Visual Impairment Instructor / Specialist

Job Title:

Visual Impairment Instructor/Specialist (Teacher of Students with Visual Impairments)

Wage/Hour Status:

Exempt Reports to:

Director of Special Services Pay Grade:

Admin/Prof-4 Dept./

School:

Special Services Work Calendar:

187

Days Date Revised:

03/05/2026 PRIMARY PURPOSE The role of the Visual Impairment Instructor/Specialist is to evaluate students with visual impairments and provide services as outlined in Individual Family Service Plans (IFSP) and/or Individualized Educational Plans (IEP). Students served may range in age from birth through 21 and may or may not have additional disabilities.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education/Certification:

Bachelor's degree from accredited university Valid Texas teaching certificate appropriate for placement as a Teacher of Students with Visual Impairments according to the Texas Administrative Code, Ch. 231, Subchapter F, Rule §231.707

Special Knowledge/Skills:

Knowledge of policies and procedures specific to the role of teacher of students with visual impairments Knowledge of and ability to conduct Functional Vision Evaluations and Learning Media Assessments of students Knowledge of curriculum and instruction at all grade and developmental levels Ability to develop IEP goals and objectives related to skills needed due to vision loss Ability to participate in the ARD/IEP process Ability to individualize services to students and work effectively with them one-to-one Knowledge of developmental needs of students related to vision loss across varying ability levels and ages Ability to work cooperatively with campus teachers to ensure participation in classroom activities with appropriate accommodations Knowledge of district and community resources that support vision needs Ability to demonstrate strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills Ability to adjust and be flexible to a multitude of situations in the school environment

Experience:

Job experience or university training with students with vision loss

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES

Serve students with visual impairments from birth through 21 at various locations including home, daycare, and school settings. Coordinate and consult with case managers, supervisors, related services personnel, parents and families, caregivers, medical professionals, and ESC staff. Obtain and interpret ophthalmological and medical reports as they relate to educational environments. Perform Functional Vision Evaluations and Learning Media Assessments for initial referrals and reevaluations. Participate in developing IEPs and IFSPs as needed. Attend Admission, Review, and Dismissal (ARD) meetings and IFSP meetings for students with visual impairments as needed. Provide direct instruction in Braille and/or assistive technology devices that assist with the needs of students with visual impairments. Provide collaborative instruction to help students with visual impairments learn compensatory skills. Assist in providing and setting up necessary equipment and materials to ensure appropriate educational access. Maintain and provide student data and documentation in compliance with local, state, and federal regulations. Provide consultative services to school personnel and parents of students with visual impairments. Maintain an efficient itinerant schedule that maximizes student services. Provide direction to teachers and paraprofessionals supporting students with visual impairments. Coordinate professional development for visual impairment related needs as needed. Communication Establish and maintain open communication by conducting conferences with parents, students, principals, and teachers. Maintain professional relationships with colleagues, students, parents, and community members. Use effective communication skills to present information accurately and clearly. Other Maintain confidentiality regarding student and coworker information as required by FERPA. Participate in staff development activities to improve job-related skills. Keep informed of and comply with federal, state, district, and school regulations and policies for special education teachers. Compile, maintain, and file all physical and computerized reports, records, and other documents required. Attend and participate in departmental meetings.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

None.

MENTAL DEMANDS / PHYSICAL DEMANDS / ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS

Tools/Equipment Used:

Personal computer and peripherals and other instructional equipment.

Posture:

Prolonged standing; frequent kneeling/squatting, bending/stooping, pushing/pulling, and twisting.

Motion:

Frequent walking.

Lifting:

May require regular heavy lifting (45 pounds or more) and positioning of students with physical disabilities, controlling behavior through physical restraint, assisting nonambulatory students, and lifting adaptive and classroom equipment; may work prolonged or irregular hours.

Environment:

Exposure to biological hazards. This document describes the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this job and is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties that may be assigned or skills that may be required.