Teacher of the Visually Impaired

Young World Physical Education; North Adams (MA); On-site; USD 50,479 - 91,778; Full time

Job summary

An educational institution is seeking a full-time Teacher of the Visually Impaired in North Adams, Massachusetts. The role involves developing instructional programs using Braille and adaptive devices, collaborating with specialists, and advocating for students' needs. Candidates should possess a Massachusetts Teacher of the Blind/Visually Impaired certification and a Bachelor's Degree in Special Education or a related field, along with three years of experience. The position offers a salary ranging from $50,479 to $91,778 annually.

Qualifications

• Minimum of three (3) years’ experience working with students with visual impairments.
• Citizenship, residency, or valid work visa required.

Responsibilities

• Work with teachers, support staff, and parents to advocate for students.
• Design instructional programs using adaptive devices and Braille.
• Collaborate with specialists to provide comprehensive solutions.

Skills

Ability to teach Braille

Use of assistive devices

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Special Education or related field

Master's Degree in Special Education (preferred)

Massachusetts Teacher of the Blind/Visually Impaired certification

Job description

Teacher of the Visually Impaired

Location: North Adams, Massachusetts

Position: Full-Time

Salary: $50,479 to $91,778 per year

Job Description

The North Adams Public Schools is anticipating the need for a Teacher of the Visually Impaired for the upcoming 2026/2027 school year. This position is subject to the North Adams Teachers Association contract.

Responsibilities

• Work effectively with teachers, support staff, and parents to advocate for students and problem‑solve.
• Demonstrate strong interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills.
• Meet the expectations of the Massachusetts Standards and Indicators of Effective Teaching Practice.
• Educate students to read or write Braille, as necessary.
• Obtain, distribute, and maintain low‑vision devices.
• Design instructional programs to improve communication using devices such as slates, styluses, braillers, keyboards, adaptive handwriting devices, talking book machines, digital books, and optical character readers (OCRs).
• Collaborate with specialists (teachers, speech pathologists, occupational therapists) to provide client solutions. Educate students to use tactile, auditory, kinesthetic, olfactory, and proprioceptive information.
• Educate students to use adaptive equipment such as large‑print materials, reading stands, lamps, writing implements, software, and electronic devices.
• Evaluate students’ abilities; write reports and attend TEAM meetings.
• Write goals and objectives for students’ IEPs and complete quarterly progress reports.
• Assess clients’ functioning in vision, orientation and mobility skills, social and emotional issues, cognition, physical abilities, and personal goals.
• Identify visual impairments related to basic life skills such as self‑care, literacy, and communication.
• Provide appropriate accommodations and supports to students diagnosed with cortical visual impairments.

Qualifications

• Massachusetts Teacher of the Blind/Visually Impaired certification.
• Bachelor’s Degree in Special Education or a related field.
• Minimum of three (3) years’ experience working with students with visual impairments.
• Master’s Degree in Special Education (preferred).
• Citizenship, residency, or valid work visa.
• Ability to teach Braille and use assistive devices and educational software.

Physical Requirements

The position requires moderate walking, standing, sitting, and climbing stairs or a step stool as necessary. Activities include moderate physical exertion with reaching, bending, twisting, grasping, pushing, and pulling objects. Lifting up to 20 pounds frequently and occasionally more. Fine manipulation required for computer, keyboard, calculator, and other assistive devices.

Environmental Conditions

Work is conducted indoors. Exposure to common chemical solvents such as toner, ink, and cleaning fluids.