Special Education Teacher - Vision - School Year 2026-2027 (Anticipated Vacancies)

Spring Branch ISD; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 50,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Spring Branch Independent School District seeks a Special Education Teacher - Vision to support students with visual impairments and to train staff and parents as needed. This position reports to the Director of Special Education and collaborates with campus teams to implement vision-related services.

The ideal candidate holds a Bachelor's degree, a valid Texas teaching certificate and a Special Education certificate, plus ECC knowledge, Braille instruction, data collection and assistive

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in related field.
• Valid Texas Teacher Certificate or a Teaching Certificate from out of state appropriate for the position.
• Special education certificate.
• Certification must meet requirements for becoming and remaining qualified for this position in a manner required by Federal and/or State law.

Responsibilities

• Provide instruction and accommodations for students with visual impairments.
• Develop IEPs and monitor student progress.
• Collaborate with staff and parents on students' goals and services.
• Utilize assistive technology and ECC-based strategies.
• Deliver Braille instruction where appropriate.
• Coordinate with the itinerate service model as needed.
• Document and report student progress and needs.
• Attend required meetings and professional development.

Skills

Vision impairment knowledge

ECC knowledge

Data collection

Braille instruction

Assistive technology

Itinerate service model

Communication skills

Staff/parent training

Interpersonal skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in related field

Texas teaching certificate (or out-of-state equivalent)

Special Education certificate

Job description

Spring Branch Independent School District

Special Education Teacher - Vision

Job Title: Special Education Teacher - Vision

Reports To: Director of Special Education

Classification: Professional

Wage/Hour Status: Exempt

Days: 188

Salary: See Compensation Plan for New Hire Guide for Teachers

Contract: Probationary/Term

Date Revised: 11/15/2023

Primary Purpose: Responsible for supportive instruction to students with identified visual impairments including related training for staff/parents.

Qualifications / Certification

• Bachelor's degree in related field.
• Valid Texas Teacher Certificate or a Teaching Certificate from out of state appropriate for the position.
• Special education certificate.
• Certification must meet requirements for becoming and remaining qualified for this position in a manner required by Federal and/or State law.

Special Knowledge / Skills

• Extensive knowledge of vision impairment and related disabling conditions and their impact on student performance.
• Knowledge of the Expanded Core Curriculum (ECC) and the ability to provide instruction in the ECC.
• Proficient in collecting data to establish strengths, needs and goals for specially designed instruction, as well as progress monitoring.
• Proficient in writing functional vision evaluations and learning media assessments.
• Proficient knowledge of Braille instruction.
• Proficient in the effective use of technology/assistive technology.
• Proficient knowledge of the Itinerate service model.
• Excellent organizational, communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work effectively with both adults and children.

Major Duties and Responsibilities

Instructional Strategies:

• Adhere to the district's philosophy of instruction.
• Develop and implement lesson plans that fulfill the requirements of district's curriculum program and show written evidence of preparation as required.
• Prepare lessons that reflect accommodations for differences in student learning styles. Present subject matter according to guidelines established by Texas Education Agency, board policies and administrative regulations.
• Participate in the identification/evaluation of learner competencies.
• Recommend appropriate goals/objectives for learner needs.
• Develop and assist in writing students' IEPs.
• Follow specific instructional objectives based on student's learning style.
• Implement new methodologies, philosophies and innovations.

Student Growth and Development:

• Help students analyze and improve study methods and habits. Conduct ongoing assessment of student achievement through formal and informal testing.
• Assume responsibility for extracurricular activities as assigned. Sponsor outside activities approved by campus principal.
• Be a positive role model for students and support the mission of the school district.
• Assist with needs of students with physical disabilities.

Classroom Management and Organization:

• Create a classroom environment conducive to learning and appropriate for the physical, social and emotional development of students. Manage student behavior in accordance with Student Code of Conduct and student handbook.
• Take all necessary and reasonable precautions to protect students, equipment, materials and facilities. Assist in the selection of books, equipment and other instructional materials.
• Attend required meetings and complete required reports.

Communication:

• Establish and maintain open communication by conducting conferences with parents, students, principals and teachers. Maintain a professional relationship with colleagues, students, parents and community members.
• Use effective communication skills to present information accurately and clearly.
• Collaborate with others to provide for learner needs.
• Consult with parents and other appropriate school personnel concerning each student's intellectual, academic social, emotional and physical development.

Professional Growth and Development:

• Participate in staff development activities to improve job-related skills. Keep informed of and comply with state, district and school regulations and policies for classroom teachers.
• Compile, maintain and file all physical and computerized reports, records and other documents required.
• Attend and participate in faculty meetings and serve on staff committees as required.
• Attend professional development trainings/conferences that are relevant to your role/students.

Other:

• Perform other duties as assigned.

Equipment Used: Computer, copy machine, audio visual machines and assistive technology.

Working Conditions

Mental Demands:

• Maintain emotional control under stress.
• Work with frequent interruptions.
• This position requires regular in-person interaction with the public.

Physical Demands:

• Frequent standing, stooping, bending, pulling and pushing.
• Physical capacity to lift, transfer and otherwise assist students with physical disabilities (ability to lift 50 lbs.).
• Move small stacks of textbooks, media equipment, desk and other classroom equipment.
• May require occasional extended hours.

Supervisory Responsibilities: None

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

Spring Branch Independent School District is an Equal Opportunity Employer in compliance with Title IX and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, gender, age, veteran status or disability.

The foregoing statements describe the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this job and are not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties that may be assigned or skills that may be required. By applying for this position, I acknowledge that I have read and understand the job description listed above.