Braille Instructor SDBF0006

Commonwealth of VA Careers; Staunton (VA); On-site; USD 53,000 - 94,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Reasonable accommodations

Veteran friendly

AmeriCorps encouraged

Job summary

The Virginia School for the Deaf and the Blind (VSDB) seeks a Braille Instructor to deliver Braille literacy instruction to students who are blind or visually impaired, and to serve as an IEP case manager. The role involves assessing student needs, developing individualized instruction, monitoring progress, and coordinating with teachers, families, and related service providers.

You will act as a resource on Braille literacy and accessible instruction, support Braille technology, and help

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in special education, visual impairments, education, or related field.
• Virginia teaching license with endorsement for VI or eligibility.
• Advanced Braille reading and writing proficiency.
• Knowledge of Unified English Braille (UEB) and Braille formatting standards.
• Knowledge of Braille literacy development and instructional practices for VI students.
• Ability to assess Braille literacy and use data for instruction.
• Ability to provide direct instruction to a range of ages and abilities.
• Knowledge of assistive technology used by VI students.
• Ability to teach Braille technology independently.
• Strong communication, collaboration, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to design schedules meeting caseload minutes.
• Novice ASL or willingness to achieve within 3 years.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct Braille instruction and serve as IEP case manager.
• Collaborate with classroom teachers, families, and related service providers.
• Support Braille literacy, accessible instruction, and Braille technology use.
• Help students access general curriculum and increase independence across settings.

Skills

Braille literacy

Communication skills

Collaboration

Differentiated instruction

Education

Bachelor's degree in special education/VI or related field

Teaching license for VI (or eligibility)

Tools

Braille displays

Embossers

Nemeth Code

Braille technology

Job description

Title: Braille Instructor SDBF0006

State Role Title: Trainer and Instructor II

Hiring Range: $53,133 - $93,872

Pay Band: 4

Agency: VA School for the Deaf & Blind

Location: VA School for Deaf & Blind

Agency Website: www.vsdb.k12.va.us

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

About Us

The Virginia School for the Deaf and the Blind (VSDB) is located in the historic, vibrant city of Staunton, Virginia. VSDB provides superior education for students who are deaf/hard of hearing, blind/vision impaired, deafblind, and deaf or blind with other disabilities.

VSDB offers PreK-12 education with both residential and day student options.

VSDB believes that disabilities are challenges not barriers and supports each student in their goal to be independent and to reach their highest academic potential! VSDB prepares students for life!

About this position

The Braille Instructor at the Virginia School for the Deaf and the Blind (VSDB), provides direct, specialized instruction in Braille literacy and related skills to students who are blind, visually impaired, or deafblind. This position serves as an IEP case manager for assigned students. The Braille Instructor assesses individual student needs, develops and implements individualized instruction, monitors student progress, and collaborates with classroom teachers, families, and related service providers to support students' development of functional and academic Braille skills.

The Braille Instructor at VSDB serves as a resource to instructional staff regarding Braille literacy, accessible instruction, and the use of Braille-related technology. The position supports students in developing the skills necessary to access the general curriculum, communicate effectively, and increase independence across educational and daily living environments.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in special education, visual impairments, education, or a related field.
• Valid Virginia teaching license with an endorsement appropriate for teaching students with visual impairments, or eligibility for such licensure.
• Advanced knowledge and proficiency in Braille reading and writing.
• Knowledge of Unified English Braille (UEB) and applicable Braille formatting standards.
• Knowledge of Braille literacy development and effective instructional practices for students who are blind or visually impaired.
• Ability to assess Braille literacy skills and use assessment data to develop individualized instruction.
• Ability to provide effective direct instruction to students with a wide range of ages, abilities, and learning needs.
• Knowledge of assistive technology used by students who are blind or visually impaired.
• Ability to teach students to use Braille technology independently.
• Strong communication, collaboration, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to collect, analyze, and communicate student progress data.
• Ability to develop effective instructional strategies and methods and the ability to differentiate instruction to meet diverse student needs.
• Ability to establish positive relationships with students and promote student independence and self-advocacy.
• Ability to design a schedule that meets service minute requirements for caseload responsibilities.
• Minimum proficiency level of Novice in American Sign Language as measured by the Sign Language Proficiency Interview or agreement to acquire this level within three years of hire.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience providing direct Braille instruction to students in an educational setting.
• Knowledge and demonstrated proficiency in Nemeth Code.
• Knowledge and experience developing and following student Individualized Education Plans.
• Experience with Braille technology, including electronic Braille displays, notetakers, translation software, and embossers.
• Experience working with students who have multiple disabilities or additional learning needs.
• Experience incorporating Expanded Core Curriculum skills into instruction.
• Experience with assessment and progress monitoring of Braille literacy.
• Experience providing direct Braille instruction to students in an educational setting.

Special Instructions

VSDB is an EEO employer and is committed to supporting workforce diversity, equitable opportunities and inclusivity. Reasonable accommodations are available upon request.

VSDB values our Veterans and encourages all to apply and receive preference in the hiring process. AmeriCorps, Peace Corps, and other nation service alumni are also encouraged to apply.

Each agency within the Commonwealth of Virginia is dedicated to recruiting, supporting, and maintaining a competent and diverse work force. Equal Opportunity Employer

Contact Information

Name: Jody Beelendorf

Phone: [phone]

Email: [e-mail]