Teacher: Special Education - Teacher Visually Impaired

Position: Teacher: Special Education - Teacher of the Visually Impaired 2026-2027
SUBJECT:
Teacher:
Special Education - Teacher of the Visually Impaired

REPORTS TO:

Director of Special Education

ACCOUNTABILITY OBJECTIVE:

This teaching position is responsible for assessing and providing direct instruction to students who are visually impaired, deafblind or blind in areas specific to their needs as visually impaired or blind learners. Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialists (COMS) are also responsible for making recommendations for appropriate accommodations and assisting the classroom teacher with those accommodations to ensure that students who are low vision, deafblind or blind have access to the school community and the community at-large.

The COMS provide may provide direct instruction in skills that fall directly under transition related goals.

PRINCIPAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

Provide individualized and/or small group instruction to students with visual impairments across grade levels (PreK-12) based on IEP goals.

Instruct in core areas such as Braille reading and writing, use of assistive technology, daily living skills, and adapted academic materials.

Support the development of compensatory skills including concept development, listening skills, and visual efficiency.

Help teachers become familiar with the unique educational needs and learning characteristics of students with visual impairments.

Conduct Functional Vision Assessments and Learning Media Assessments as required.

Interpret medical eye reports and functional vision assessments to help school personnel, including teachers of special subjects (e.g., physical education, dance, drama), understand the student's eye condition and its implications for learning.

Collaborate on comprehensive evaluations and re-evaluations for students suspected of or identified with visual impairments.

Provide input on student performance, accommodations, and service delivery in IEP development.

Participate in IEP meetings and serve as an active member of the student's Educational Team to help develop the IEP.

Consult regularly with general and special education staff on accessible materials, environmental modifications, and instructional strategies.

Make recommendations regarding the physical environment (e.g., classrooms, hallways, gym, cafeteria, playground areas) including lighting conditions, seating, glare reduction, and safe/efficient movement and equipment use.

Observe classes and meet regularly with classroom teachers, parents, and other specialists/therapists to evaluate and coordinate the student's program and services.

Partner with families to support the carryover of skills across home and school settings.

Work closely with Orientation & Mobility specialists and related service providers to deliver cohesive programming.

Modify classroom materials (e.g., large print, tactile graphics, Braille) and coordinate the production of adapted materials and equipment.

Assist with the procurement and maintenance of specialized equipment and technology (e.g., Braille note takers, screen readers, magnifiers).

Maintain accurate progress reports and ensure service delivery documentation is completed in accordance with district and DESE guidelines.

Stay current with developments in vision education and participate in professional development as needed.

Ensure compliance with state and federal special education laws and district protocols.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Certification as a COMS provided from the Academy for the Certification of Vision Rehabilitation and Education Professionals (ACVREP)

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Master's Degree
2. Mass DESE Licensure as a Teacher of the Visually Impaired
3. Experience in providing professional development for teachers
4. Excellent presentation and facilitation skills
5. Strong organizational skills
6. Ability to speak Spanish, Portuguese, Nepali, Albanian, Arabic, Vietnamese, or an African language
7. Demonstrated experience with second language acquisition

Demonstrated ability to work with students who are blind, deafblind or visually impaired with a wide range of additional disabilities

WORK DAY Teachers' work day

WORK YEAR: 185 days

SALARY:
Appropriate step on Teachers' salary schedule

TO APPLY:

Any person interested in this position must submit a resume, cover letter, licensure, and answer all questions on-line at
(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below). This information must be submitted on-line.

This deadline does not preclude further advertisement or recruitment