Vision Teacher - Temporary Leave, December 15, 2026 - March 15, 2027 (Downers Grove, IL - SASED Program Location within Indian Trail Elementary)

SASED; Lisle (IL); On-site; USD 55,000 - 73,000; Full time

Job summary

SASED in Downers Grove is seeking a Teacher of the Visually Impaired to provide direct instruction and support for students at Indian Trail Elementary School, Vision Classroom. The role includes Braille instruction, equipment use, and development of functional living skills.

The position requires an Illinois PEL in Blind and Partially Seeing, a Bachelor's degree, and preferred Master’s degree, with strong collaboration with general education staff to adapt curricula and monitor progress.

Qualifications

• Valid Illinois PEL in Blind and Partially Seeing.
• Bachelor's Degree required; Master's Degree preferred.
• Knowledge of Braille, abacus methods, and low vision tools; familiarity with Expanded Core Curriculum.

Responsibilities

• Provide individualized instruction to each student on the caseload.
• Develop lesson plans and schedules to meet student goals.
• Collaborate with mainstream teachers for adaptations needed for each student.

Skills

Braille instruction

Communication with parents

Team collaboration

Instructional support

Education

Illinois PEL in Blind and Partially Seeing

Bachelor's Degree

Master's Degree preferred

Tools

Braille devices

Pac Mate

Braille Note

Job description

Reports To: Program Administrator

Job Goal: To provide direct instruction, technical support and skills; this includes providing appropriate tools, materials and curricular support as well as help in functional areas of daily living and vocational areas. Location: SASED District Partener, School: Indian Trail Elementary School, Vision Classroom.

Pay Transparency

Title: Teacher of the Visually Impaired

Reports To: Program Administrator

Job Goal: To provide direct instruction, technical support and skills; this includes providing appropriate tools, materials and curricular support as well as help in functional areas of daily living and vocational areas. Location: SASED District Partener, School: Indian Trail Elementary School, Vision Classroom. Address: 6235 Stonewall Ave, Downers Grove, IL 60516

Qualifications

• Valid Illinois PEL in Blind and Partially Seeing
• Bachelor's Degree required; Master's Degree Preferred
• Working knowledge of Braille and knowledge of how to teach Braille, knowledge of abacus (and ability to teach multiple methods), knowledge of electronic devices including: Braille and other specialized note takers (Pac mate, Braille Note, etc.), comfort and skill in teaching functional daily living experiences, familiarity with low vision tools, and knowledge of the Expanded Core Curriculum
• Ability to work well with mainstream teachers and related service staff
• Commitment to professional development

Duties and Responsibilities

Nothing in this job description restricts management's right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.

• Provide appropriate, individualized instruction to each student on the caseload
• Develop lesson plans and schedules that meet the goals of each student
• Provide consultation and assistance to mainstream teachers as to physical and instructional modifications needed for each student in the mainstream
• Establish open, frequent communication with parents, and all related and mainstream staff
• Present appropriate and specific information of student's progress towards goals, including evaluative and progress data at IEPs and Eligibility Determinations.
• Complete and present detailed functional vision evaluation as part of any three year evaluation (when included on a domain sheet)
• Demonstrate ability to implement technical skills for the visually impaired including:
• Reading and teaching Braille
• Utilization and ability to teach Abacus (multiple methods depending on student need)
• Teaching student to use appropriate low vision aids and tools to maximize their functional vision
• Ability to teach signature and slate and stylus
• Interpreting medical reports and helping student and family to understand the student's vision loss at an appropriate level
• Ability to develop and implement appropriate individual and classroom behavior management skills/programs
• Assist students in developing listening skills
• Assist team in following through on appropriate sighted guide and safe travel skills within the classroom and building
• May require skills in positioning, feeding, and developing language
• Coordinate and create materials in the student's preferred media
• Assist student to develop appropriate social and independent skills across the curriculum
• Participate in appropriate staff meetings to review and discuss student needs and progress, and participate in professional development meetings as requested
• Establish and maintain a positive atmosphere in working with staff in order that this atmosphere will be carried over for the student
• Teachers teaching content area subjects must be highly qualified in that area

Terms of Employment

184 day work year at compensation set by the SASED Board of Directors.

Physical Requirements

Regularly required to sit, stand, walk, talk, hear, operate a computer and other office equipment, reach with hands and arms, and must occasionally lift, move and/or support up to 50 pounds (and/or up to adult size body weight with two-to-three person lift). Position can require some degree of physical interaction with students who have difficulty controlling physical behavior.

Evaluation

Performance will be evaluated every year until tenure has been achieved. Once tenure is earned, performance will be evaluated every other year by the Program Administrator in accordance with the SASED Board of Directors policy on evaluation for certified staff.

June 2024