences, field trips, and personnel needsInform various special education/campus personnel and parents of progress through IEP progress reports each 6Identify and set up a work and storage space at each school to be used by the VI teacher to instruct students as necessaryProvide input into students' schedules, planning for all special services, such as direct instruction and orientation and mobilityMaintain adequate record of all assessments, IEPs, ARD papers, progress reports and signed parental release forms for things such as photographs and registration with various agenciesProvide 6-week progress reports as indicated by school policy on all students with visual impairment and follow up with teacher and/or parent conferences as appropriatePrepare paperwork as appropriate and attend ARDs and IFSP meetings on students with visual impairmentsDistribute information to parents concerning workshops, conferences, and equipment acquisitionCommunicate with low-vision specialists, ophthalmologists, and optometrists concerning exams, and attend exams when appropriateLiaison Between Community and SchoolProvide information about district and/or regional vision programs to the schools and community.Provide information concerning recreational and summer programs to parents and students and assist with application forms and procedures. Such activities might include Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired summer school, Texas Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services (formerly known as Texas Commission for the Blind) summer work programs, or Lion's Club Summer Camp.Professional StandardsMaintain a reference library.Acquire information about current research, development, and technology by attending conferences, workshops, and area meetings and by reading journals in the field of visual impairment.Attend professional development activities related to identified educational needs of assigned students.This document describes the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this job and is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties that may be assigned or skills that may be required.The Abilene ISD does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, military status, or any other basis prohibited by law. Employment decisions will be made on the basis of each applicant's job qualifications, experience, and abilities.Attachment(s):SPED -Visually Impaired.pdf