Special Education Teacher

Job Title: Special Education Teacher - Teacher for the Visually Impaired

Location: Federal Way, WA

Duration: 12 Months

Job Description:

The itinerant teacher for students with visual impairments travels to the students' assigned school to provide direct and/or consultative special education services relating to vision loss. The teacher is responsible for evaluating students, coordinating and implementing programming to provide an appropriate education for students with visual impairments in their educational program placement. The students range in age from three through 21 years and may have only a visual impairment or additional disabilities. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. This list is meant to be representative, not exhaustive. Some incumbents may not perform all the duties listed while in other cases related duties may also be assigned. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Preparing, implementing, and evaluating an annual educational plan for each visually impaired student based on individually assessed needs in accordance with district procedures

Participating on multidisciplinary teams for visually impaired students as appropriate

Interpret and explain eye conditions and educational implications for school staff responsible for instruction of students with visual impairments

Conducts functional vision evaluations and learning media assessments for enrolled and referred students with visual impairments

Provides specially designed instruction in the appropriate educational media: regular print, large print, braille, auditory or a combination for students with visual impairments, as determined by the IEP

Provide braille, recorded, enlarged materials and tactual symbols as appropriate for each student

Knowledge of the function and use of assistive, accommodative devices for use by the students with visual impairments

Assist in determining and procuring classroom equipment and materials necessary for the student with visual impairments to learn (braille, low vision devices, assistive technology, computer) including ensuring necessary room modifications and lighting changes

Knowledge of basic orientation and mobility techniques used with visually impaired persons

Knowledge of functional low vision and low vision aids prescribed for use by students with visual impairments

Collects data to demonstrate educational progress of students

Prepares instructional materials for student use

Provide the classroom teacher with information regarding the specialized strategies needed to teach a visually impaired student

Developing and conducting in-service program to inform building staff of the accommodations needed by the visually impaired student

Provide training and support to parents of students with visual impairments regarding their individual needs and strategies to enhance their children's independence

Register students with visual impairments with appropriate agencies such as Recordings for the Blind and Dyslexic, Washington Talking Book and Braille Library, Washington Instructional Resources Center and Department of Services for the Blind

The preceding list of responsibilities is not exhaustive and may be supplemented as necessary. REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS: Education and Experience A current Washington State Teacher's Certificate with a Special Education Visual Impairment Endorsement Highly qualified per NCLB regulations if teaching a CORE subject area is a requirement of assignment

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS: Work scheduled hours on a consistent basis Reliable transportation between sites PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: Training or experience in serving students with mild to severe disabilities Proficiency in participating in a Functional Behavior Analysis and developing a Positive Behavior Support plan, including identifying and teaching replacement skills CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT: Criminal background clearance Washington State Driver's license and proof of insurance First Aid and CPR certificate and maintain certification KNOWLEDGE OF: School board policies and procedures Best practices in leading and motivating employees Computer systems and various software programs 504 laws and regulations Nursing professional standards Health Board standards, state mandates, practices and procedures for school health programs Budget management Research and development of grant proposals. Coordinate and supervise grants. Medicaid Match and Direct Billing Programs ABILITY TO: Establish and maintain effective working relationship with staff, parents, and the general public Skill in operating a computer and ability to learn and use various software programs Work effectively under pressure Comply with school board policies and follow administrative procedures Organize and perform job responsibilities efficiently and independently without close supervision and able to pay strict attention to detail Communicate effectively through spoken and written word; read and follow written or verbal communications Practice effective safety and security within individual work routines Develop and maintain positive customer relations with staff and service providers Work collaboratively with District staff and promote teamwork with co-workers Practice ethical and professional standards of conduct including the requirements of confidentiality Relate effectively with parents, staff, students and the public in a multicultural and multiracial community Perform job responsibilities with or without reasonable accommodations REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES RELATED TO CULTURAL COMPETENCE AND EQUITY: Knowledge/awareness of own cultural identity and how this influences behavior, and desire to learn about the cultural identity of others. Ability to establish and nurture an environment that promotes cultural competence and equitable treatment of staff, students, and patrons of the District. Ability to understand and hold self and others accountable for promoting the Federal Way Public Schools' commitment to "Each Scholar: A Voice. A Dream. A Bright Future."

Ability to recognize that each person is a unique individual even as we celebrate their group cultural heritage. PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit. The employee frequently is required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand and walk. The employee must regularly list and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, and ability to adjust focus. WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works in indoor conditions and regularly works near video display. The employee will experience constant interruptions; required to meet deadlines. Exposed to infectious diseases carried by students. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.