Teacher for the Visually Impaired (TVI)

Blind Overbrook School for; Philadelphia (Philadelphia County); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Support for advanced degrees

Competitive salary

Diversity and inclusion commitment

Job summary

The Overbrook School for the Blind in Philadelphia is seeking a dedicated Teacher for the Visually Impaired. The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor’s Degree in education related to visual impairment and be passionate about empowering students with visual challenges.

This role involves developing individualized instruction plans, providing direct instruction, and collaborating with educational staff to ensure a supportive learning environment.

Benefits include competitive salary, support for advanced degrees, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Qualifications

• Must have Current PA Teacher of the Visually Impaired Certification.
• Experience working with students with blindness/visual impairments and additional disabilities.
• Valid driver’s license required.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement an Individualized Instruction Plan for each student.
• Provide direct and/or consultative instruction to students with visual impairments.
• Train and support educational staff in best practices for working with visually impaired students.

Skills

Problem-solving ability

Time management

Communication skills

Crisis intervention skills

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Education in Visual Impairment or Special Education

Tools

First Aid and CPR/AED Certification

Job description

The Overbrook School for the Blind is seeking a highly qualified Teacher for the Visually Impaired who exudes a passion for the school, its students, its employees, and its mission. This position will report directly to the Educational Supervisor.

The Mission of Overbrook School for the Blind (OSB) is to develop and deliver education that enhances the options available for persons with visual impairments, including those with additional challenges so that they have the greatest opportunity to experience active and fulfilling lives.

Organizational Description: Overbrook School for the Blind serves students who are blind or visually impaired with or without additional disabilities (such as intellectual disability, cerebral palsy, hearing impairment, sensory issues, and including those who require specialized medical care) and provides a customized, individualized education based on state educational standards. OSB is more than a school, it is a community where students, families, and staff support one another and come together to build a bright future.

Job Functions

• Develop and implement an Individualized Instruction Plan for each student based upon assessment of students’ strengths and needs.
• Develop classroom goals and objectives that reflect the IEP.
• Provide direct and/or consultative instruction to students with visual impairments based on the Individualized Education Program (IEP).
• Provide written lesson plans for educational supervisors’ approval on a weekly basis.
• Teach core academic subjects using adapted materials and methods aligned with student needs.
• Instruct in Braille reading, writing and math, tactile graphics; auditory learning strategies; and creation of accessible materials and instruction for students with CVI.
• Incorporate Expanded Core Curriculum (ECC) components, including compensatory skills, assistive technology, self-determination, and independent living skills.
• Develop and adapt instructional materials, using tactile, auditory, and visual strategies appropriate for each student.
• Conduct functional vision evaluations (FVE) and learning media assessments (LMA) to determine instructional needs annually.
• Follow age-appropriate curricula and modify to suit individual goals, and provide specially designed instruction on an individual basis when required.
• Organize a collection of student data.
• Implement and follow positive behavior plans/goals for students.
• Complete report cards or progress reports as required. Communicates with parents/others about a child's progress.
• Completes the required paperwork necessary for students to register for quota funding available through American Printing House for the Blind annually.
• Train and support educational staff in best practices for working with students who are blind or visually impaired.
• Assign duties to classroom Paraeducator(s), Intervener(s), 1:1's and instruct and support them in their roles.
• Work with Specialty Teachers, including Therapists, to develop programs for students and to assist in implementing the programs in the classroom.
• Act as team leader at the yearly IEP meeting.
• Stay current with developments in the field of visual impairment education.
• Participate in in-service training, conferences, and professional learning communities.
• Maintain certifications and licensure as required by the state or jurisdiction.
• Maintains a safe and age-appropriate environment for students.
• Use school equipment and facilities properly.
• Follow the OSB Handbook and guidelines.

Expected Skill Set

• The teacher will maintain a professional attitude at all times and will fulfill assigned duties and special activities.
• The teacher will contribute as a member of the program team to the long‑range planning efforts of the program and the school.
• The teacher will demonstrate problem‑solving ability and flexibility, and a willingness to work with others to ensure the best program for the children.
• The teacher will demonstrate good time management skills.
• The teacher will demonstrate good written and spoken communication skills.
• The teacher will demonstrate competence in understanding the visual etiologies of the students. This information will be used to design and implement the student program.
• The teacher will demonstrate skills in effectively interacting with the parents.
• The teacher will demonstrate the ability to handle confidential information appropriately.
• The teacher will demonstrate crisis intervention skills and leadership skills with respect to the classroom and the individual students in his or her charge.

Minimum Education and Experience Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Education in Visual Impairment or Special Education (working toward a certification in visual impairment).
• Must have Current PA Teacher of the Visually Impaired Certification.
• Experience working with students with blindness/visual impairments and additional disabilities.
• Must be certified in First Aid and CPR/AED.
• A valid driver’s license is required.

Physical Requirements & Work Environment

• Lifting: must be able to lift 50 lbs minimum, with assistance. Participate in 2-person lifts.
• Working Environment: Employees are subject to accidents and/or injuries, which may be incurred during the performance of the essential functions of the position. Work is primarily indoors, but some outdoor activities may be required.

Benefits and Pay

OSB offers a competitive salary and benefits package reflective of the applicant’s training and experience, including liberal financial support for the pursuit of advanced degrees. Applications from members of communities traditionally underrepresented in school administrative positions are invited.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Overbrook School for the Blind (OSB) has, and will continue to follow, a policy of recruiting, employing and promoting individuals best qualified for any position by reason of education, training, and experience without regard to race, color, ancestry, genetic information, familial or marital status, domestic or sexual violence victimization, ethnicity, religion, age, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth or a related medical condition), sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or non-job-related disability or the use of a guide or support animal because of blindness, deafness or physical disability. OSB shall not discriminate against an individual who has exercised his/her rights against discrimination in accordance with applicable federal, state, or local laws.

Overbrook School for the Blind offers a competitive salary and benefits package reflective of the applicant’s training and experience.