As a teacher of visually impaired students, you are specially trained to work with blind or visually impaired students, making the educational environment as engaging and effective as possible. You play an essential role in making sure this special group of students has access to appropriate education and you help families adjust to the unique challenges they face. So while you focus on supporting your students and their families, you can leave it to Blazer Jobs to focus on helping you create a career where you thrive.
If you’re looking for TVI jobs and opportunities where you can help visually impaired students make the most of their education, Blazer Jobs can help you find and apply for teaching jobs around the country.
Responsibilities of Teacher of the Visually Impaired
The roles and responsibilities of teachers of the visually impaired are truly unique and vary depending on the degree of visual impairment of the child. They include:
- Designing an education plan and providing adaptive equipment as needed for students with slight to moderate visual impairments
- Providing materials tailored to the needs of these students, like braille books, large print books, audiobooks, and computer programs
- Recommending classroom aides when appropriate
- Evaluating classrooms for safety and adaptability
- Make suggestions to general education teachers for how to adapt the classroom to make it more effective for blind students
- Educate teachers and administration on the needs of the visually impaired child and how to best provide for the student
- Meet with families and students to review skills that can be done at home
- Participate in Individualized Education Program (IEP) meetings
- Ensure all parties are comfortable with the plan put in place and offer support and assistance to all parties as needed
Requirements for Teachers of the Visually Impaired
To become a teacher for visually impaired students, you must first complete a bachelor’s in education in general education or special education. A TVI is considered an add-on or additional certification to your teacher’s license and requires additional graduate-level coursework. Some of the things you will learn when seeking this certification are:
- Foundations in education for students with visual impairments
- Reading and writing Braille
- Anatomy and physiology of the eye
- Educational implications of visual impairments
- Instructional strategies
- Basic orientation and mobility skills
Most programs require an internship where you will work hands-on with visually impaired students under the supervision of a licensed professional.
Certification for teachers of the visually impaired jobs varies from state to state. Some offer reciprocity for licenses from other states, but others do not. Having certification and maintaining good records go a long way to making sure you can get a license in the state where you want to work.
Interested in taking the next step in your TVI career? Blazer Jobs has a wide range of positions available. Check out our jobs and apply today!