Education Consultant 1 (B.E.S.B.) - TVI (10 Months | Hybrid)

State of Connecticut - Department of Aging and Disability Services; Litchfield (CT); Hybrid; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

State employee benefits

Professional growth and development

Healthy work/life balance

Job summary

State of Connecticut - Department of Aging and Disability Services BESB is seeking an Education Consultant 1 to provide specialized instruction for visually impaired students, including Braille and assistive technology, across Connecticut. You will tailor ECC instruction, collaborate with families, and coordinate resources to advance student independence.

The role requires a vision-studies background or enrollment with appropriate certification, and involves statewide travel to schools and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree with 12 semester hours in courses applicable to the blind or partially-sighted.
• Certification in special education in the area of teaching the blind or DSAP eligibility.
• Enrollment in vision studies program with certification goals may be considered.

Responsibilities

• Instruct in Braille, assistive technology and ECC areas for visually impaired students.
• Adapt curriculum to support students with visual impairments.
• Collaborate with families, schools and service providers.
• Arrange specialized materials such as Braille, large print and audio.
• Travel statewide to support students in school and home settings.
• Serve as liaison between schools and families; participate in planning.
• Contribute to BESB initiatives through committees, reports and outreach.

Skills

Braille instruction

Assistive technology

Expanded Core Curriculum

Family collaboration

Diagnostic planning

Education

Bachelor's degree + vision-related coursework

Certification in special education for the blind or DSAP eligibility

Tools

Braille materials

Large print resources

Audio materials

Job description

Introduction

Support students with visual impairments as a Teacher of the Visually Impaired. Make a meaningful impact through specialized instruction, collaboration, and advocacy across Connecticut!

Are you a certified Teacher of the Visually Impaired (TVI), or currently enrolled in a Vision Studies program with the goal of becoming a TVI? The State of Connecticut Department of Aging and Disability Services (ADS) is seeking passionate, specialized individuals to join the Bureau of Education and Services for the Blind (BESB) as an Education Consultant 1.

As a key educational partner, you will serve as the content expert and consultant responsible for delivering the Expanded Core Curriculum (ECC) - the specialized, foundational skills crucial for students who are blind, have low vision, or experience multiple impairments. You will provide specialized instruction and consultation that empowers students to achieve greater independence, access their education, and build a strong foundation for life beyond the classroom.

Meet BESB: Bureau of Education and Services for the Blind

The Bureau of Education and Services for the Blind (BESB) is Connecticut’s leading agency for serving individuals who are blind or visually impaired. From early childhood through adulthood, BESB provides critical services that promote education, independence, and employment. Our team teaches students how to navigate environments designed for sighted individuals, provides accessible materials and technology, and supports families and schools through collaboration and expertise.

Joining BESB means becoming part of a mission-driven team that helps children and young adults reach their full potential through specialized instruction, advocacy, and meaningful connection.

Position Highlights

• Litchfield (Litchfield County): For those who prefer the picturesque, historic charm of New England countryside
• Norwalk (Fairfield County): Ideal for those seekind a vibrant coastal city life with easy commuter access to NYC

Schedule and Work Environment

• Schedule: Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:15 PM (35 hours per week)
• Work Environment: Hybrid, with statewide travel to student homes and schools

Certification and Requirement Note

• Possess a degree in vision studies from an accredited college or university, OR be enrolled in an accredited college or university program with adequate credits for certification.
• Possess certification in special education in the area of teaching the blind or partially sighted, OR be eligible for a Durational Shortage Area Permit (DSAP), or currently possess a DSAP.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide instruction in Braille, assistive technology and other Expanded Core Curriculum (ECC) areas
• Adapt educational content for students with visual impairments
• Collaborate with families, schools, and service providers
• Arrange specialized materials and equipment, including Braille, large print, and audio
• Travel statewide to support students in school and home settings
• Serve as a liaison between schools and families and participate in diagnostic planning
• Contribute to BESB initiatives through committees, reports, and outreach

What We Offer

• Comprehensive benefits: visit our State Employee Benefits Overview page for detailed plan information
• Professional growth and development opportunities.
• A healthy work/life balance to all employees.

Why Choose Connecticut?

Connecticut offers a unique blend of professional opportunity and high quality of life. With charming towns, vibrant cities, and easy access to beaches, forests, and mountains, there’s something here for everyone. Our state is known for its top-rated schools, safe communities, and strong sense of connection. Centrally located between Boston and New York, Connecticut gives you access to major metro areas while offering a more relaxed pace of life. Whether you're launching your career or looking to grow, Connecticut is a great place to call home.

More About the Agency

ADS offers a myriad of programs and services to assist older adults and people with disabilities. Our programs, policies and practices are designed to: deliver integrated aging and disability services responsive to the needs of Connecticut citizens; provide leadership on aging and disability issues statewide; provide and coordinate aging and disability programs and services in the areas of employment, education, independent living, accessibility and advocacy; advocate for the rights of Connecticut residents with disabilities and older adults; and serve as a resource on aging and disability issues at the state level.

Purpose of job class (Nature of work)

In the Department of Aging and Disability Services, Board of Education and Services for the Blind on an itinerant basis, provides special instruction in braille and related subjects to visually handicapped students in public schools; does related work as required.

Examples of duties

Instructs in the specialized and basic skills of braille reading and writing, typewriting, and may assist with arithmetic, science or art adaptations and any other instructional tasks as assigned; Plans and arranges for the provision of specialized and appropriate materials and equipment such as braille, recorded and large print textbooks, braille-writers, typewriters, talking book machines required by the individual student; Acts as interpreter between school and home; Assists in securing appropriate training other than public school education as needed; Assists parents with proper school placement; Arranges for diagnostic evaluations if not available locally through the local districts; Serves on division committees; Makes case reports; Answers correspondence clearly; Speaks before parent, volunteer and professional groups; Performs related work as required.

Knowledge, skill and ability

Knowledge of the principles and methods of education of the blind and visually handicapped with emphasis on braille instruction; Oral and written communication skills; Ability to deal effectively with others.

Minimum Qualifications - General Experience

A Bachelor's degree with at least twelve (12) semester hours in courses applicable to the blind or partially-sighted.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience teaching assistive technology equipment to students who are blind or visually impaired
• Experience teaching the Expanded Core Curriculum to students who are blind or visually impaired
• Experience teaching Braille to students who are blind or visually impaired
• Experience adapting curriculum for students who are blind or visually impaired

Special Requirements

Possession of a certificate in special education in the area of teaching the blind or partially-sighted issued by the State Board of Education OR eligibility for a durational shortage area permit (DSAP) or possession of a DSAP.

Conclusion

The State of Connecticut is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and strongly encourages the applications of women, minorities, and persons with disabilities.

Acknowledgement

As defined by Sec. 5-196 of the Connecticut General Statutes, a job class is a position or group of positions that share general characteristics and are categorized under a single title for administrative purposes. As such, a job class is not meant to be all-inclusive of every task and/or responsibility.