Special Schools Teacher: Teacher of Students with Visual Impairments Instructional Coach & Braillist Position Available In Davidson, Tennessee

Special Schools Teacher:

Teacher of Students with Visual Impairments Instructional Coach & Braillist TN School for the

Blind Nashville, TN Job Details Full-time Estimated:

$50.5K – $69.2K a year 22 hours ago Benefits Wellness program Health savings account Health insurance Dental insurance 401(k) Flexible spending account Tuition reimbursement Paid time off Parental leave Employee assistance program Vision insurance 401(k) matching Employee discount Professional development assistance Life insurance Retirement plan Qualifications Anatomy knowledge Working with people with disabilities Physiology knowledge English Mid-level Windows 3 years Transcription Education Bachelor’s degree Visually impaired education Unity Computer skills

CorelDraw Teaching Full Job Description General Description:

The Tennessee School for the Blind (TSB) is seeking a teacher of students with visual impairments (TVI) instructional coach who will also perform select braillist duties. The purpose of this TVI instructional coach is to serve as a subject matter expert regarding TVI competencies and instructional strategies across the Expanded Core Curriculum (ECC) for TSB teachers and other staff, developing staff capacity to provide high-quality instruction and accommodations. The TVI Instructional Coach will provide services in a variety of formats, including regular professional development training, individual consultation, and just-in-time support. In addition, this professional will serve TSB teachers in a braillist capacity, transcribing lesson materials into braille and tactile formats. This role is intended to promote high-quality TVI instructional practices, including the use of high-quality instructional materials, within classroom teachers’ daily routines.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provides TVI practice-specific professional development training for TSB teachers and other staff according to identified areas of need and other strategic goals.
• Consults with TSB teachers and other staff regarding areas of need for further professional growth as TVIs, providing timely and appropriate support to meet those needs.
• Provides just-in-time (on-demand) support to TSB teachers as requested, to include assistive technology-specific technical support and assistance with lesson design/implementation.
• Supports TSB teachers in the development of students’ Individualized Education Plans (IEP).
• Supports TSB teachers in conducting functional vision and learning media assessments (FVLMA), as well as the development of FVLMA reports.
• Transcribes print materials provided by a classroom teacher into the requested accessible media, such as braille, tactile graphics, and large print.

Source materials may include textbooks, worksheets, tests, homework assignments, web-based content, maps, charts, graphs, and other special projects. Consults with classroom teacher as needed for clarification. Embosses/prints and binds materials using finishing methods appropriate for the project.

• Follows directions and specific requests, manages multiple projects, and prioritizes work to ensure accessible materials are prepared and available for students in a timely manner.
• Maintains working knowledge and skillset with Unified English Braille (UEB), including UEB technical, Nemeth code, and additional content-specific codes used for science, foreign language, music, etc.
• Prepares accessible materials using specialized computer software and related technology. Examples include Duxbury Braille Translator, BrailleBlaster, Tactile View, Firebird, Tiger Software Suite, PIAF/Swell Form Machine, Thermoform Machine, CorelDraw, and both Standard and Tactile Graphics Embossers.
• Participate in and develop professional development events and activities, including those involving external stakeholders, such as TSB’s annual Unity Conference and TN Visual Impairments Virtual Academy (VIVA).

Qualifications:

