Special Education Teacher of the Blind and Visually Impaired
Description
ABOUT US
The Howard County Public School System (HCPSS) is one of the leading school systems in Maryland and the nation. To learn more about us and our 2024 -2029 Strategic Plan , please visit our website and our careers page . Join our award-winning workforce and make a difference in the lives of our students!
ABOUT THE APPLICATION PROCESS
Before you begin, please read the job posting below carefully including the Application Requirements specific to this position. Be sure your application reflects experience and education required to meet the minimum and any preferred qualifications listed. Our application guide includes detailed instructions to assist you. Once your application has been submitted, you will not be able to add documentation or make any changes.
Please note that application submission will be available only through 11:59 PM on the date p rior to the indicated end date. If no end date is indicated, the posting will remain open indefinitely .
Job Posting End Date:
Reminder: Current permanent and temporary employees must apply through the Jobs Hub in Workday, not the external career site.
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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
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Knowledge of the HCPSS curriculum for the grade/content range of the position .
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Thorough knowledge of visual problems, impairments, and blindness, and their implications for early developmental growth and learning.
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Thorough knowledge of IEP, learning theory, differentiated instruction, data collection, best instructional practices, research-based reading instruction, multicultural education, assessments.
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Thorough knowledge of birth defects and the interactive effects of vision loss on infants and toddlers with multiple impairments.
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Ability to provide differentiated instructional techniques that inspire, motivate and meet the individual educational needs of all students.
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Ability to develop and nurture an atmosphere and educational environment conducive to the intellectual, physical, social and emotional development of all students.
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Thorough knowledge of specific implications on learning and development for learners with visual impairments .
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Ability to provide differentiated instructional techniques that meet the individual educational needs of learners with visual impairments.
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Ability to diagnostically assess needs across all developmental areas impacted by vision impairment.
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Ability to conduct Learning Media Assessments and Functional Vision Assessments.
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Knowledge of the principles and practices of special education including Individualized Education Programs (IEP) .
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Skilled in preparing and implementing lesson plans and modifying curriculum for special-needs students .
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Skilled in communicating with students, their parents and/or families, administrators, related service providers, paraprofessionals and other stakeholders.
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Knowledge of and skill in the use of database, internet, spreadsheet, word processing, and related applications.
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Knowledge of and skill in the use of technology, audio-visual aids and other equipment to supplement instruction.
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Ability to maintain confidential information.
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Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
Education
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Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university .
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Holds or is eligible for a Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) teacher certification in Special Education and/or Blind/Visually Impaired.
Certification/Licensure
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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 application process for educator licensure with the Maryland State Department of Education in addition to uploading all required materials to your HCPSS employment application.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
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Valid teaching certificate by MSDE in Special Education, Blind/ Visually Impaired or a related content area.
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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.
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Plans and implements instructional programs and interventions that adhere to HCPSS goals and priorities.
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Understand the learner's specific visual impairment(s) and the implications for developmental growth and learning and be able to share this information in an appropriate manner with school staff and families.
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Perform Functional Vision Assessments and Learning Media Assessments, analyze results, and compile information and recommendations into well written reports for distribution to schools and parents.
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Adapt and modify the curriculum and school materials into accessible formats for the visually impaired that adhere to HCPSS goals and priorities.
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Choose an appropriate Braille reading program for a blind learner and incorporates the reading program being used in the classroom by the learner's sighted peers.
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Teach learners how to read and write literary and Nemeth Braille codes as appropriate .
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Develop an efficient weekly schedule that includes planning, observing , assessing, collaborating, adapting materials, direct instruction and consultation times.
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Teach learners how to use low vision devices, such as hand-held magnifiers and video magnifiers.
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Select appropriate assistive technology for students and provide training on the technology so that they are able to access information visually and/or auditorally and/or tactually.
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Share community resources with learners and families that pertain to blindness and low vision.
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Provide in-service trainings to school staff on the best ways to work with a learner with a visual impairment.
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Prepare and participate in IEP meetings, IFSP meetings, and 504 meetings as appropriate .
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Collects data on learner performance to improve outcomes and direct instructional practice.
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Communicate effectively with learners and families in an effort to share updates and progress.
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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.
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Plans for the continuing professional development of paraeducators who work with learners with visual impairments .
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Assists with routine care, including personal hygiene, toileting, feeding and other custodial tasks, as required or requested .
ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
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.
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Knowledge of the HCPSS curriculum for the grade/content range of the position .
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Thorough knowledge of visual problems, impairmen