Special Education Teacher Blind and Visually Impaired

Position: Special Education Teacher of the Blind and Visually Impaired
Location: Town of Howard
## Special Education Teacher of the Blind and Visually Impaired* + Skilled in preparing and implementing lesson plans and modifying curriculum for special-needs students.  + Skilled in communicating with students, their parents and/or families, administrators, related service providers, paraprofessionals and other stakeholders.
** Education
* ** Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.
* Holds or is eligible for a Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) teacher certification in Special Education and/or Blind/Visually Impaired.
** Certification/Licensure:
*** Holds or is eligible for a Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) teacher certification in Special Education and Blind/Visually Impaired.

Out-of-state applicants are strongly encouraged to begin the  for educator licensure with the Maryland State Department of Education in addition to uploading all required materials to your HCPSS employment application.
** PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
*** Valid teaching certificate by MSDE in Special Education, Blind/ Visually Impaired or a related content area.
** DESCRIPTION
* * Under the direction of the Coordinator, Countywide Services and the Program Head for Vision Services, the Teacher of the Blind and Visually Impaired (TBVI) provides itinerant, direct, and indirect services to students with visual impairments in the school and home settings for learners birth through age 21. The TBVI assess students' functional vision, conducts Learning Media Assessments, and is responsible for providing direct instruction in compensatory skills, i.e. Braille, Assistive Technology, utilization of visual efficiency, Abacus, etc.  

Special educators perform special education case management responsibilities that include the development, implementation and monitoring of Individual Education Program plans in collaboration with the teachers, related service providers, families, and the student.
** MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
**** Applicants must meet all qualifications below to be considered for the vacancy
** Knowledge of the HCPSS curriculum for the grade/content range of the position.  Thorough knowledge of visual problems, impairments, and blindness, and their implications for early developmental growth and learning.  Thorough knowledge of IEP, learning theory, differentiated instruction, data collection, best instructional practices, research-based reading instruction, multicultural education, assessments. Thorough knowledge of birth defects and the interactive effects of vision loss on infants and toddlers with multiple impairments.

Ability to provide differentiated instructional techniques that inspire, motivate and meet the individual educational needs of all students.

Ability to develop and nurture an atmosphere and educational environment conducive to the intellectual, physical, social and emotional development of all students.

Thorough knowledge of specific implications on learning and development for learners with visual impairments.  Ability to provide differentiated instructional techniques that meet the individual educational needs of learners with visual impairments. Ability to diagnostically assess needs across all developmental areas impacted by vision impairment.

Ability to conduct Learning Media Assessments and Functional Vision Assessments. Knowledge of the principles and practices of special education including Individualized Education Programs (IEP).
Knowledge of and skill in the use of database, internet, spreadsheet, word processing, and related applications.  Knowledge of and skill in the use of technology, audio-visual aids and other equipment to supplement instruction.

Ability to maintain confidential information. Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing. Three previous years of experience working with students who are visually impaired and who have multiple disabilities
** ESSENTIAL POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES
** The below list is a summary of the functions of the job, not an exhaustive or comprehensive list of all possible job responsibilities, tasks, and duties. Provide in-service trainings to school staff on the best ways to work with a learner with a visual impairment.

Participates in professional development activities designed to advance teacher knowledge in the areas of instruction, best practices, differentiated instruction, changes in educational policy, and other information as may be necessary to improve instruction and programming for learners with visual impairments. Plans for the continuing professional development of para educators who work with learners with visual impairments. Assists with routine care, including personal hygiene, toileting, feeding and other custodial tasks, as required or requested.  

The below list is a summary of the functions of the job, not an exhaustive or comprehensive list of all possible job responsibilities, tasks, and duties.
** ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
** Knowledge of the HCPSS curriculum for the grade/content range of…