Job Description

Description

About the School:

Located in the heart of Oakland, Western Pennsylvania School for Blind Children is a one-of-a-kind educational experience committed to empowering our students to realize their full potential. The School also provides vital early intervention and outreach services to visually impaired students, with or without additional challenges, throughout western Pennsylvania. Founded in 1887, our School is best equipped to care for and educate students with visual impairments. As a private institution chartered by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, the School educates approximately 200 enrolled students from 80-85 school districts within western Pennsylvania.

Position Overview:

The Special Education Teacher / Teacher of Students with Visual Impairments (TVI) is responsible for designing, implementing, and monitoring individualized instructional programs for students with visual impairments and additional disabilities. The TVI collaborates with a multidisciplinary team- including related service providers, orientation & mobility specialists, assistive technology experts, and families-to ensure students receive an equitable, accessible, and engaging educational experience that fosters independence, academic growth, and life skills.

We also facilitate an Outreach program! If individuals are interested, we can look into a role within this program as well. The Outreach Teacher is responsible for designing, implementing, and monitoring individualized instructional programs for students with visual impairments not enrolled at WPSBC. Through contracts with school districts and intermediate units in the Greater Pittsburgh area, the Outreach Teacher provides educational services and supports to students with visual impairments enrolled in or served at those organizations.

Position Information:

FLSA Status: Exempt

Schedule: 8:15 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. or 7:45 a.m.- 3:00 p.m. (36 hours per week)

Working Days: 189 days per year (not including optional Extended School Year)

Salary: $42.62-52.17/hr based on degree, experience, and salary scale

If you possess your COMS certification, you will have an additional $4,000 added to your salary.

Responsibilities:

A. Instructional Planning & Delivery

• Develop and implement Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and Re-evaluation Reports (RRs), in accordance with IDEA, state, and school requirements.
• To conduct required assessments, including Functional Vision Assessments and Learning Media Assessments.
• Provide direct specialized instruction tailored to the unique needs of students with visual impairments and other disabilities.
• Focus on student engagement while organizing the structure of the classroom, including designing age-appropriate and relevant lessons and activities.
• Adapt and modify curriculum, materials, and assessments into accessible formats, including braille, large print, tactile graphics, and auditory resources.
• Utilize assistive technology tools such as screen readers, refreshable braille displays, magnification software, and other accessibility supports.
• Deliver academic, functional, and life skills instruction aligned with students' IEP goals.

B. Accessibility & Inclusion Support

• Conduct functional vision assessments and learning media assessments to determine appropriate instructional strategies and materials.
• Ensure that classroom environments, instructional content, and activities are accessible for students with varying visual and additional needs.

C. Collaboration & Teamwork

• To serve as the classroom and Educational Team leader for instructional aides and related services providers.
• Work closely and collaboratively with the classroom team and all related service providers.
• Actively involve families in the educational planning process and provide resources to support student learning at home.
• Lead team meetings and IEP meetings to ensure a coordinated approach to student success.

D. Data Collection & Progress Monitoring

• Maintain accurate, timely documentation of student progress toward IEP goals.
• Use data-driven decision-making to adjust instructional strategies and interventions as needed.
• Submit required reports, evaluations, and compliance documentation per school and state regulations.

E. Behavior & Social-Emotional Support

• Implement Positive Behavior Intervention Plans (PBIPs) when required, using proactive and evidence-based strategies.
• Foster the development of social, emotional, and self-advocacy skills to encourage independence.
• Support the creation of a safe, respectful, and supportive classroom environment.

F. Professional Development & Leadership

• Stay current with best practices in vision education, assistive technology, and special education research.
• Attend ongoing training, workshops, and professional development opportunities related to teaching students with visual impairments.
• Serve as a resource to colleagues and staff regarding instructional strategies, accommodations, and accessibility needs.

An Equal Opportunity Employer

Qualifications

Qualifications:

• Valid PA certified as a Teacher of the Visually Impaired or Special Education (must hold bachelor's or master's degree in a related field and willing to seek TVI certification)
• Knowledge of educating students with multiple disabilities, including visual impairment. Strong interpersonal, communication, and collaboration skills.
• Previous experience teaching students with visual impairments and multiple disabilities preferred.

Physical Demands / Work Requirements:

The following physical demands are typical for a role in this setting:

• Ability to help lift and/or position students when necessary. Must be comfortable with lifting up to 50 pounds from the floor.
• Ability to lift and carry objects such as equipment, books, stacks of reports, etc, generally items weighing 20 pounds or less.
• Frequent reaching, bending, twisting, crouching, stooping, kneeling, crawling, sitting, and walking including up and down stairs.
• Pushing wheelchairs, moving/sliding student equipment.
• Ability to work in a hot humid environment in therapy pool area and outdoors during student activities and morning and afternoon transportation as needed.
• Communicate respectfully with multiple team members.
• Perform maintenance and upkeep of educational areas and therapy areas (i.e. OT/PT gym, clinic room, storage rooms).
• Assist with student enrichment groups and adapted sports programming as assigned.
• Ability to read and attend to computer screens.
• Manual dexterity skills for typing and use of various equipment.
• Comply with established policies and other duties.
• Perform other responsibilities as assigned.

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