ES Teacher Consultant for Students with Visual Impaiments

Job Title

Position Title: Exceptional Student Education - Teacher Consultant for Students with Visual Impairments

Location: Various Locations

Salary: DFT Salary Schedule ($55,00 - $94,000)

Reports to: Principal or Designee

Bargaining Unit: DFT

Benefits Eligible: Yes

Telecommuting Eligibility: Not eligible for telecommuting

In accordance with the Agreement between Detroit Federation of Teachers (DFT) and the Board of Education of the School District of the City of Detroit, the following vacancy is announced.

Position Summary:

The Teacher Consultant for Students with a Visual Impairment (VI) provides instructional services to students with a visual impairment and those with a visual impairment in combination with other disabilities ages birth to 26. The VI Teacher Consultant provides information for Multidisciplinary Evaluation Team (MET) meetings, Individualized Family Service Plans (IFSP), Individualized Education Programs (IEP), and related services. The support of the VI Teacher Consultant is necessary to provide all stakeholders with a wide array of resources, guidance, and professional development as it relates to the needs of students with visual impairments.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Possess a master's degree or provide evidence of a bachelor's degree with a current plan of work from an institution accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools or an equivalent agency

• Possess and provide evidence of a valid Michigan Teaching Certificate with a Visual Impairment (SK) endorsement

• Minimum of three (3) years satisfactory teaching experience; not less than two (2) years of teaching students with a visual impairment

• Working knowledge of current braille codes and knowledge of how to teach the reading and writing of braille, knowledge of abacus (and ability to teach multiple methods), knowledge of electronic devices including: braille and other specialized note takers, familiarity with low vision tools, comfort and skill in teaching functional daily living experiences, using knowledge of the Expanded Core Curriculum

• Demonstrates excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills

• Maintains strict confidentiality as outlined by FERPA AND HIPAA

• Ability to work alone and in collaborative groups to provide services

Essential Functions:

• Provides appropriate, individualized instruction to qualifying students with visual impairments from ages birth to 26.

• Demonstrates ability to implement technical skills for students with visual impairments including reading and teaching braille; utilization and ability to teach abacus (multiple methods depending on student need); teaching students to use appropriate low vision aids and tools to maximize their functional vision; and ability to teach signature and slate and stylus.

• Participates in the development, implementation, and evaluation of individualized education programs.

• Conducts functional vision assessments and learning media assessments to determine a student's visual functioning and learning media needs.

• Shares responsibility with classroom teachers in the identification of instructional areas in which the student requires assistance.

• Consults with classroom teachers, technology specialists, administrators, and other school staff to assist students based on assessed needs.

• Provides consultation and assistance to classroom teachers as to physical and instructional modifications needed for each student with visual impairments.

• Establishes and maintains open, cooperative, and mutually supportive relationships with instructional staff, students, parents, district representatives and other agencies within the community.

• Interprets medical reports and helps students and their families to understand the student's vision loss.

• Ensures supplementary materials, educational aids, and equipment needed by the student with visual impairments and the classroom teacher are provided in a timely manner to ensure the student's maximum participation in all classroom activities.

• Conducts academic achievement testing as deemed appropriate based on individual needs and evaluation plans.

• Schedules time efficiently for assessments, instruction, planning, preparation of materials, travel, and conferences with relevant schools and other key individuals.

• Maintains and improves professional competence by staying up to date with current research and practices by attending pertinent conferences, when available.

• Transports materials and equipment to and from site locations.

• Maintains timely documentation.

• Models and supports the mission, goals, and objectives of DPSCD.

• Develops, builds, and maintains professional relationships with families.

• Fulfills other duties as assigned by supervisor or designee.

Security Clearance:

Internal Applicants

If you are a current Detroit Public Schools Community District employee, you do not have to submit to a new security clearance, unless your new role requires a different type of criminal background check.

External Applicants

In alignment with Michigan law, if you are hired to fill a position, you will be required to submit to a Detroit Public Schools Community District criminal background check. Information regarding required background checks will be shared at point of hire.

Method of Application:

Applicants must apply through the online application system. Only applications submitted through the online application system will be considered for any posted position and all applications require a resume to be considered.

Successful candidates are required to submit official transcript(s) at point of offer to hire. Teaching service outside of the Detroit Public Schools Community District must be verified by the applicant's prior employer(s) prior to hire. It is the applicant's responsibility to provide all documentation (including copies) as requested.

Applicants requesting assistance during the application process should contact the Office of Human Resources via email at [email protected] or phone at (313) 873-6897.

DPSCD does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, sex, disability and/or religion. Contact the Civil Rights Coordinator for more information at (313) 240-4377 or detroitk12.org/compliance.