Special Education (Teacher of Visually Impaired)

Waterbury Public Schools; Waterbury (CT); On-site; USD 50,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Waterbury Public Schools is seeking a Special Education Teacher for the Visually Impaired to provide itinerant vision services to students in Connecticut. The successful candidate will modify curriculum and provide direct instruction in Braille and assistive technology. A Bachelor's degree in special education focused on visual impairment and a valid teaching certificate is required. This role also involves developing IEPs and conducting functional vision assessments, ensuring diverse students receive tailored support.

Qualifications

• One year of experience with visually impaired students and assistive technology.
• Knowledge of visual problems and their implications for learning.
• Ability to assess and develop instructional programs.

Responsibilities

• Adapt curriculum materials for visually impaired students.
• Provide instruction in Braille and compensatory skills.
• Develop individualized educational plans (IEPs).
• Conduct functional vision assessments.
• Train school staff on visual impairment strategies.

Skills

Assistive technology

Curriculum adaptation

Communication

Report writing

Parent education strategies

Behavior management techniques

Education

Bachelor's degree in special education

Valid Connecticut State Board of Education teaching certificate (059, 055)

Job description

Special Education (Teacher of Visually Impaired)

Waterbury Public Schools, Department: Teaching and Learning, Position Type: Exempt.

Job Summary

This role provides itinerant vision services to students with visual impairments in school settings.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in special education specifying visual impairment.
• One year of experience using assistive technology with students who are visually impaired, including training in functional vision and learning media assessments.
• Valid Connecticut State Board of Education teaching certificate/endorsement (059, 055).
• Possession of current Motor Vehicle operator's license may be required.
• Completion of all state CEU requirements for recertification.
• Thorough knowledge of visual problems, impairments, and blindness, including implications for development and learning.
• Ability to diagnose and assess needs across developmental areas and implement prescriptive instructional programs.
• Ability to develop parent education strategies and behavior management techniques.
• Excellent report writing, communication, human relations, and ability to work with diverse backgrounds.

Responsibilities

• Adapt and modify curriculum and school materials into accessible formats for visually impaired students.
• Provide direct instruction in compensatory skills such as Braille, assistive technology, low‑vision utilization, and abacus.
• Select appropriate Braille reading programs and incorporate them into classroom activities.
• Develop and implement individualized educational plans (IEPs) addressing visual needs.
• Perform functional vision assessments and learning media assessments; compile results and recommendations into reports.
• Provide in‑service training to school staff on working with students with visual impairments.
• Select and train students on assistive technology to access information visually and/or auditorily and/or tactilely.
• Share community resources related to blindness and low vision.
• Teach literary and Nemeth Braille codes and use of low‑vision devices.
• Work with specific visual impairments and explain implications to staff.
• Perform related duties as requested.

Working Conditions

Employees must have adequate physical strength, stamina, agility, and visual and auditory acuity. A physical examination may be required. Duties may include lifting, carrying, standing, walking, and driving.

Waterbury Public Schools is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the District will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourage both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the District when necessary.

Prepared on: August 27, 2019