Teacher Consultant for the Visually Impaired - Jackson, United States - Jackson County ISD

Description

Job Description

To Apply: Interested parties should go to our website, to complete an online application.

Summary: Provides direct and indirect service to students receiving special education. Provides instructional leadership to general education and special education teachers and support staff. Schedules and chairs all Individualized Education Plan Committee meetings (IEPCs) for students on assigned caseload and in assigned special education classrooms. Serves as liaison and consultant to local school districts.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: Other duties may be assigned.

1. Participates in diagnostic activities for re-evaluation of students on caseload.
2. Participates in the diagnostic process for children suspected of being visually impaired. Activities may include:
   1. Assists parents with obtaining a medical exam from an ophthalmologist (or equivalent).
   2. Observes student's adaptive behavior in school, home and community.
   3. Documents for the IEP team the student's visual acuity and/or peripheral vision.
3. Chairs or participates in IEPCs on students with disabilities.
4. Provides direct service to students with disabilities as designated by the IEP team. Activities may include:
   1. Use high and low technology resources to support students learning, such as large print books, tapes, Braille, abacus, talking calculator, etc.
   2. Tutor student in academic areas as needed to ensure success in regular classroom.
   3. Train student in sensory and tactile learning, auditory development, and visual development.
   4. Assist student in developing independence in school and home.
5. Provides consultation to school personnel regarding:
   1. Optimal seating for visually impaired student in the classroom.
   2. Large print books, tapes, tests, and other equipment.
   3. Educational needs of students, such as: assignments, modified curriculum, mobility in the classroom.
   4. Social needs that are unique to visually impaired students.
6. Provides consultation to parents of students with disabilities regarding:
   1. Schedules of visual examinations by physicians.
   2. Purchases of low vision aide; sources of assistance.
   3. On-going checks on care and fit of low-vision aids.
   4. Sources of outside assistance: Vocational Rehabilitation, Michigan Bureau of Blind Persons, MDE-LIO, Camp Tuhsmeheta, parent organizations, Lions Club.
7. Makes home visits to report student progress and to assist in home training activities.
8. Works closely with Orientation and Mobility specialist in designing instructional goals and objectives for each student.
9. Prepares written report of student progress at close of every year.
10. Chair annual review meetings on students with disabilities. Design new objectives, plan schedule with input from school personnel and parents.
11. Transport self in a personal vehicle between school sites.Supervisory Responsibilities: Supervises students.
    Education and/or Experience: Master's degree in applicable education field. Minimum of three years satisfactory teaching experience, with at least two years in a special education classroom. Preference will be given to applicants who are proficient Braille readers and are able to effectively teach students to do so, but consideration will be given to applicants who are not yet proficient and commit to train to becoming proficient within the first year of employment.
    Certificates, Licenses, Registration: Valid Michigan teaching certificate. Full approval as a teacher in one or more areas of Special Education, including endorsement to teach students with visual impairments in the State of Michigan. Teacher consultant approval from Michigan Department of Education or eligible for such approval. Valid Michigan driver's license and good driving record
    Employment Date, Salary, and Fringe Benefits: Anticipated employment date is ASAP. Placement on the Special Education Salary Schedule depends on education, qualifications and experience. A new employee starting salary range is $50,498-$101,198. Paid health, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurances, sick, and personal business days.