• Minimum bachelor’s degree in field of education, and formal university training to become a certified (degree or certificate) TVI.
• Must hold active TN educator license with SPED Vision PreK-12 endorsement. Applicants with an out-of-state educator license will need to obtain TN educator license and vision endorsement.
• Minimum 3 years’ experience as a TVI. Preference given to candidates with more years of experience, as well as additional certifications.
• Must be willing to obtain the SPED Comprehensive Program (461) endorsement.
• Must hold Library of Congress certification in literary braille transcription. Additional certifications such as proofreading, mathematics braille transcribing, and music braille transcribing are desirable.
• Experience working with a wide range of students with visual impairments, including students with different visual impairments, additional disabilities, and complex learning needs.
• Highly proficient with braille code (UEB & Nemeth). Preference given to candidates with demonstrated experience teaching and supporting braille learners.
• Experience conducting comprehensive Functional Vision/Learning Media Assessments (FVLMA) and Expanded Core Curriculum (ECC) screenings, with a wide variety of students with visual impairments, including those with multiple disabilities.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Knowledge of best practices for teaching braille (UEB & Nemeth code), assistive technology (low-tech and high-tech), independent living skills, and other areas of the ECC.
• Ability to differentiate instructional strategies and techniques for individual students, including students who have multiple disabilities and complex learning needs.
• Knowledge of anatomy and physiology of the eye, including common diseases and conditions and their implications for a student’s visual experience; can interpret eye reports.
• Knowledge of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and development of IEPs for SPED vision services.
• Knowledge of Federal Quota program and its implementation by the American Printing House for the Blind (APH) and TN Resource Center for the Visually Impaired.
• Knowledge of various APH products and services.
• Thorough knowledge of UEB and Nemeth code, including transcribing math into Nemeth code in UEB contexts.
• Knowledge of the latest guidelines from Braille Authority of North America regarding best practices in braille transcription.
• Skilled in use of Duxbury Braille Translator or BrailleBlaster transcription software.
• Skilled in creating tactile graphics and materials, using both software and collage-style (thermoform) methods.
• Proficient in use of common computer and mobile operating systems, including Windows, Android, and Apple devices.
• Proficient with Microsoft 365 Office software for Windows and mobile operating systems.
• Ability to communicate effectively with teachers, local school district personnel, and parents: communication is proactive, responsive, and demonstrates positive interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work cooperatively with others and participate effectively in a team setting.
• Ability to respond effectively and positively to feedback.
• Ability to work flexibly and independently with a strong sense of professional ethics.

Additional Information:

This position is an 11-month position. Salary is based on education and years of experience according to the current TDOE Special School Teacher Salary Schedule. Selected applicants must verify experience/highest degree held. Direct deposit of paycheck on a 12-month schedule is required. TSB is a non-smoking facility in its entirety. The selected applicant must comply with the State of Tennessee Employee Drug-Free Workplace Policy, and other policies. As required by the Immigration Reform and Control Act (IRCA), selected applicant must verify, within 72 hours of employment, his/her legal right to be employed in the United States. Selected applicants will be required to submit to and pass a TBI/FBI background check, to include Tennessee and Federal criminal history checks, child abuse records, employment verification, and professional/personal reference checks.

How To Apply:

The following documents may be submitted in-person, by mail, or through email to: Dr. Allen Huang, Director of Statewide Services Tennessee School for the Blind 115 Stewarts Ferry Pike Nashville, TN 37214

E-mail:

:

• State of Tennessee Employment Application (See TSB Career Opportunities webpage for PDF or online form)
• Letter of Interest
• Current Resume
• 3 Professional References (Minimum 1 from a direct supervisor)
• Copy of Educator License
• Unofficial Copies of All Transcripts
• An unofficial copy of transcripts must be submitted at the time of application.

Failure to provide a transcript or credential evaluation report may result in your application being rejected and you will not be able to continue in the selection process for this announcement. Candidates with disabilities who require special accommodations or alternative communication formats should contact the Superintendent’s Office at (615) 231-7316 no later than five days prior to their scheduled interview to facilitate reasonable accommodations. The State of Tennessee is an Equal Opportunity Employer; Discrimination on the Basis of Age (Over 40), Race, Sex, Color, Religion, National Origin, Disabling Condition or any other Non-Merit Factor is Prohibited.

Job Type:

Full-time Benefits:

401(k) 401(k) matching Dental insurance Employee assistance program Employee discount Flexible spending account Health insurance Health savings account Life insurance Paid time off Parental leave Professional development assistance Retirement plan Tuition reimbursement Vision insurance Wellness program

Schedule:

8 hour shift

Work Location:

In person