ITINERANT TEACHER OF THE BLIND/VISUALLY IMPAIRED - 2023-2024 school year (Part time or Full time)

Company Description

Who we are: KIPP St. Louis is a part of a national network of free, open-enrollment, public charter schools offering a choice to families and children in St. Louis city. As the largest charter school system in the city, we are driven and committed to our mission, vision, and equity statement.

Mission: Together with families and communities, we create joyful, academically excellent schools that prepare students with the skills and confidence to pursue the paths they choose—college, career, and beyond—so they can lead fulfilling lives and build a more just world.

Vision: Every child grows up free to create the future they want for themselves and their communities.

Equity Statement: KIPP St. Louis is committed to becoming an anti-racist and anti-sexist organization by confronting inequities, barriers, and oppressive policies and systems.

KIPP St. Louis currently educates over 2,000 students and at full growth, we will educate nearly 3,600 students and hundreds of alumni. Today, our St. Louis network consists of two middle schools, three elementary schools, and a high school. 

Job Description

KIPP St. Louis has an opening for a part time/full time/ part time casual Itinerant Teacher of the Blind/Visually Impaired for the 2023-2024 school year.  The itinerant teacher for students with blindness and visual impairments travels to the students’ assigned schools/settings to provide direct and /or consultative special education services relating to vision loss. These services enable the students to learn in a variety of settings. The students may have only a visual impairment or additional disabilities and gifted/talented.  Letter of Interest along with resume will be accepted until the position is filled.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Perform functional vision and learning media assessments on new referrals and reevaluations as requested. Write and interpret reports.

2. Interpret eye medical reports as they relate to educational environments.

3. Assist in determining the eligibility and the appropriate placement of students with visual impairment.

4. Contribute to the development of the IEP with goals, modifications, learning media.

5. Comply with local, state, and federal regulations regarding due process procedures.

6. Serve as integral team member and work cooperatively with local school district administrators, administrators of assigned schools, teachers, parents, and other appropriate team members.

7. Recommend appropriate specialized evaluations as needed, such as low vision, orientation and mobility, assistive technology, etc.

8. Obtain or assist in obtaining test materials in student specific learning media.

9. Assist/participate in transition process for early childhood and high school. Work with agencies to promote a smooth transition process.

10. Actively participate in team assessments, when requested.

11. Assist in determining and procuring classroom equipment and materials necessary for the student to learn (brailler, low vision devices, assistive technology, computer) including ensuring necessary room modifications and lighting changes.

12. Provide the classroom teacher with information regarding the specialized strategies needed to teach the student.

13. Consult with other instructional staff/family to provide information to incorporate the expanded core curriculum. 

14. Assist or provide appropriate materials (Braille, recorded/enlarged materials, tactile symbols as appropriate for each student).

15. Provide direct instruction in the following special skills when appropriate: Braille reading and writing, nemeth code, signature, keyboarding, use of large print and optical aids, visual efficiency, and listening skills, abacus, computer usage and daily living skills, concept development, selected assistive technologies, post school options, social skills, study and organizational skills, self-advocacy.

16. Provide student progress reports per district need.

17. Provide updated pupil information (Federal Quota, deaf blind census, textbook projections).

18. Promptly submit billing, mileage, leave requests, etc. by the deadline stipulated.

19. Protect confidentiality of students and comply with KIPP St. Louis policy and procedures.

20. Maintain professional currency through yearly growth and development.

21. Provides training and supplies resources, lesson plans and progress monitoring documents to instructional aide.

22. Facilitate the preparation of Braille materials

23. Provide in-service training to regular education and special education teachers serving students with visual impairments.

24. Maintain appropriate attendance per KIPP St. Louis policy.

25. Exhibit professionalism by managing conflict and offering