Teacher - Visually Impaired (District-Wide) (SY25-26)

Chelsea Public Schools; Chelsea (MA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Chelsea Public Schools in Chelsea, MA seeks a dedicated Vision Impairment Specialist to deliver direct instruction and evaluations for students with visual impairments. You will participate in IEP development, support teachers and families, and help create accessible learning environments in a diverse urban district.

The role requires MA licensure in Visual Impairments, experience with IEPs, and strong collaboration with staff and outside partners.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or higher in Education of Students with Visual Impairments from an accredited college or university.
• Licensed as a Teacher of Students with Visual Impairments by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.
• Experience with Students with Visual Impairments.
• Ability to work with diverse population.
• Knowledge of MA Curriculum frameworks, instruction, and assessment.
• Knowledge of differentiated instruction and RTI helpful.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct, specialized instruction of developmental and compensatory skills as they relate to visual impairment.
• Conduct and interpret functional vision assessments, learning media assessments, and other assessments of students with visual impairments and participate in the development and implementation of IEPs and monitoring of progress.
• Provide training and consultation to teachers, staff, students, paraprofessionals, and parents on vision loss, educational accommodations, modifications and strategies, and how to work effectively with students and utilize adapted materials and specialized equipment.
• Make recommendations regarding the physical environment; lighting conditions, seating, positioning of materials, glare reduction, safe/efficient movement around the classroom, equipment use and storage, etc.
• Develop and coordinate the continuum of related services for students with visual impairments.
• Collaborate with school technology personnel and outside vendors for assessment and use of assistive technology.
• Maintain all records and equipment related to students with visual impairments.
• Register students with the Massachusetts Accessible Instructional Materials Library and maintain up-to-date registration information.
• Maintain contact with counselors and rehabilitation workers from the Massachusetts Commission for the Blind and other agencies as appropriate.
• Attends staff meetings as required.
• Additional duties and responsibilities as determined by the Administrator of Special Education and the Assistant Director of Special Education as needed.

Skills

Diversity awareness

Curriculum knowledge

Differentiated instruction

Education

Bachelor's or higher in Education of Students with Visual Impairments

Massachusetts license: Teacher of Students with Visual Impairments

Master's degree in Visual Impairments (preferred)

Job description

About Chelsea Public Schools:

The Chelsea Public Schools (CPS) is a gateway school system that welcomes and educates all students and families. In CPS, we believe all children are capable of achieving their personal best by ensuring a safe and supportive environment for school and classroom environments. The school system educates over 6,200 students in 11 schools, including a pre-K-1st grade school, 4 elementary schools, 3 middle schools, a virtual school, and 2 high schools.CPS is a culturally responsive school district. We believe that students learn best when they are engaged in meaningful relationships that fosters and promotes high expectations and risk taking. We are a district of multilingual students where languages are an asset to student development and growth. More information about CPS can be found on our website at www.chelseaschools.com/cps.

Job Responsibilities:

• Provide direct, specialized instruction of developmental and compensatory skills as they relate to visual impairment


• Conduct and interpret functional vision assessments, learning media assessments, and other assessments of students with visual impairments and participate in the development and implementation of IEPs and monitoring of progress


• Provide training and consultation to teachers, staff, students, paraprofessionals, and parents on vision loss, educational accommodations, modifications and strategies, and how to work effectively with students and utilize adapted materials and specialized equipment


• Make recommendations regarding the physical environment; lighting conditions, seating, positioning of materials, glare reduction, safe/efficient movement around the classroom, equipment use and storage, etc.


• Develop and coordinate the continuum of related services for students with visual impairments


• Collaborate with school technology personnel and outside vendors for assessment and use of assistive technology


• Maintain all records and equipment related to students with visual


• Register students with the Massachusetts Accessible Instructional Materials Library and maintain up-to-date registration information.


• Maintain contact with counselors and rehabilitation workers from the Massachusetts Commission for the Blind and other agencies as appropriate.


• Attends staff meetings as required


• Additional duties and responsibilities as determined by the Administrator of Special Education and the Assistant Director of Special Education as needed.

Qualifications Required:

1. A Bachelor's degree or higher in the Education of Students with Visual Impairments from an accredited college or university;


2. Licensed as a Teacher of Students with Visual Impairments by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education;


3. Experience with Students with Visual Impairments


4. Ability to work with diverse population;


5. Knowledge of MA Curriculum frameworks, curriculum, instruction, and assessment;


6. Knowledge of differentiated instruction and response to intervention helpful;


7. Citizenship, residency or work visa required

Qualifications Preferred:

• Bilingual Spanish


• Master's degree in the Education of Students with Visual Impairments

Terms:

The length of the school day is 6.5 hours, but subject to longer hours for schools with extended day. Responsibilities extend beyond the regular school day/school year. See salary information in CPS contract.

Equal Opportunity Employer:

Chelsea Public Schools is committed to maintaining a work and learning environment free from discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, pregnancy, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital/civil union status, ancestry, place of birth, age, citizenship status, veteran status, political affiliation, genetic information or disability, as defined and required by state and federal laws. Additionally, we prohibit retaliation against individuals who oppose such discrimination and harassment or who participate in an equal opportunity investigation.