Visually Impaired Teacher (2026-2027 School Year)
Wichita Public Schools
Location
Wichita, Kansas
Quick overview
The teacher provides specialized instruction and services to students with visual impairments, including direct Braille instruction and the development of compensatory skills. They also collaborate with classroom teachers and parents to adapt educational materials and environments to meet individual student needs.
Requirements summary
Candidates must hold a Bachelor's degree in Elementary, Secondary, or Special Education and be a certified Teacher of the Blind and Visually Impaired. Proficiency in Literary and Nemeth Braille codes is required for this position.
Job description
Job Title
- Visually
- Impaired
- Teacher
- Position
- Function: Has primary responsibility for specialized instruction and services required to meet the unique educational needs of her/her students with visual impairments, ages 3-21. Provides both direct and indirect instruction to students that are geared to the student's assessed needs, IEP goals and objectives, functioning, and motivational levels.
- Essential
- Performance
- Responsibilities: Provide direct instruction in Braille. Translate print into Braille using Duxbury Braille Translation Program. Conducts functional vision/learning media assessments and produces written reports. Provides instruction in the development and maintenance of skills to meet the student's unique educational needs as mentioned in the Expanded Core Curriculum. Schedules time efficiently for assessment, instruction, planning, preparation of materials, travel, and conferences with relevant school and other key individuals. Assures that large-type or Braille texts, supplementary materials, educational, aids, and equipment needed by the student with visual impairment, and the classroom teacher, are provided in a timely manner to ensure the student's maximum participation in all classroom activities (appropriate educational materials may be prepared or adapted by the Teacher of the VI, or they may be obtained from educational, clerical, or transcriber services.) Provides assistance to the classroom teacher in academic subjects and activities of the classroom that, as a direct result of the student's visual impairment, require adaptation for the student. Shares responsibility with classroom teachers in the identification of instructional areas in which the student requires assistance. Provides in-service training programs for school personnel and students and education for parents regarding the needs of visually impaired students and adaptations, programs, and services for these students. Monitors students' progress in academic subjects and provides instruction in compensatory skills as needed in the areas the students may have difficulty with as a result of the visual impairment. Consults regularly with the classroom teacher, other regular and special education personnel, parents, and others to coordinate programs and services for the visually impaired student. Attends IEP meetings and required team meetings. Maintains ongoing contact with parents to assist them in the development of a realistic understanding of their child's abilities, progress, and future goals. Assists the site administrator and teachers in making environmental adjustments for the student in the school. Teach Braille readiness skills, reading and writing Assists the students, parents, special and regular education personnel, and the student's sighted peers in understanding the unique educational needs and learning characteristics of visually impaired students Be aware of services and support available from local programs for visually impaired students, acquiring information regarding local, state, and national resources for the educations of visually impaired students Interprets the visually impaired student's specific eye condition, the educational implications of the visual impairment and the results of functional vision and learning media assessments
- Additional
- Duties: Assists with additional duties as assigned by supervisor.
Equipment
This position may require the ability to use SMART boards and iPads in addition to basic office equipment such as computers, copiers, scanners, and fax machine. Must always comply with WPS guidelines for equipment use.
Travel
- Limited travel between schools and central offices may be required.
- Physical and
- Mental
- Demands: Frequent sitting, talking, hearing, standing and reaching with hands and arms. Occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include near vision, distance vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
- Knowledge,
- Skills, and
- Abilities: Ability to communicate both verbally and written in order to communicate with others inside and outside of the organization for the purpose of giving and obtaining information Ability to communicate effectively with a Supervisor when their discretion is needed Ability to perform as an effective team player Ability to plan, organize, make decisions and prioritize work to meet the daily demands of the building Exhibit a professional manner and a positive attitude Use good judgment to make decisions on recurring assignments Display a significant degree of professionalism and confidentiality Ability to conform to proper standards of professional dress and appearance Knowledge of company's mission, purpose, goals and the role of every employee in achieving each of them Knowledge of Braille Codes Knowledge of adaptive technology and low vision aids
Interrelations
- Contact with personnel within the district and with customers and vendors Will be working under the direct supervision of the department supervisor in order to complete day to day tasks Will be working with a diverse population requiring the ability to handle all situations with tact and diplomacy Must understand and respond appropriately to customer needs and maintain a positive attitude with all customers and colleagues Expected to interact with all internal and external customers in a friendly, professional manner and provide quick, responsive customer service
- Employee
- Punctuality and
- Appearance: In order for schools to operate effectively, employees are expected to perform all assigned duties and work all scheduled hours during each designated workday, unless the employee has received approved leave Any deviation from assigned hours must have prior approval from the employee's supervisor or building administrator All employees are required to report to work dressed in a manner that reflects a positive image of
- USD 259 and is appropriate for their position
- Qualification
- Profile: Bachelor's Degree in Elementary/Secondary/Special Education Certified Teacher of the Blind and Visually
- Impaired
- Proficient in
- Literary and
- Nemeth
- Braille
- Codes
- FLSA
- Status: Exempt